Dan Bylsma's Book Comments - So You Want to Play in the NHL

"I was enchanted by the book... As I read it, I thought about my roles as a father of a young player, as a coach, and as a coaching educator for USA Hockey. Two overwhelming thoughts came to mind as I read (it). The truth conveyed by the material and the fact that at times I fall short of the goals conveyed by that truth from a child's perspective. Even though I speak or write about and teach many of these things quite often, I found myself addressing my mistakes in each of my roles as I read the book. But, even as I found myself addressing my mistakes, I was simultaneously using the ideas in the book to reaffirm many of my beliefs or to assimilate these ideas to address issues from a different perspective. And as stated in the book, perseverance is a key to success. Taking responsibility is a key to success. Learning from mistakes or failure is what truly makes you better. So You Want To Play In The NHL has given me additional impetus in my goal to constantly strive to improve as a father, a coach and a coaching educator. Thank you for taking the time to inspire even us older hockey guys with a book written for kids, because really, we are all still kids at heart! By addressing the issues from a kid's perspective for kids, I believe you have succeeded in reaching adults as well. The heart of this old kid is much better as a result of the time and effort you have taken to share your thoughts with the hockey world. This new book, So You Want To Play In The NHL, for kids, and the existing book for adults, So Your Son Wants To Play In The NHL, set the standards by which all of us in the sporting world should continually strive to achieve."

"As a coach and someone who knows the personal dedication it takes to achieve life's goals, this book confirms everything I have done in my life and teach to the players on my team. This book is more than a book about hockey. It spells out a recipe for success in life, in and out of hockey (or any team sport for that matter). Every page has something that will inspire you and remind you what is important in life. I am making this book required reading for my team because it confirms everything I have ever said in the locker room and to parents. While this is one man's journey through life to the NHL, the story is one shared by most people in the struggle to define who they are as the grow up and to achieve the goals that they want." John P. Major NJ

"As the father of a 9-year-old, I am delighted that my son has selected Dan Bylsma as one of his role models. Dan (Anaheim Mighty Ducks of the National Hockey League), and his dad's most recent collaborative literary achievement, So You Want to Play in the NHL is an honest and straight-forward discussion about Dan's un-compromised determination to become a professional hockey player, is set against a backdrop of objectivity and seemingly insurmountable odds. The book embodies a wonderful and powerful message, that hard work and determination are the cornerstones of personal, as well as professional success. I highly recommend this book to all aspiring young athletes, their coaches, and parents. Robert Rosenthal, Calabasas, CA

Just read the book. It is awesome... great advice, written well, humorous,
brought tears at times (it brought up difficult situations in our life that affirms again that we made the right choices, etc.), encouragement for my son who is in the minor leagues (just bought more books in hopes they get here before he leaves for Spring Training) since he is not the most talented, etc. etc, I just loved it. Edith Doudt, Muncie, IN

A great book for youth hockey players and parents alike. This book is a "Got to read book" by players and parents. It puts sports, and hockey specifically, into some perspective. We highly recommend this as an addition to your child's hockey library. Hockey Stop July 15, 2001 pg 16

"In today's jaded sports world filled with pampered, trash-talking athletes, perhaps only a hockey player could write a book extolling the value of such old-school customs as practice, teamwork, personal responsibility, hard work, and perseverance. This book of life lessons is geared for younger readers. The Bylsmas previously published a book aimed at parents, So Your Son Wants To Play in the NHL (Sleeping Bear, 1998), and Dan Bylsma currently plays in the NHL himself. In addition to focusing on the eternal truths noted above, this book also discusses more specific topics for aspiring players: whether to play travel hockey, how to choose a hockey camp, and how to get a college scholarship. It also offers advice on how a child can try to deal with difficult situations involving coaches and loud, critical, push parents - a phenomenon we see more and more with youth sports programs. Recommend for school and public libraries. John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, NJ"