Abstract
The cultural significance of hockey in Canada, coupled with the societal focus on sport specialization, has resulted in an increasing number of young people leaving home to attend a burgeoning number of hockey academies. In light of the rise of hockey academies as centres for specialized training for young, competitive athletes, and the call for more research into the experiences of sport-parents, the purpose of the current study was to explore the perspectives, experiences and decision making of parents who supported their child in attending a hockey academy/preparatory school. Parents (N=9, Mothers=3) whose children (Male players=9, Female players=3) left home to attend a specialized hockey program within the last five years were purposively recruited. Reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews was used to explore the reasons behind parents’ decision to support their children’s attendance at a hockey academy, along with the challenges, benefits, sacrifices and supports experienced. Questions about decision-making and anticipated and realized benefits revealed narratives around novel development opportunities and fostering independence. While financial sacrifices were reported by parents, the biggest challenges centred on emotional distance and embracing the change. Parents reported receiving support for their decision from those closest to them but also experienced critical judgement from their wider social circle. Despite the reported challenges, all nine parents said the experience was worth it. These findings amplify parents’ voices concerning how to navigate the peaks and valleys, stresses and pressures inherent in having their child pursue specialized hockey development away from home.
