The Essence of Al Rose
Loving ~ Loyal ~ Altruistic ~ Empathetic ~ Ultracompetitive ~ Poetic
I met Al Rose at the Hockey Alumni Luncheon. As with the other people I have met at the Alumni lunch, each has a fantastic story; they're giving back to the community before, during and after their intense involvement with the hockey culture.
Interestingly, hockey culture is built into the Canadian fabric. It is not something you do; it is a way of life that demands dedication and commitment. There are numerous trips to the arena at all hours of the day and night. Nothing is convenient about it: innumerable scrimmages and tryouts, countless exhibition games and tournaments near and far. The rate of success is infinitesimally low. Yet, to a person, the dream never dies.
The less fortunate still consider the game a way of life. The camaraderie found in a locker room cannot be easily duplicated, so it is easy to see how other ways of getting involved work. It is for the love of the game and the lifestyle. That is why many coaches, referees and organizers still get involved.
Those who make it to the big-time gig, the NHL, are forever remembered and looked up to. With the blessing of the Alumni lunch, I got to see firsthand the adulation hockey fans have for the players. We love their stories and their dedication to the game. We elevate the ones that won the cup with our teams to an exalted status. There are numerous examples that I could cite.
Finally, Hockey players are famous for giving back to the community of adoring fans and, indeed, hockey itself.
I am blessed and grateful for Dan Bodanis and Paul Patskou's introduction to these people. For now, meet Al Rose, who has found a way to my heart – meet Al.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was becoming a top coach in the golden age of Ontario High School Hockey circa 1980 - 1995. I always taught and coached in the general Jane-Finch area. My teams were never fortunate enough to have tons of AAA Midget players, yet we had to compete against many schools loaded with that talent. I studied for two summers at Hockey Canada in Calgary plus attended all the annual NHL coaching clinics at York University, where I had briefly played Varsity Hockey. What I learned from top NHL, European pro and University Varsity coaches gave my boys an edge. Over the fifteen years of my program, my teams won 85% of their games, including five tournaments a year against top Ontario and American competitions. We played 50 - 60 games every season, winning numerous championships, and all my teams were excellent representatives of our school and community. My Metro High School All-Stars were undefeated in tournaments against other regional all-star teams and top American prep schools. In 1992, I was named Toronto Maple Leafs High School Coach of the Year, and, as I pointed out to my boys, we all won that award - you can know a lot about the sport, but if your players don't buy in and execute, then all that knowledge means nothing.
At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.
In retrospect, my fork in the road occurred in my early 20s. I had begun my teaching career and was looking to move up the coaching ladder like teachers like Roger Neilson and Mike Keenan were already doing. But then our baby daughter Michelle became grievously ill, the battle for her life at Sick Kids lasting well over two years, with no certainty for the future either. So I naturally decided to stay close to home, which precluded any move into coaching because all the games, practices and travel are very time-consuming, and you're on the road a lot. Little did we know then what a fantastic woman that kid would become - a relentless champion for our First Nations. Michelle worked thirteen years for the federal government in what was then called Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. One of the responsibilities of that job was to research for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She currently works for the Ontario Government in the Ministry of Sport. This is much more important and of greater service to Canada than her father becoming a professional hockey coach. Michelle deserves the Order of Canada.
What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share? Alternatively, what hint would you tell a younger version of yourself?
My gem to share as a teacher and coach is that your legacy resides in all of the kids you touched along the way. When you see them living happy and productive lives, being good parents and citizens, and giving back to their communities, you know you influenced them positively and that your life was well lived. I still see tons of my former students and athletes to this day, and their love and gratitude can bring me to tears.
