The Importance of Back Checking

When my son, Wesley, scores goals in hockey, that’s cool, I’m proud of him for that.

But when he backchecks, that’s when I’m really proud of him.

Back-checking is when an offensive player hustles back on defense to prevent a breakaway or odd man rush.

It doesn’t show up on the scoresheet. It doesn’t count for a point. It does, however, make a huge difference when speed and hustle prevent the other team from scoring.

Teamwork, hustle, selflessness… this is the real goal of sports.