Book details

  • Genre:sports & recreation
  • Sub-genre:Winter Sports / Hockey
  • Language:English
  • Pages:184
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798317840884

The Journey and its Rewards

Stories and Observations from a Lifetime in Hockey

By Gordie Stafford

Overview

A powerful reflection on a lifetime spent in sports, blending Coach Gordie Stafford's experience as a hockey player, coach, and mentor. Through real-life stories, Coach Stafford shares keen observations on teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the importance of learning from both wins and losses. Because true success is not defined by trophies—but by growth, effort, and shared experiences.
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Description

A powerful reflection on a lifetime spent in sports, blending Coach Gordie Stafford's experience as a hockey player, coach, and mentor. Readers will explore how sports shape character, discipline, and personal growth far beyond the rink. Through real-life stories, Coach Stafford shares keen observations on teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the importance of learning from both wins and losses. The narrative highlights the value of mentorship, curiosity, and the deep connections formed through the game. More than just a sports book, "The Journey and its Rewards" focuses on life lessons that extend into everyday challenges, and emphasizes that true success is not defined by trophies—but by growth, effort, and shared experiences. Because, sometimes, the journey itself is the greatest reward. A perfect read for not just coaches or faculty of team sports, but for any hockey fan who wants to learn about the grit, strength, and realities of being part of a successful hockey team.
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About The Author

Gordie Stafford has spent the majority of his career as an English teacher and Director of Girls' Hockey at the world's preeminent hockey program, Shattuck-St.Mary's School, in Faribault, Minnesota. He currently serves as the Mindset and Mental Performance Coach for Shattuck-St. Mary's Hockey. The program's former students include numerous NHL players—such as Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and his own son, Drew Stafford—along with Olympians Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux, Brianna Decker, Amanda Kessel, Blayre Turnbull, Aerin Frankel, Hannah Bilka, and countless other NCAA and professional players. Under his leadership since 2004, the girls' program has captured 17 USA Hockey National Championships, with his U19 Prep team winning 10 of them, as part of more than 1,000 career wins in USA Hockey Girls Tier 1 competition. Gordie Stafford's own hockey journey began in Banff, Alberta, and included professional seasons in the WHL, CHL, and IHL. While playing professionally, he earned a Master's degree in Human Development and Learning—with an emphasis on Adolescent Motivation—from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition to his role at Shattuck-St. Mary's, his company Mosaic Sport Psychology (www.mosaicsportpsychology.com) offers his services as a coach and consultant for athletes, coaches, and organizations.
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