Now that I am done playing hockey, I like to go to the Ontario Hockey League games,specifically the Wolves since I live in Sudbury. I talk to some of the guys I know,the scouts,the coaches from time to time,the fans,whoever wants to talk. What amazes me about some of the fans is the knowledge they have about other teams and what goes on in the "O". What does not amaze me is the amount of players leaving their teams in mid season because they want a trade.What actually bugs me more is that some demand a trade to certain cities but the flip side of that is,in a certain case involving OHL twins, the teams they say they will only go to don't want them. But that's another story....more

Back in the day,if anyone wanted a trade,they would say so in the summer and usually it was for reasons such as being closer to home,wanting to win in final junior year,etc. It was not for things like being number #2 center,not liking the coach's discipline,that kind of thing. It seems that in most cases discipline is lacking and the guys who are walking out demanding to be traded are usually the ones the teammates want to get rid of regardless of ability. These players think they will get more ice and be able to run wild around the new city. Some will be thrilled to be the number one guy. Sounds good right? Read on.

If you want to be traded because you aren't getting enough spotlight,chances are very good that you're going to a team that isn't nearly as good as the one you left.Your new team loses a lot more so that will bug you if you have any competitive desire. Chances are also very good that a younger player will displace you if the season is going down the tubes and the coach is told to play the kids. So now your on a lesser team getting the same ice as you were on your old team. Didn't think it through,did you?

If you want to be traded because you don't like the coach and he doesn't let you run wild,god help you. You are almost guaranteed to go to a team where the coach is a drill Sargent and he does personal bed checks at home and on the road. Chances are very good that this will be your last chance as no other team will take a chance on you if you get out of line this time. Word also gets around with players so the guys on your old team will have warned the guys on you new team about you. If you don't conform,the dressing room could be a lonely place for you.

Moral of the story here: the grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence. Always think of what you are doing and weigh the pros and cons before saying you want out of a city. It's more important to sacrifice a bit to be a part of a winner.