Jean-François Baril reflects on his son’s journey in high-level field hockey, expressing pride in Nathan’s accomplishments while recognizing the stress and challenges young players face when leaving home at 16 for leagues like the QMJHL. In the book *Le field hockey mis en échec*, Baril discusses the developmental pressures on adolescents in the sport, supported by insights from former players and industry experts who call for a re-evaluation of the system to better foster young talent.
Jean-François Baril has no regrets about his son moving away from home at the age of 16 to join the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.
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In the book Le field hockey mis en échec by Marc-André Leclerc, Baril expresses his belief that, aside from a handful of exceptional players, it may be too early for teens to enter the QMJHL.
“Often, if you’re a first-round draft pick, you’re kept on the team due to the looming possibility of playing in the U.S.,” Baril shared in an interview. “Sometimes, if they feel they won’t make the team, young players opt out of attending training camp.”
“Many parents, agents, and former players feel that 16 is too young for the QMJHL,” the author conveys in his latest work.
“Capotated”, yet Pressure-filled
This concern is a focal point in Marc-André Leclerc’s book, where he allows Jean-François Baril, a dedicated hockey dad, to share his perspective.
A passionate hockey enthusiast, Baril felt immense “pride” when Nathan, now with the Val-d’Or Foreurs, was a first-round pick for the Drakkar.
“His first game and first goal were a whirlwind,” recalls Jean-François Baril. “Parents of 16-year-olds don’t typically experience that!”
“Yet, there’s a significant amount of stress you handle from a distance,” he adds. For 16-year-olds, many life changes occur simultaneously. For example, when Nathan left, he hadn’t completed his driving lessons and faced relationship challenges.”
It’s important to note that stress affects not only parents but also the young athletes themselves, Baril emphasizes.
“They must cope mentally with being away from home. On the ice, they also need to assert themselves physically,” he outlines.
Commissioner Sees No Issue
Mario Cecchini, the new commissioner of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League, disagrees with the notion that this is a significant problem.
As mentioned in Leclerc’s book, young players gain valuable lessons in “discipline, teamwork, respect for authority, and managing unique schedules and travel.”
Baril acknowledges this perspective. Now 19, Nathan exhibits greater maturity than many of his peers, he states.
“When your coach calls you into his office, it’s an adult conversation. Afterward, presenting your resume becomes less daunting,” he points out.
Finding the Ideal Environment
However, for a positive experience, a teen must find a team that provides sufficient ice time for development, Baril insists.
“If teams focused on bringing in the most deserving players rather than keeping first-round picks to prevent losses, the QMJHL’s overall caliber would improve,” he argues, noting that AAA midget leagues would benefit as well.
“Stronger leagues, with players in the right positions receiving adequate playing time, lead to better development.”
“Why must a 16-year-old fight?” questions a former enforcer
One of the most striking revelations from Marc-André Leclerc’s interviews for Le field hockey mis en échec was how early in their careers players are assigned a specific identity that they find hard to escape.
In his discussion, Leclerc quotes former Canadiens enforcer Dave Morissette, who now serves as an analyst for TVA Sports, questioning, “Why is a 16-year-old expected to fight?”
Leclerc adds that during his junior years, Morissette felt pressured to prove himself but grappled with the reality that he didn’t want to return to factory work, which drove him to fight.
Time for a System Overhaul
Leclerc points out that young players are often permanently labeled, which limits their future growth.
“This label can follow them for life,” he explains. Morissette has expressed