By Jack Blatherwick

Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

“The most important lesson a coach can sell is interdependence.”

This was Herb Brooks’ favorite advice for every team and for any individual who wants to play at a higher level.

There are two parts to the formula: 1) Each player tries to be a catalyst and make teammates better, and 2) each player uses teammates to make himself better.

Pass early, to get “Out of sight, out of mind,” in Brooks’ words. “Then, break to open ice for a return pass.”

A century ago, Rudyard Kipling had the same advice in his poem, “Law of the Jungle.”

Now this is the Law of the Jungle –

as old and as true as the sky;

And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper,

but the Wolf that shall break it must die.

As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk,

the Law runneth forward and back —

For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,

and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

Visit Jack’s website at www.overspeed.info.

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