6 Inches Between Your Ears

This past year I have finished a "How To" manual on mental toughness. The book is titled, "Better than Buzzy* -- *you fill in the blank who you want to be better than". It is a tribute to my father, who coached me in football, track, hockey, and hockey officiating. My goal was always to be "better than Buzzy".

Don't know who Buzzy is? Here are some testimonials I collected about Buzz Olson for the book:

“The thousands of young men and women who had Buzz for a teacher or a coach are better people for it. The lessons he taught were life lessons, and he taught them if you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability and do it the right way.”

Jim Scanlan

“Buzz is the kind of guy that would lead by example, and had a passion for the game of hockey. He seems to have a calming presence around people.”

Roger Stephens

“Buzz Olson is one of the finest individuals I have ever met. He is a man of integrity. Buzz has been an integral part of hockey in Minnesota for decades. His willingness to work with younger officials for the betterment of the game is greatly appreciated.”

Eric Olson

"Buzz Olson has been a paragon of both USA Hockey and MSHSL Hockey. He has always been there as a teacher, coach and mentor to ask and answer the tough questions, and mail my shoes back from Warroad."

Ryan Swafford

“Buzz is always there with a warm smile and a handshake to greet you when you walk in the room. No matter who you are, he is always there for kind words and support...Always a kind and welcoming personality.”

Jeff Beckers

“Buzzy is a person you would want to call a true friend. He never has a bad thing to say about anyone and always takes the ‘high road’".

Mike Schmitt

“Sincerely smiling each and every time I see him - that Buzz.”

Leah Wrazidlo

“Buzz Olson has always led by example by putting forth a complete effort no matter what level he is working. He has the respect of everyone from MHOA because he always put the good of the association over and personal success or rewards he could have received had he gained had he put himself first.”

Skip Trumble

“You can't say just two sentences about the guy. I can remember back when we started the MHOA Association in Eveleth with Buzz, Bill Leslie and myself with Gordie Lee. He tried to attend all our meetings but with his track and I think he worked football also at that time, he was on the go. I don't know how your mother ever kept track of him.”

Paul Moen
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You can check out the book here: http://www.lulu.com/content/2792366

Or, see a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuUeSV0q2A0

Who is Teddy Olson and Why am I writing about him?

Let's flashback to the fall of 1995 -- I was a young, hungry official, wanting more than anything the chance to work my way up the "hockey ladder".

Let's point out two key things here:

1) wanting more than anything -- this means I was focused on hockey, hockey, hockey (and finishing up college). I wanted to be the best I could be in officiating. I wanted to ultimately be a college official. That was my choice. I was determined to take a path that would ultimately lead to being a college official.

2) "work my way up the..." -- this means I was willing to work. I was willing to do whatever it took. I was willing to drive from Timbuktu and back to get me on the path to ultimately being a college official.

It was during that fall that I was given the opportunity to work an STP tournament in New Hope, MN. Who cares what STP was/is (it was a USA Hockey Satellite Training Program for bantams). Who cares where New Hope, MN was/is (it was a 4 hour ride from where I lived). I just knew it was an opportunity to be amongst some "sneezers."

Another side note: "Sneezers" This is a term I got from marketing expert, Seth Godin. I stole the following striaght from a wikipedia.org definition:

There are two types of sneezers: the promiscuous sneezers and the powerful sneezers.

The promiscuous can be motivated by money and rewards to sell ideas to a hive.

The powerful sneezers are typically those who have established authority by setting a trend and cannot be bought. A powerful sneezer can be worth many more times a promiscuous sneezer.

The sneezer in this case was Teddy Olson. He was the supervisor of Jr. B. hockey, the MJHA at the time. I wanted to work as much Jr. hockey as possible. I was willing to drive from Bemidji to Minot, ND, to Minneapolis/St. Paul and back. And working the STP tournament gave me the chance to do that.

LONG STORY --> SHORT: I impressed Teddy Olson enough that he had me work a ton of Jr. B. games that season, and dramatically helped me on the path to being a college official.

Better yet!! ---> I became part of a "brotherhood of officials" that was truly special. There were some fantastic guys that Teddy Olson got together and mentored, and supervised, and kicked butt, and encouraged, and became like a father-figure to. Among the guys who were part of that brotherhood included guys who have reffed in the NHL, WCHA, AHL, ECHL, World Sr. and Jr. Championships, many USA Hockey national championships, many MSHSL State Tournaments.

It was a brotherhood. It was a group that pushed each other. It was something that has been missing around here. Until now...

I vow to create a new brotherhood, much like Teddy Olson created in 1995-96 season and beyond.

ARE YOU INTERESTED???