Alan Bass: The Problem With “Gifted” Hockey Players An article on Sidney Crosby called the superstar “gifted” and “innately talented.” A similar article on Max Talbot called the grinder a “hard worker” and a guy who has a “great work ethic.”

These terms are thrown around all the time in sports, specifically one that takes such unique talents as hockey does. One is an extraordinary compliment, the other is the equivalent of a participation award. Max Talbot got to where he is because he “works hard,” but Sidney Crosby, boy, oh boy, he got to his level because of a special gift that was bestowed onto him by the hockey gods.

Too bad the hockey gods (and more importantly, the hockey writers) got it backwards.

Alan Bass: The Problem With “Gifted” Hockey Players
An article on Sidney Crosby called the superstar “gifted” and “innately talented.” A similar article on Max Talbot called the grinder a “hard worker” and a guy who has a “great work ethic.”

These terms are thrown around all the time in sports, specifically one that takes such unique talents as hockey does. One is an extraordinary compliment, the other is the equivalent of a participation award. Max Talbot got to where he is because he “works hard,” but Sidney Crosby, boy, oh boy, he got to his level because of a special gift that was bestowed onto him by the hockey gods.

Too bad the hockey gods (and more importantly, the hockey writers) got it backwards.
- AlanBass

problem is the "gifted" think they are entitled

Another thoughtful presentation of an interesting and all too often ignored (or not understood) thesis, Alan. (I'm enjoying your paper as well.) Bravo good sir.

If I were Crosby, I’d rather be called a hard worker than gifted any day. Because at the end of the day, it’s these hard workers that find themselves hoisting the most coveted trophies.


Crosby has a Cup. Theres a difference between skill and hard work but the bottom line is you have to have talent on your team to be succesfull. You wont win a cup with a bunch of 4th liners who work hard but arent known as gifted.

having grown-up playing in the Halifax Central Minor Hockey leagues as boy, 4 years Crosby's senior, I can tell you many-a-tales about Crosby

here's all you need to know

1. 1985 Draft, Canadians draft two goalies. Pat Roy and Troy Crosby. One year later Roy has Cup and Conn Smyth... Troy Crosby's career is over
2. 1987. Sidney born
3. Troy Crosby being semi-pro hockey player, took that knowledge, instilling a work ethic, has been training Sidney since the boy was 3 years old.

get 'em when they're young
work hard and you'll enjoy the fruit of your labours

there is such thing as natural talent. I could play hockey 5 hours a day and spend another 5 in the gym and watching film. All that would do is make me a better beer leaguer noting more

I ref alot of hockey, both youth and adult. Some people just have better vision, better hockey sense, and just naturally better. Im not saying these players dont work hard, but sometimes someone just has it and some dont

just like some refs, we have this one ref that has been reffing 5 years, year in and year out i see refs with 3 months experience evolve into a better ref. Guy just doesnt have it.

Are you saying there is no such thing as 'gifted' athletic ability?

In all walks of life there are people who are gifted in any given talent. Why is hockey any different?