Rookie Mistakes

So many times while watching sports, I hear an announcer or a reporter say something that I just can’t stand. From pointless anecdotes to coaches’ quotes that say absolutely nothing, the world of live sports media can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. I’ve also found that hockey announcers are the main culprits for this kind of nonsense. However, out of all the many useless phrases and expressions used by hockey analysts and announcers, the one that gnaws at me the most, is the famous “rookie mistake”.

He made a rookie mistake. You have to live with those types of rookie mistakes. He’ll learn from those kinds of rookie mistakes.

I have a question for all those announcers who love to use the “rookie mistake” line. Is this the first game this rookie has ever played in his sport? If Taylor Hall throws the puck in front of his own net, is it because it’s his first year in the NHL? If P.K Subban tries to beat two forwards when he’s the last man back, is that ok because he’s a rookie? No, it’s not ok, and you know why. Because I guarantee this is not Subban or Hall’s first time lacing up a pair of skates, not by a long shot.

Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle

By the time players have gotten to the NHL, they’ve been playing hockey for years. They’ve had countless coaches and training, and there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ve learned the basics of the game by now. If Jeff Skinner’s never learned not to blindly throw the puck across to the opposite point man, then there are big problems at the grass roots hockey level.

It gets even worse when announcers use the “rookie mistake” tag to players in the playoffs. If they’re in the playoffs, some of these rookies have already played a full season in the NHL. After 60-70 games, I don’t think a rookie is really a rookie anymore, regardless of what his player profile says.

However, even if they are true rookies, that shouldn’t excuse them from mindless plays. Even if the players are forgiven for their "rookie mistakes", the tag still needs to die. As I said before, these players have played enough hockey that they should know better. If Chris Pronger takes a dumb retaliation penalty, and Tyler Ennis does the same thing, it’s the same result. Two minutes in the penalty box; doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or a 12 year vet.