Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with my dad, it was

In the great tapestry of life, where the threads of family and learning intertwine, there are moments that shape us more profoundly than we may realize. Jack Hughes, a young athlete whose journey in the world of hockey has already been marked by greatness, speaks of one such moment when he reflects on the experience of watching a game with his father: "Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with my dad, it was like watching video with an NHL coach." These words carry a weight far beyond the surface, for they reveal a truth that has always been known to the wise: that mentorship and learning often come not through formal teachings, but through the quiet moments shared with those who have walked the path before us.

To watch a game with one’s father, to sit side by side in the stillness of shared experience, is more than just a moment of recreation—it is an opportunity to absorb wisdom in its most natural form. The father, in his quiet guidance, offers not just his knowledge of the game but the lessons of life itself. This is no mere watching of a sport; it is an act of transmission, a way of passing down not just information but the essence of understanding. Jack Hughes’s father, much like an ancient mentor, serves as a guide to a greater vision, helping to open his son’s eyes not just to the game but to the deeper principles that govern it.

This method of learning, by observing, by discussing, by quietly absorbing the wisdom of those who know, is an ancient tradition. Consider the philosophers of Greece, who gathered under the shade of olive trees to discuss truths, not with lectures but through dialogue, through shared experience. Socrates, perhaps the greatest of them all, did not teach through textbooks or grand speeches, but through questions, through dialogues with those around him. His wisdom was not imposed upon his students but was discovered together, through careful observation and reflection. The same can be said for Jack Hughes’s experience: through his father’s quiet guidance, through their shared moments of watching hockey, he is not just learning to play, but learning to see, to understand at a deeper level what it takes to excel.

To learn through the eyes of a mentor is to see the world differently. In Jack Hughes's case, watching the game with his father was like sitting at the feet of an NHL coach, someone who understands the game on a profound level. This is not just about learning tactics or strategy; it is about learning the very art of the game. The way a coach sees the ice, the way he anticipates the next move—these are the lessons that are imparted in those quiet, shared moments. It is through observation, through careful attention to the nuances of the game, that Hughes gains an understanding that goes beyond the obvious. This type of mentorship is not just about knowledge, but about shaping vision, helping one to see not just what is happening now, but what could unfold in the future.

The great warriors of old knew this too—the value of a mentor who could see beyond the immediate, who could help them understand the broader landscape. Alexander the Great, under the tutelage of the philosopher Aristotle, was not just taught to fight; he was taught to see the world, to understand strategy, to think deeply about the impact of his decisions. Jack Hughes’s father, in his own way, serves as such a guide, helping his son to see not just the game but the bigger picture, to understand the decisions that lead to success, and to learn from each moment of the game.

The lesson that Hughes imparts through his words is one that reaches beyond sports. It is a reminder that mentorship is one of the most powerful forces we can have in life. It reminds us that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about shaping vision, about understanding the deeper principles that drive success. In our own lives, whether in business, in relationships, or in personal growth, we must seek those who can help us to see the world with clearer eyes, who can guide us through the complexities of life, helping us to understand what is truly important.

And so, let us walk forward with humility, with the understanding that true mentorship is a gift, one that we can offer and receive in every corner of our lives. Just as Jack Hughes learned from his father, we too must seek out those who have the wisdom to help us see beyond the surface, to help us learn and grow. And as we continue on our own journey, let us be mindful of the opportunity we have to guide others, to share the lessons we have learned, and to pass down the wisdom of the ages to those who will come after us. In this way, the circle of learning continues, as it always has, shaping not just the players but the very game itself.