Spiro Khouri: Giving back to his community

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, BC) - Wayne Gretzky once said during an interview that he didn't like his sticks touching other sticks. He didn't like his sticks crossing other ones and basically hid his offensive weapons in the corner of the locker room shortly after putting baby powder on the ends. His logic? It was a matter of "taking care of what takes care of you".

Now as it turns out, Wayne Gretzky kind of knew what he was talking about when it came to hockey, and life in general. Here at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver Canadians Community Relations Director Spiro Khouri is preaching the same philosophy as 'The Great One'.

With no child on the team, with no pay cheque awaiting him at the rink, Khouri like so many others across the Lower Mainland has chosen to offer his time to help coach minor hockey in his hometown of Burnaby. Call it the "Community" in Spiro's Community Relations title.

"I have to say that the Canadians have been super supportive of my coaching amateur hockey," says Khouri just days after his Burnaby Winter Club Peewee hockey team punched their ticket to the Provincial Championships for Tier Four. A nice accomplishment for a young group of players and their first year head coach.

"This season, there was an extra team available and they asked me if I would be willing to be the head coach to which I thought would be a great experience. It has been even more fulfilling than I could have imagined.".

Khouri has coached at a few levels including Juvenile hockey which is 18-20 year olds before deciding to step into that wonderful world known as "Pee Wee Hockey" which is full of 10-12 year old kids, with stars in their eyes all trying to become the next Ryan Kesler.

"This is the first year for these kids where you can play hockey with full contact. It's something we are very aware of because what these kids see on TV and in the video games they play doesn't always translate onto the ice they are currently playing on. I have learned a lot about communicating and being patient, but have seen a lot of growth in these kids and have felt the support of their parents".

For Khouri, the chance to coach amateur hockey and give back to his community has served him well in his role with the Canadians where he deals with Little Leagues from all across the Lower Mainland.

"I can honestly say that if I never got involved in my community that I wouldn't be as understanding of my job with the Canadians. There are so many people out there that dedicate a majority of their down time to amateur sport and to their community - I am very fortunate to be able to give back and have an organization like the Canadians support my efforts".

Whether Khouri's young Bruins reach the Championship game in the coming weeks or simply pack up their bags with a year of fun and camaraderie under their belts, the commitment that Khouri has put into his off-season will not be forgotten.

"I have been very fortunate to have a great group of parents that help me with the odd piece of advice or simply give me the space to be able to coach their kids the way I feel they can learn and grow. I am really proud of this experience and believe that everyone in a community can chip in whether it is being a head coach or simply a parent that brings the odd treat to show their support".

Not a bad thought process for a young man who prior to his 30th birthday has already learned that you get what you put in and that "you take care of what takes care of you". That Great One knew a thing or two didn't he?