If you’re a member of a hockey family these days, watching the clock has several profound meanings. And few have very little to do with the final outcome of the game.

Oh sure, it’s the beginning of April, and if you’re still playing hockey, you’re doing something right. Because, alas, it’s playoff time when championships are celebrated.

But if you have a son or daughter, or someone special playing minor hockey, you know how your hockey family bonds over the winter.

It begins in the fall. Players may know a few players from the previous year, but by and large, they meet new teammates.

While they get to know one another in the dressing room before games, another team is forming in the stands: parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

As the season progresses over the winter months, hockey families share so much more than the game.

During warm-up, many gather around the arena’s concession stand with their cup of something to keep warm. They chat with another about so many other things than the starting line-up for the game.

Friendships manifest themselves when a player is in need: a ride to a future game or practice, a piece of equipment to help them improve, and the look of genuine concern when a player is helped to the bench following an injury on the ice.

But conversely, the hockey family is there when celebration is in the air: a first goal, a first shut-out, or a championship win.

Very seldom does winning come to a team on a regular basis. If it does, the hockey family shifts their focus to help the players learn how to handle success in an unselfish fashion.

But there are heart-breakers, too. Many teams put in valiant efforts, and no matter how the puck bounces, it goes everywhere but in the net.

Players on the losing end are frustrated and often disappointed when they peel off their equipment.

Solace and comfort is near. The hockey family is standing outside the dressing room to congratulate the players on their effort and finding the positives in every game.

Because they are always there.

Minor hockey builds so many relationships, not only on the ice. But in the stands.

Yes, there are stories — more than there should be — about fans at minor hockey games who take things to extreme, resulting in questionable behaviour which, unfortunately, can lead to violence.

But there are thousands of other stories of people who come together to watch youngsters play a game they love. Quite often those people remain friends long after the final buzzer sounds to end a season.

So maybe when you’re a member of a hockey family, you watch the clock wind down these days a little more closely. Because the time of that particular group is coming to an end.

That’s why there have been hugs and handshakes outside of dressing rooms in the last few weeks. It’s the end of another season, and saying goodbye is always emotional.

But perhaps it’s short lived.

The weather is warming and it’s only a matter of time before friends greet one another on the soccer field or the baseball diamond.

And then the wonderful process starts all over again.

(Cam Tait is the special advisor for Challenge Insurance.)​