Do you think genetics play a big part of some hockey stars?

Question

Or sports stars in general? How many guys are around that had exceptional hockey playing fathers? Do you think it is more in their genes or a product of their enviroment and having great teachers of the game right in their household?

You have the Stasny's, Staals and Sutters as big time brother combos (and the Stasny and Sutter sons). Guys like Parise. Crosby's dad was drafted. Up and comers like Gagner and Jeremy Duschene (sp). Forsberg's father Kent was a big hockey guy. Steen, the list goes on and on.
In the other sports, you have generations of fathers and sons too. Bonds, Bonilla etc.
What are your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Chris The Leaf Fan,

Angelo Esposito is no relation to Philip or Tony. He has nothing to worry about.

Bob,

I think genetics has something to do it. But I think environment has a lot of influence as well. There's no doubt that Bobby Hull was a hulk of a man, great genes, etc....and that these genes were passed on down to Brett (people forget that Dennis was an NHL All-Star as well). However, Brett also had the opportunity to sit on the ice at the Chicago Stadium and learn from the Mikita's, Esposito's, and Wharram's of the world. Then in Winterpeg he had a chance to learn from Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson. Yan and Paul Stastny had Michel Goulet etc.

Of course, none of this geneticness helped Ryan Sittler. Pal Hal probably never let the kids on the ice!

The average kid doesn't get to go to a 'free' hockey school like that.

Answer 2

In some cases yes. Like you mentioned Stastny is a good example of hockey genetics. Look at the Gretzky's. Wayne was a great player.. but look at Keith and Brent.. UGH.. Brent barely made a career in the IHL.. Keith I believe played in Britain.. man he was horrible.

Mario's brother, Alain, was a terrific hockey player. WHY he never got a true shot in the NHL I don't know. He was fantastic in the old IHL.

I think genes plays a small part. You can be the best teacher but if they don't possess those "intangables" theres just certain things you just can't teach. It has to be there. Other than the Stastny's and Sutters, I don't think we'll see a family of players as good as the Staals. (that is if they can stay out of trouble.)
I look at them talent wise like the Alou brothers in baseball.

Speaking of, what ever happened to Daryl Sittler's kid?

Answer 3

Well After a disapointing season in the CHL(WHL?) last year, Angelo Esposito makes you wonder.. He put up a disapointing 11(10?) goals last year and his assist count wasn't very high, hard to live up to Phil will those kinds of stats. but in general i think so, because i like steen, hes a great Third maybe even second liner who puts up enough points considering how small he is compared to everyone else, and hes defenently a force to be wreckoned with when hes near the crease, and Staal's are another good example, Eric, Jordan, Marc, And Jaret are all great players, and i cant wait till Jaret comes to the draft next year, hopefully he will come to the leafs, we need someone else like him down here.

Stasny i also like, great player, lots of heart, Lmao the sutters had freakin 8 kids playing and now one of them has a son i htink whos either playing now or gunna get drafted next year, but we are gunna be invaded by them xP and I had no clue Crosbys dad was drafted, but look at it this way, isnt it weird how all great players are trained by their dads? or role model their dads and get helped by them? Like Wayne Gretzky, And Sidney Crosby. Oh and what isaid about the sutter kid, hes playing in the super series isnt he? lol didnt realise till now.

Answer 4

I think genetics give you a leg up but you still have to do the work. Now if you go to practice with dad on optional skate days a lot and get sent to the best schools you can hone those skills. It still takes a commitment to the game to succeed. After all Frank Sinatra Jr wasn't half the singer Old Blue Eyes was.

Answer 5

Its a very complex question. The best book I have found on the subject is called "Why Michael Jordan Couldn't Hit".
I recommend it.

There are so many father/son/brothers in big league hockey because the player pool population is relatively small.

E.g. compare it to track and field, where virtually every country competes and many more youngsters can take part.

Answer 6

You know, I think genetics does have something to do with it. Then again, it has something to do with everything. Usually, if your father or grandfather or mother or grandmother was good at something, you are going to be good at it too. Sometimes the talent skips a generation, but still genetics plays a huge role in being an athlete or a hockey player.

Answer 7

I feel it has more to do with exposure and encouragement from an early age than it has to do with genetics. Gretzky was weened on hockey at a very early age and his father is famous only for being his father.

Drop the puck.

Answer 8

To be great at 13 or 14 years old you must have started young...

To advance at 16-17 you must have been noticed...

To make it you have to reach for it.

The chance, the time $, the talent, and pure guts are just some requirements.

Only the best need apply.

Answer 9

A lot of it is that they are growing up in a hockey environment. They are better at a younger age if their dad is already in the NHL when hockey is a huge part of their lives. Yea, genetics also play a part of their skill.

Answer 10

Yeh one of the major genealogical advantages includes being Canadian. Don't forget the Espositos, Hulls, Cooks, Richards, Mahovalichs, Grahmes and Crowders.