Claude Julien is the head coach of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. He was formerly the head coach of the Boston Bruins from 2007-2017. He led the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup and before his departure in 2017 was the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL.

Here, Julien considers parent-coach relationships in youth hockey. He understands where disagreement can occur and hopes that parents realize the depth of commitment required from coaches, especially volunteers, and avoid the easy, tempting path of readily criticizing coaches.

He suggests that coaches lead a pre-season meeting to outline expectations for everyone involved with the team and explains the dynamic of coaches and parents working together as volunteers in areas such as travel arrangements and scheduling.