The summer my son didn't play was after junior year of high school. It was his key showcase year. After playing three scout league games he tore up his knee on Saturday afternoon of the first showcase. He went nuts not just not playing. He also went nuts not being able to do much of anything all summer. He went to a few local games just to be around the guys. But it bothered him to watch and not play.
My son's issue meeting the challenge laid down by his sister wasn't just an internal challenge. In high school his sister was NHS and a three sport star. When he arrived at high school teachers and coaches would ask if he was as talented as his sister.