How to Stay in Control & Focus in Games Hockey games can get out of control at times... A big hit can elicit an even bigger hit from the other team. When slashing, hard checks, tripping, scuffles can become the general tone of the game, it is easy for a team to lose their focus. Instead of going after a loose puck, you may be tempted to go … [Read more...]
USA Hockey Team’s “Gold Medal Mentality”
The Importance of Your Game-Time Mindset What separates those who succeed and those who fall short of their goals in hockey? Talent? Of course, talent is necessary to accomplish goals but there are countless talented hockey players who fall well short of their potential. Speed? Being fast is certainly an asset but if you are not aggressive, … [Read more...]
The Psychology of Winning ‘Must Win’ Games
How to Handle Pressure in an Elimination Series Being on the brink of elimination in a series can increase the sense of pressure hockey players experience... With that said, pressure gets a bad rap in sports. Pressure is not the enemy of the athlete... Pressure doesn’t have to break you. The important thing when it comes to pressure is what you … [Read more...]
Goalie Mike Smith’s Relaxed Mindset
The Negative Mindset of Trying to Do Too Much Struggling hockey players often try a common and counter-productive method to get back on track. The common response is to try to do too much. How can you do TOO MUCH you ask? Instead of trusting your ability to perform, you attempt to force play or try to make something happen rather than … [Read more...]
Is the Lightning “Playing Not To Lose” Games?
The "Play to Win" Mindset to Close Out Games Are you able to close out games when you have the lead? When you head into the final period of a hockey game, do you maintain the same style of play that secured you the lead, or do you revert to playing defensively? Going for the knockout blow when in the lead is a mindset and hallmark of championship … [Read more...]
Your Mental Game and Game Time Trust
Do You Trust Your Skill Come Game Time? Your mental game of hockey helps you balance both learning skills and performing in competition. Do you have trouble bringing your practice game skills to competition? Many hockey players tighten up, over think and try too hard during competition, which can cause them to under-perform. You practice … [Read more...]
A Mindset for The New Hockey Season
Your Mindset For Starting a New Hockey Season The start of a new hockey season is important because first impressions count. This includes the how you think and portray your mental attitude on the ice. You know the look of a confident and positive player. I’m not talking about boastful confidence. I’m talking about quiet confidence. A player that … [Read more...]
