2. Don’t focus on your statistics. Sometimes an off-day can throw off your statistics. So just focus on making the next day a better day.
3. Remember that being the biggest or strongest player on the field doesn’t make you a better hockey player. The smarter, aggressive, prepared athlete will be better – every time! Try to be that hockey player instead!
4. Have a purpose every practice. This will help you not go on “auto-pilot” during practices. Use your practices as a way to prepare you for competitions.
5. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Instead, compare yourself to yourself! Am I better than I was yesterday? Am I more aggressive than I was last season? This way you can track your progress in a healthy way.
6. Be thankful for the opportunity to play hockey. Hockey is something you GET to do, not something you HAVE to do. It’s a big commitment but it’s worth it if you really appreciate the sport and your team. Even one of the all time greats David Beckham reflected back on his career and said “Nothing compares to being able to play with the players I grew up with.”
7. Be patient. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” So just remember big changes or a lot of progress takes time – just hold on for the long haul!
8. Play hockey for yourself. Don’t play for your friends or your parents. You should play because you love it.
9. Never quit or give up. Even if you don’t win, make it really hard for the other team to win. Always put up the best fight you can.
10. Keep things in perspective. Faith, Family and Academics come before Hockey. At the end of the day, academics might send you to college if sports can’t. And your family is going to support you no matter what. So, remember what’s important.
**11. Train your Mindset if you want to be at your absolute best. Learn the Mindset Red Flags!