How Anger Can Sabotage Your Hockey Performance

Think about these NHL players: Tiger Williams, Marty McSorley, Chris Chelios, and Bob Probert.

What do they all have in common?

Lots of penalty minutes - some of the most ever in the NHL.

These enforcers have captivated us with their aggressiveness. They have entertained us with their punches. And, they have even delighted us with their goal scoring. However, their anger on the ice has also produced negative outcomes which will be the focus of this conversation.

What is Anger in Hockey?

When a hockey player plays angry it first sounds great at the surface level. After all, most of us are taught to play 'aggressive" or to "get physical." The angry hockey player converts their irritations into rage to wrong injustices, pursue altercations, and rattle the opponent. Again, it sounds like a value add for a team but it is actually quite the opposite. When a player experiences anger, it can affect their decision-making, focus, and behavior on the ice, potentially leading to poor performance or unsportsmanlike conduct - none which are good for any team.

Here are a few ways anger can hurt players and teams:

Lack of Good Judgment

Thinking clearly does not exist when a hockey player is angry. This person will make impulsive and selfish decisions. They think with their heart and not their head which results in unnecessary penalties, turnovers, and missed opportunities. It is a perfect storm of foolish emotions which hurts themselves and the team.

Lack of Focus

Anger can also cause a player to lose focus on the task at hand, as they become preoccupied with their negative emotions rather than the play happening on the ice. They may miss passes, forget plays, or fail to notice important cues from teammates. The result is poorer performance and reduced positive outcomes.

Lack of Discipline

Anger also evolves into a lack of discipline. When a player gets angry, he or she is more likely to engage in unsportsmanlike behavior, such as arguing with officials, trash-talking opponents, or retaliating with physical violence. This can lead to penalties and even ejections, which can hurt a team's chances of winning.

So, what can you do to avoid letting anger sabotage your hockey performance? I have a few suggestions for you:

Be Self-Aware

Becoming self-aware is absolutely critical to holdoff feelings of anger. Know your triggers, and avoid them. It is also important to recognize when you are feeling angry and take steps to calm down. This can include taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or stepping away from the situation for a moment. It is also helpful to remind yourself of the bigger picture and focus on your goals for the game.

Communicate

It is important to maintain good communication with your teammates and coaches throughout the entire game. If you are feeling frustrated or angry, it is essential to express your feelings in a constructive way rather than letting them simmer beneath the surface. This can help you feel more supported and connected to your team, which can in turn help you maintain a positive and focused mindset on the ice.

Break the Pattern

If you find yourself locked into an angry emotional state then break the pattern. You can do this by finding something that is laughable about the situation, changing your environment, or making an intentional cognitive reprogram in your mind by forcing yourself to think about something else. For instance, if my one-year old is throwing a fit, I can roll her a ball or give her something to eat. These simple actions break her pattern. Know when you are in a pattern and be intentional about breaking it.

Parting Advice

Anger can have a significant impact on your hockey performance, leading to poor decision-making, lack of focus, and unsportsmanlike behavior. None of these outcomes are good for you or your teammates. Your role moving forward is to recognize when you are feeling angry and taking steps to manage those emotions so you can avoid letting anger sabotage your on-ice performance.