As someone deeply passionate about hockey, I see a natural connection between what Navy SEALs represent and the mindset required for hockey players to thrive. Both are team-centric environments that demand grit, focus, and mental endurance to reach elite levels. While the physical demands are different, the mental skills—especially grit—are universal.

The best hockey players are willing to endure hell and they are gritty masters of consistency. They are predictable, habitual, and willingly embrace seemingly monotonous lives in order to achieve something extraordinary. And as hockey players, adopting this winning formula can lead to remarkable success on and off the ice.

Grit is defined as a person's ability to persevere and maintain passion and effort towards long-term goals. In the terms of hockey, it is a battling through a tough shift or a long season. Talent refers to a natural ability or aptitude for a particular skill or activity. Again, in relation to hockey, think about one's ability to stickhandle or skate well.