In my 17 years of experience running my previous company, Ethos3, a company dedicated to excellence, I have discovered the power of cultivating a strong inner circle. While discussions about friendships and relationships may not always be a priority, their importance should not be underestimated, especially for hockey players seeking success on and off the ice.

As hockey players, we strive for success both on and off the ice. One key ingredient that can propel a team towards greatness is responsiveness. Just like in a tennis match, where the ball is constantly exchanged, responsive communication is vital for effective coaching and player development. By doing so, teams can create an environment where every player feels valued, heard, and respected.

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.

Life experience like what I shared above often demonstrates a common pattern among many of us. We find ourselves attempting numerous endeavors, yet failing to wholeheartedly commit when presented with the opportunity. Hence, it comes as no surprise that this phenomenon is prevalent in the realm of hockey, where young players often prematurely abandon their pursuits.

Access to books is an undervalued form of wealth in our country today. Within those pages lie entire worlds, galaxies, and philosophies. With a simple download or a trip to the library, you gain access to the profound wisdom and life lessons of some of the greatest minds.

As a hockey coach, you are tasked with not only teaching your players the fundamentals of the game but also ensuring that they retain information. One way to improve your coaching techniques is by understanding cognitive load theory and how it applies to hockey coaching.

As a hockey coach, apologizing and saying "I'm sorry" can be challenging, as it often requires us to set aside our ego and confront our insecurities. However, if we make it a habit to take responsibility for our mistakes, we can experience a sense of peace and empowerment. By owning up to our wrong-doings, we demonstrate integrity and build trust in our relationships.

The thought programs of love and fear are important concepts in hockey and can have a significant impact on a hockey player's performance. Players who use a love-based thought program are more likely to succeed on the ice and achieve their goals, while those who use a fear-based thought program may struggle to perform at their best.

The maturation effect refers to the natural developmental changes that occur in an individual over time, leading to improvements in their performance or behavior. In the context of hockey, the maturation effect typically refers to the physical and mental changes which occur as athletes grow and develop, which can lead to improvements in their athletic performance.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in a growth mindset. I believe all athletes have the potential to improve and develop, and I see my role as a coach to help them reach their full potential. I also believe hockey is more than just a sport - it is a powerful metaphor for life. Hockey requires belief, vision, discipline, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.

In hockey, having an infinite mindset means players are focused on becoming better both as individuals and as a team. It is about being invested in the long term and striving for growth every day, every week, every season, and every year.

In contrast, it was difficult to exude the same amount of excitement on a drill which was not executed quite as precisely by a less skilled player. This is dangerous and something I need to remind myself every time I step on the ice to coach young athletes. There is a name for this dynamic and it is called the Pygmalion Effect.

I recently finished Steven Pressfield's book, The Warrior Ethos, and I found it be to incredibly insightful. It is an excellent read if you are looking for motivation from ancient and even modern history. Virtues like courage, honor, and loyalty are discussed in amazing detail.

Finding and generating intrinsic motivation is not always easy. You have to be intentional about finding ways to the light the fire in your belly. However, if you can follow these four recommendations they will provide you with a solid starting point, or a fuel of sorts, to ignite you and propel you forward.

Hockey players are willing to endure hell. Leon Draisaitl played with a sprained ankle in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Erik Karlsson played with two fractured feet and damaged ankle tendons in the 2017 playoffs and Jonathan Quick played with a herniated disk in the 2012 playoffs. The list goes on and on.

The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been invigorating as usual this year. I love how the pace quickens and the pressure mounts where every game matters. One of the most enjoyable outcomes are the number of overtime games which emerge.

Understanding the dynamics of being the predator versus the prey is essential to success in hockey. With all that being said, it is always going to be in a team and player's best interest to activate a predator mindset because aggression and proactiveness wins in hockey. Is it okay to have a prey mindset? Yes, but only in certain scenarios where you need the agility of a bunny or alertness of a gazelle to avoid trouble.

Americans are stressed out. According to the American Insitute of Stress, 55% of the U.S. population feels stress on a daily basis. In addition, 63% of the American workforce is ready to quit their jobs because of stress. In other words, stress is showing up at people's doors every single day. It is a constant.

As a hockey coach, you share the same resonsibility for building and maintaining an inclusive team culture. The change starts with you and here is how to start making it a reality.

Giving up should never be considered as an option. There is always a workaround. You just have to be more aware of your feelings and attitude and then be be proactive with implementing the above solutions. You can change. You can preservere. You can succeed at this game.