The Savage Cure for Doubt
Early in my career, I relied on one thing and one thing only: pure savagery. I wasn’t the fastest. I wasn’t the most skilled. But I knew if I outworked everyone and refused to quit, I’d carve out my place in the game.
The problem? My consistency wasn’t there yet. Some nights, I was one of the best players on the ice…other nights, I completely disappeared. And a lot of it came down to what was happening in my head.
The Stairs
Back in Division 1 at UMass Lowell, we’d face powerhouse teams like Boston College — the #1 team in the country at the time. Pregame ritual: chicken parm at Fox Hall. To get there, I had to jog up this giant flight of stairs.
That’s where the battle began:
If my legs felt light and springy, I thought, “I’m flying today.”
But if they felt heavy? Instant panic. I’d convince myself I didn’t “have it.”
I was relying on superstition instead of preparation. And that inconsistency — in my mind and in my game — crushed me more than the opponents ever could.
Flipping the Script
It wasn’t until my junior and senior years that things changed. I stopped giving power to how I “felt.” I stopped letting superstition control me.
Instead, I trained my mind like I trained my body. I’d walk up those stairs and tell myself:
“I can. I will. I’m an athlete. I’m going to dominate today.”
Over and over. Until I believed it.
And when my mindset got consistent, my game followed.
Your Confidence Starts Now
Confidence isn’t built on game day — it’s built in the lonely hours. In the extra reps, the stickhandling sessions, the driveway shots, the mental reps no one sees.
If you’re a parent or coach, you don’t have to figure this out alone. My buddy Lee Elias just launched an incredible coaching program designed to help parents, coaches, and players develop confidence, consistency, and communication at every level.
🎧 Learn More About Lee’s Coaching Program Here
Lee’s Program: The Ultimate Team Building Course For Coaches
First 50 people to sign up get a $100 discount!!!
And if you’re a player looking for your edge, start stacking meaningful reps now. Tools like the Wraparound and Puckaround make it easy to get game-real touches anywhere — your garage, driveway, or basement — so you’re ready when the lights come on.
🏒 Turn every rep into confidence.