Why It’s Not Just About Time — It’s About Intent
We’ve all heard it before: “Put in your 10,000 hours and you’ll be great.”
But here’s the thing no one talks about: it’s not the hours alone that make you elite — it’s how you spend them.
I’ve seen players spend thousands of hours on the ice…going through the motions, skating laps, flicking pucks, staying busy — but not actually getting better. And I’ve seen other players rise through the ranks faster than anyone expected…not because they practiced more, but because they practiced better.
Being intentional with your reps matters. Every shot, every pass, every stickhandle — you’re teaching your body what to do when the game’s on the line.
From Driveways to Dreams
When I was a kid, I didn’t have access to the same off-ice tools players do today. I used to hack apart old tennis balls and stuff them into a wiffle ball just to make something kind of close to a puck for the driveway.
Today? Kids have the Puckaround — a puck built to feel exactly like the real thing — and the Wraparound, a blade protector that lets you rip shots and dangle off-ice without destroying your stick. Together, they turn any driveway, basement, or parking lot into your training ground.
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about maximizing the quality of your reps. If you can get game-like touches on the puck, your hands and mind get sharper, faster. That’s what separates good players from great ones.
The Takeaway
If you want to play at the next level, don’t just count your hours. Make your hours count.
And if you want to get the absolute most out of your off-ice training, check out the Wraparound + Puckaround bundle bundle — it’s the closest thing you’ll get to real game touches without stepping foot on the rink.
Train smarter. Build better habits. Get game-ready.