HINT: It’s not talent
There are two types of hockey players.
The ones who make it.
And the ones who don’t.
And here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear…
It’s not about talent.
In fact, I’ve seen more talented players fall short than make it.
Because at some point, at every level…
Everyone is talented.
So what separates players?
Traits.
The type of player you are.
The type of person you are.
That’s what determines how far you go.
And before we get into it…
Why should you listen to me?
I made it to the NHL.
But I was never supposed to.
I didn’t play on the top team in high school.
I got cut from five junior teams.
I didn’t play my first games in college.
I spent over 500 games in the minors.
But somehow… I found a way.
And over that journey, I saw exactly what works…
And what doesn’t.
The players who make it have these traits:
1. Coachable
They listen. They adapt. They grow.
They become exactly what the coach needs. That makes them valuable immediately.
2. Positive
They bring energy to the locker room.
Positivity spreads. Coaches want players who lift the group, not drag it down.
3. Tough
Physically and mentally.
Everyone is banged up. Everyone gets tested. The ones who push through keep climbing.
4. Selfless
They put the team first.
They play their role. They care about winning more than personal stats.
5. Relentless
They don’t stop. Ever.
They lose, they learn, they come back better the next day.
Become this player… and watch what happens.
Now the other side.
Because this matters just as much.
The players who don’t make it have these traits:
1. Negative
They complain. They drain energy.
Stay away from it. Don’t say it. Don’t listen to it.
2. Rely on talent
Talent got them here… and then it stopped working.
They never built the habits needed to keep going.
3. Fearful
They hesitate. They play scared.
Fear kills opportunity before it even starts.
4. Lazy
No extra work. No extra reps.
This one alone will end a career.
5. Jealous
They watch others succeed and get bitter.
Winners flip it. They say, “Good for them. I’m next.”
Here’s the reality.
Players who make it are always doing more.
More reps.
More work.
More focus.
On the ice.
Off the ice.
In the gym.
At home.
If you want to become a machine…
You have to train like one.
Try this today:
Take out a notebook.
Write down your traits.
Good and bad.
Be honest.
Then do more of what moves you forward…
And eliminate what’s holding you back.
Because your future in hockey is not decided by talent.
It’s decided by who you become.
Knuckles up,
Bobby Robins, savage motivator, NHL alum, writer for Wraparound
P.S. The players who separate are the ones who get extra puck touches at home.
Eyes up. Reps every day.
>>>Train like a player who makes it with the Puckaround