Turn Them Into Good Habits Now
Hockey, just like life, is all about habits.
The habits you perform day after day eventually become the player you are.
When you're doing all the right things on the ice, good things tend to happen. Hockey players often call this "puck luck."
Some people believe luck exists. Some people don't.
Personally, I think there's something strange that happens in hockey when a player consistently does the right things. The puck seems to find them. Opportunities appear. Bounces go their way.
Maybe that's luck.
Or maybe it's the result of good habits showing up over and over again.
Either way, there's another side to that coin.
Bad habits.
One of the best things you can do as a hockey player is honestly analyze yourself and identify three bad habits that are holding you back from becoming the player you want to be.
Looking back on my own career, from youth hockey all the way to the NHL, I saw players with great habits and players with terrible habits.
I was no different.
I had good habits and bad habits throughout my career.
But when I became a legitimate pro, what hockey people call a "good pro," I started identifying my bad habits and replacing them with good ones.
Today, I want to share three simple habits you can start working on immediately.
Especially this summer.
Especially during your practices.
Especially during those driveway sessions when nobody is watching.
Bad Habit #1: Skating By The Net
You've heard coaches say it a thousand times.
"Stop at the net."
"Get to the crease."
"Stop in front."
This habit starts in practice.
When you're doing drills and shooting on the goalie, it's easy to peel off toward the corner and get back in line.
Don't do that.
Start making a hard stop at the top of the crease every single rep.
Do it over and over until it becomes automatic.
Then one day in a game, you'll stop at the net without even thinking about it, and suddenly a rebound lands right on your stick for an easy goal.
People will call it puck luck.
You'll know it was preparation.
Bad Habit #2: Playing With Your Stick Off The Ice
Another classic.
Keep your stick on the ice.
Watch young players and you'll often see their stick waving around while they skate.
The blade is up in the air.
The hands are moving everywhere.
You can't receive a pass if your stick isn't available to receive it.
Start building the habit now.
During practice.
During off ice training.
During your driveway sessions.
Keep your stick on the ice and ready for the puck.
Simple habit.
Massive results.
Bad Habit #3: Negative Body Language
This might be the biggest one of all.
I saw it as a player.
I saw it as a coach.
And I still see it today.
A player makes a mistake.
Immediately their shoulders slump.
Their head drops.
They bang their stick.
They complain.
They pout.
Listen carefully.
Everyone notices.
Your teammates notice.
Your coaches notice.
The scouts notice.
And your opponents definitely notice.
Negative body language sends a message that you've been defeated.
Instead, become a player who remains steady.
Make a mistake?
Move on.
Turn the puck over?
Move on.
Miss an opportunity?
Move on.
Keep your posture strong.
Keep your head up.
Keep competing.
Be the player whose confidence doesn't change based on the last shift.
The best players aren't perfect.
They're resilient.
Those are my three bad habits that can be replaced immediately with good ones.
Now it's your turn.
Take an honest look at your game.
Ask yourself what habits are holding you back.
Better yet, ask a coach.
Ask a teammate.
Ask someone who watches you play.
"What's one habit I need to improve?"
The answer might change your career.
And if I had to bet, I'd say body language is near the top of the list for many players.
So today, carry yourself with confidence.
Carry yourself with focus.
Carry yourself with determination.
Carry yourself like the player you're becoming.
You'll be amazed how quickly your confidence starts to grow.
Keep those knuckles up.
Bobby Robins, savage motivator, NHL Alum, writer for Wraparound