How to Lose Hockey Games

Did the title of this newsletter capture your attention? Good. Then it worked ?? While yes, it was clickbait, I promise it's not for nothing.

In this newsletter, I lay out three elements that if missing from a hockey team, contribute not to its demise but rather if added, would greatly benefit and likely increase the number of wins. So, here are three elements every hockey team aiming for playoff contention must have:

Number 1??Consistent Language

Every team should be using the same language or, terminology when referring to systems, plays, concepts, etc. This seems obvious at first but it is not enough to assume similar terms mean the same thing across individuals. Common sense is not so common these days. As a team, and as a coach, you can strengthen & and optimize the psychological attention of the team by having consistent definitions of terms that are operationally defined and communicated to all players. Consider this an aspect of team culture.

Why is this so important? I'm glad you asked ??

Consistent definitions create shared mental models, and shared mental models have huge implications for the behavior of a team concerning performance & and operations. For example, shared language can impact:

• Team culture
• Chemistry between linemates
• The minimization of costly & and uncharacteristic mistakes
• The gap between knowledge of the game & and knowledge in the game

When every player on the team & and every member of the coaching staff are using the same language to refer to the same things, they pay attention to the same thing & and read the game the same way. For example, when it comes to tactical concepts, each player is more likely to see the thing (insert drill/play/dirty scoring chances) when the opposition does it, and because of that shared experience, players are more likely to see the same opportunities and read the game in a similar way that creates scoring chances.

Number 2??Psychological & Behavioral Support

Sure, I am biased here (aren't we all) and this one is self-explanatory. If your team does not have a trained, well-involved professional on-site, in players' faces.....I have no words.

You'd be surprised how many GM's & and coaches call me asking if I will work with their players because "no one uses the team psych/counselor". It's not enough to have one, you must have on staff someone who is actively involved on an individual and group level, pursuing players' attention to help develop their mental skills. It is not enough to be listed on the team website under 'Staff'. This is participatory on all levels, by all involved.

Number 3 ??Player Identity

In my work with professional athletes, specifically hockey players, I often observe a common pattern among clients. When they excel on the ice, their confidence is obvious, and they see themselves as great players deserving of their position. However, when performance falters, one bad shift, one turnover… their self-perception takes a nosedive, and the negative self-talk spirals.

This shift stems from a failure to separate the game from one's self-identity. Said otherwise, it’s the distinction between:

A person who plays hockey versus a hockey player.

Self-identity and self-worth must remain steadfast, akin to the consistency of weather in a more stable state. Michigan for example (damn you cold) is warm one day, with inches of snow the next day. Like the Michigan weather, players' self-worth is unstable and this makes for inconsistency on the ice, and unreliable players (red flag).

Now, this doesn’t mean players shouldn’t hold themselves accountable, work hard, self-correct, and set high expectations. All of these are to be expected from players at the elite level AND the ability to maintain a constant sense of self-worth, irrespective of performance. This doesn't negate the need for effort and improvement but ensures a resilient foundation for hockey performance and self-evaluation.

Well, that’s all for now my friend. Thank you for being here & and supporting my work. My only ask is that you share this with your network if you found it helpful. My goal is always to support and help as many people as possible and that’s not possible without your help. See you next time!

Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D., BCBA

CEO of AN Sports Consulting

Follow on Instagram, listen to media appearances, and read my threads: ??https://linktr.ee/alicianaser?