Tag Archive: confidence
February 20, 2020 7:08 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
It’s easy to overlook the value and impact that a player’s confidence has on their performance. Unlike other tangible skills – you can’t see it, touch it, measure it… The positive (or negative) affects your confidence can have on your game is undeniable! Confidence ultimately comes from within, although there’s are a few guidelines that can help boost that confidence and help take your game to the next level!
Put in the work!!!
If you’ve put in the work, then know you’re prepared! Hard work + preparation are key in your foundation for success!
“One shift at a time” Mentality
Nothing is ever done overnight. Your growth is all a part of your process. Take one shift at a time, one period, one game, one weekend. Never too high, never too low.
Be Resilient
Criticism can be positive if you choose to accept it from that perspective. Never the less, you’ve got to be tough! Filter the negative and stay in YOUR lane!
Have a great finish to the season, and best of luck heading into the spring! We can’t wait to see everyone soon!
December 31, 2019 10:45 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
We hope everyone has had a great, refreshing holiday break. Friends, family, time off for the holidays – it’s the best! With the break, there’s no better time than NOW to reset, reevaluate, and focus on making your goals a reality heading into the new year! Take a hard look at 2019 – celebrate the positive, embrace the negative, and grow through the hard lessons learned along the way. Most importantly establish your plan to make 2020 your year! It’s about the game plan, and the ACTION! Set your game plan, and get after it this year!
We can’t wait to watch you make it happen in 2020!
May 10, 2019 10:18 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
After nearly 30 years of being involved in the sport in every capacity I’m a firm believer that reflecting in a few key areas has brought some of the greatest rewards!
Living in the moment
Ride the highs and never let the lows bring you down! Celebrate the positive, filter the negative, and grow from the mistakes. Treat every opportunity like its game 7!
Embracing the process
The “process” is an ever-evolving journey of your development as an athlete setting out to accomplish goals. Your journey is always changing as goals, passions, and expectations should shift. If you ever think you’ve arrived, you’re in the wrong place.
Perspective & Gratitude
Your perspective is what truly makes everything so fulfilling. Be honest with yourself and fully understand where you’ve come, and where you want to go! Gratitude is a special experience never lose sight of how fortunate we are for our abilities, resources, and accomplishments.
We can’t wait for huge off-season of growth and gains!
April 21, 2019 1:20 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
Just because you’re not on the ice as much as you would be in season doesn’t mean you can’t be putting in the work in other parts of your game! For all of our athletes not yet in a gym consistently or working with performance training specialists here’s some simple key factors to work into your home training regimen!
- SPEED
- Agility foot speed ladder
- Sprinting – focus on short bursts
- Agility cone drills – focused on aggressive, cutting patterns.
- Jump rope
- POWER
- Body weight pushups, squats
- Any type of jumping exercises
- Squat jumps, tuck jumps, single leg jumps, lateral jumping
- Single leg balance exercises
- Hill or Stair running
- Band resistance exercises.
- CONDITIONING
- Jogging for distance or time
- Rollerblading
- Burpees
- Join Mom at a spinning class!
- CORE STRENGTH
- Countless number of ab and core exercises.
Don’t worry about getting too hung up about “hockey specific” workouts. Focus on improving athleticism, with some added attention on speed and power. The main mission is to build a foundation, so when you’re throwing around weights in the years to come your body is prepared to make some serious gains!
Looking for some extra professional guidance? Let us know! We’ve got some awesome industry contacts!
April 11, 2019 12:34 am
Published by Russ Sinkewich
Often times you’ll hear the word “grit” get thrown around. It can vary in meaning based on the circumstances. But, what does it really mean? I like to think of it as:
GRIT
Made up of hustle, passion, and perseverance.
Grit encompasses a player’s ability to “find a way”. Grit can be physical, just as much as it can be mental. Some will say grit is a character trait ~ you either have it or you don’t… Sure, that can be true for some. However, I would also argue that grit is a skill, and like all skills, it can be learned, and improved upon over time. Regardless of how you choose to view someone’s grit, it’s essential. Not only in hockey, but in life!
Always be on the hustle. Never lose the passion. Persevere no matter what!
February 14, 2019 1:06 am
Published by Russ Sinkewich
Being a Swiss Army Knife – The ultimate compliment!Simply, this is a player’s ability to carry and excel at many skills. Sure, being very good at specific traits helps catch an early eye… However, the players that stand the test of time in their careers and ultimately “make it”,are the ones who have the capacity to bring many quality traits to the table at the same time that better their team. These (positive) shape shifting, utility players are ready and able to contribute however they’re called upon.
Swiss Army Knife Players are…
- Good at a number of skills. Versus only dominating one or two.
- Not hung up on what role they play on that team.
- Great teammates. Prioritizing how they can help the team.
- They can do a little bit of everything!
- Necessary on every successful roster.
Swiss Army Knife Player are NOT…
- Selfish
- Worried about their “role” or “place” on a team.
- Single skill focused.
Sure, every team can use a star… Never forget for every star on a team there’s 2-3 Swiss Army knife players that fly under the radar, that are an invaluable piece to that team’s success!
December 3, 2018 3:46 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
One of the many incredible “life skills” hockey teaches us, is leadership. As we know there’s many types of leadership; from the vocal captain encouraging teammates, to the silent, more reserved player just consistently going about their business in order to help team success. Leaders do not have to be Captains, or the most talented player on the team. Anyone and everyone has the opportunity to take steps to becoming a leader! Leadership ultimately comes from a few simple acts:
- Action
- Whether you’re up on the bench shouting words of encouragement, or you’re quietly putting in the work. Leadership always starts with the DOING!
- Accountability
- The absolute BEST leaders are the most accountable players on the team. You’ve got to put in the work and be a role model with your actions.
Remember leadership never ends! Take the same desire to lead from the ice and locker room and apply it everywhere; the classroom, your nutrition and off-ice preparation habits, even among other social groups or amongst siblings!
November 13, 2018 4:49 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
Feeling frustrated is inevitable. Throughout your hockey journey the root itself may change from season to season, however, dealing with frustrations and setbacks is one of the unique, challenging keys to team success. As hard as this concept is to fully appreciate, remember frustration means you care – which is a great thing!
With frustration always comes action! Embrace the frustration, then from that motivated state of mind, think of one immediate step you can take in a positive direction. Working harder, communicating clearer, acting more selfless, etc. We all make the choice to either let challenging times bring us down – OR – reveal what our true character holds!
We can’t wait to watch you take your challenging times and make them in to positive turning points for your future!!!
October 18, 2018 2:58 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
Fall is in the air – leaves are changing, the days are cooler, the mornings are darker. All of which means one thing… Hockey season is HERE! As we embark on the 2018-19 season here’s some great tips on being your athlete’s #1 Fan!
- Positive Support
- Your athlete NEEDS constructive, positive support and suggestions. NOT, negative criticisms. Remember they already have a coach in the rink. They don’t always need another one in the car or at home…
- Find the Home & Hockey Balance
- It can be positive to talk hockey to and from the rink in moderation. However, be sure to find the balance! There is such a thing as hockey overdose! Setting up non-hockey extracurricular activities and experiences is always a good thing!
- Manage the Tough Love
- Demand that your athlete works hard, competes, is coachable, etc. However, once you’ve checked those boxes, be sure to check the next boxes of; Is my athlete making mistakes? Is he/she learning from those mistakes? Are we enjoying what we’re doing?
Here’s to an exciting, rewarding 2018-19 season!!!
October 1, 2018 3:10 pm
Published by Russ Sinkewich
The “ZONE” also known as finding your rhythm or playing your “A” game. When you’re able to channel this mental edge and mindset you’re capable of taking your game to great heights! Here’s a few simple tips that will get you to the zone and help you to consistently elevate you game play!
- Pre-Game Mental Session
- Focus your concentration on what YOU need to do to be great! What are your strengths? How are you going to contribute to the team? What do you love about the game? Take 5-10minutes to get your mind prepared for a great game!
- Positive Self-Talk
- Throughout your pre-game routine, as well as throughout your games and practices remind yourself either through mental thoughts or actual verbal cues of positive self-talk. Hold on to the positive and forget about the negative and mistakes. You’re a great player – Remind yourself!
- Live in the present
- Don’t worry about past mistakes, or future challenges. Live in the moment and enjoy the ride as you’re living it!
Best of luck as you work to consistently find your “A” game and get in the zone this season!