Hockey’s greatest players, coaches and people offer us advice, inspiration and perspective about our favorite sport. As we march through the season, Minnesota Hockey compiled a list of 10 hockey quotes for hockey families.
“To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. To love the game is greatest of all.”
—Bob O’Connor, former Edina coach and USA Hockey national coach-in-chief
"My recruiting key: I looked for people first, athletes second. I wanted people with a sound value system as you cannot buy values. You're only as good as your values. I learned early on that you do not put greatness into people, but somehow try to pull it out."
—Herb Brooks, Saint Paul native and legendary college, NHL and Olympic coach
“You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave – win or lose.”
—Gordie Howe, holds the all-time record for playing in 1,767 NHL games
“A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”
—Wayne Gretzky, holds or shares 61 of the NHL’s records
“If you’re a former player, whether that’s high school, Division I or III or Olympic, just get on the ice and allow girls to see someone who’s done that. I think girls’ eyes just light up and they think, ‘If she can do it, I can have those same exact dreams.’”
—Natalie Darwitz, Eagan native, former Gopher and two-time Olympic medalist
“Winning the state championship, that represented your neighborhood. I would have to say that it was my biggest thrill ever. It was just the guys in the neighborhood and that was special.”
—Herb Brooks
“There are too many one-hour players. They’re waiting for one hour of indoor ice when they could use the natural ice God has given them for five or six hours.”
—John Mariucci, Eveleth native, distinguished Gopher player and coach
“Whether talking about winning games or the amount of practices to schedule, it’s important to be realistic and remember that, while hockey is a great way to teach us life lessons, it’s not something that should define us as people.”
—Joel Johnson, White Bear native, Gopher women’s hockey associate head coach and has coached the U.S. Women’s Under-18 Team to four-straight Under-18 Women’s World Championships
“When we were growing up, we didn’t think about college hockey or the Olympics or the pros. We thought about making the high school team and getting to the state tournament.”
—John Mayasich, Eveleth native, Gophers all-time scoring leader and two-time Olympian and 1960 gold medalist
“It’s a great day for hockey.”
—Bob Johnson, Minneapolis native and renowned high school, college, professional and Olympic coach
Have a favorite hockey quote? Share it with us!
As a seasoned hockey enthusiast with a profound understanding of the sport's rich history, strategies, and iconic figures, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My extensive engagement with the world of hockey spans from the grassroots to the professional level, allowing me to appreciate the nuances of the game, its culture, and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities.
Now, delving into the provided article on hockey quotes, it's evident that the compilation reflects the wisdom and insights of some of the sport's most revered personalities. Let's break down the key concepts embedded in these quotes:
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Bob O’Connor's Perspective on the Love for the Game:
- Concept: The essence of playing and loving the game.
- Key Quote: "To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. To love the game is greatest of all."
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Herb Brooks on Recruiting and Values:
- Concept: Prioritizing character over athletic prowess in recruitment.
- Key Quote: "My recruiting key: I looked for people first, athletes second. I wanted people with a sound value system as you cannot buy values."
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Gordie Howe's Notion of Effort and Peace of Mind:
- Concept: Finding peace in giving one's maximum effort, win or lose.
- Key Quote: "You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave – win or lose."
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Wayne Gretzky's Vision of Greatness:
- Concept: Anticipating and playing ahead of the game.
- Key Quote: "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."
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Natalie Darwitz's Influence on Aspiring Players:
- Concept: Serving as a role model for aspiring female players.
- Key Quote: "If you’re a former player, just get on the ice and allow girls to see someone who’s done that. I think girls’ eyes just light up and they think, ‘If she can do it, I can have those same exact dreams.’”
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John Mariucci's Emphasis on Natural Ice:
- Concept: Valuing natural ice and maximizing outdoor opportunities.
- Key Quote: "There are too many one-hour players. They’re waiting for one hour of indoor ice when they could use the natural ice God has given them for five or six hours."
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Joel Johnson's Realistic Approach to Hockey:
- Concept: Balancing the importance of hockey with life lessons.
- Key Quote: "Whether talking about winning games or the amount of practices to schedule, it’s important to be realistic and remember that, while hockey is a great way to teach us life lessons, it’s not something that should define us as people."
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John Mayasich's Focus on High School Hockey:
- Concept: Emphasizing the significance of high school hockey dreams.
- Key Quote: "When we were growing up, we didn’t think about college hockey or the Olympics or the pros. We thought about making the high school team and getting to the state tournament."
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Bob Johnson's Enthusiasm for Hockey:
- Concept: Celebrating the joy of playing hockey.
- Key Quote: "It’s a great day for hockey."
These quotes collectively capture the diverse facets of hockey, ranging from the passion and love for the game to the importance of values, effort, vision, and the impact on personal development. They provide a comprehensive outlook on what makes hockey not just a sport but a profound life experience for players and fans alike.
