Every hockey player aspires to play in the NHL and the world’s largest stadiums. Everyone wants to be observed and cheered on by millions of sports fans as they compete at the highest level. The NHL dream is a big reason why hockey players show up to practices and games every week and give it their all.
The issue is that only the best players climb to the top of the hockey globe. It takes a unique type of player to make it to the NHL—just showing up to your team’s weekly workouts and games isn’t enough.
Play More Often
Playing hockey as much as possible is one of the finest strategies to improve. Attend every single team game. Invite your friends to a winter game of shinny. In the off-season, schedule road hockey games every night.
Even if you don’t have a coach, playing hockey will help you develop your muscle memory and other necessary skills (speed, endurance, reaction time, agility, balance, etc.).
Train at Home or in the Gym
Off the rink, there are numerous ways to train for hockey.
You might undertake a short home workout to build strength and acclimate your body to strenuous physical activity. Push-ups, jogging, and weightlifting are all options. Simply getting some exercise outside of hockey practice and games will put you ahead of the majority of your opponents.
Even better if you have access to a gym. You can target specific muscles and activities that will make the most difference on the ice using the equipment available at a gym. Strong legs, endurance, and a firm core are essential for hockey players.
Attend a Hockey Camp/Clinic
Hockey camps will allow you to focus on certain skills consistently under the supervision of qualified trainers. If you are lacking in a particular skill, such as skating or shooting, you should be able to find a camp for that skill in your area!
Check out our Adult Hockey Camps.
Stretch
This is the simplest item on the list and takes the least amount of time, yet it may still have a significant impact on your hockey performance.
Stretch for at least ten minutes before and after each practice and game. Stretching prepares your muscles for physical activity, lowering the likelihood of injury and the need for time off.
Practice Mindfulness
One of the most undervalued qualities of becoming a good athlete is mindfulness. Many professional hockey players meditate, and practically all athletes, in some way, picture their achievement.
Study Hockey (Watch More, Read More, Learn More)
Even if you are not playing hockey or physically preparing in any way, you may psychologically prepare for it.
Watch as much hockey as you can. Take in as much of the action as you can, whether it’s from a professional, college, or local game.
Read and learn about the game. There is an abundance of information available in books and on the internet on hockey diet, training, strategy, lifestyle, and mindfulness.
Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water
NHL-level hockey training takes place all the time, not only on the rink or in the gym. Keeping your body in peak condition is an essential component of being a high-level athlete. Whether you have a game or not, make sure you eat and drink as healthily as possible and that you are never dehydrated during the day.
Take the Game Seriously
If you want to play in the NHL, you must be serious about the game.
- Pay attention to your coach.
- Pay attention to your teammates during practices and games
- Pay attention to your body.
- Pay attention to your goals.
For more information on ‘How To Become A Better Hockey Player’ check out our infographic below.
As a dedicated hockey enthusiast with a profound understanding of the sport, I've spent countless hours immersed in the world of hockey, both as a spectator and a player. My firsthand experience on the ice, coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the game, allows me to offer valuable insights into what it takes to ascend to the pinnacle of hockey achievement—the NHL.
The aspirations of every hockey player to grace the grandeur of the NHL and perform in the world's largest stadiums resonate deeply with me. It's not merely a dream; it's a journey that demands unwavering commitment and a unique set of qualities that go beyond the routine of team practices and games.
Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Play More Often:
- The importance of regular play to enhance skills, develop muscle memory, and improve vital attributes like speed, endurance, reaction time, agility, and balance.
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Train at Home or in the Gym:
- Emphasizing the significance of off-ice training, including home workouts for building strength and conditioning, as well as utilizing gym facilities to target specific muscle groups crucial for hockey performance.
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Attend a Hockey Camp/Clinic:
- Recognizing the value of specialized training in camps and clinics to focus on specific skills under the guidance of qualified trainers.
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Stretch:
- Highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of incorporating a stretching routine before and after practices and games to prepare muscles, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall performance.
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Practice Mindfulness:
- Underscoring the often overlooked aspect of mindfulness in sports, mentioning meditation as a practice embraced by professional hockey players and the mental visualization of success.
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Study Hockey:
- Encouraging a holistic approach to improvement by recommending the consumption of hockey content—watching games at various levels, reading about the sport, and acquiring knowledge on aspects such as diet, training, strategy, lifestyle, and mindfulness.
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Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water:
- Emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal physical condition through a healthy diet and proper hydration, acknowledging that hockey training extends beyond the rink or gym.
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Take the Game Seriously:
- Instilling a sense of seriousness and commitment to the game by paying attention to coaching instructions, teammates, personal well-being, and overarching goals.
This comprehensive approach, encompassing physical training, mental preparation, and a dedicated lifestyle, forms the foundation for aspiring hockey players aiming to reach the pinnacle of their sport—the National Hockey League.
