To be sure it is now hockey season. The leaves are changing their color, it is just a little colder each morning, and when I pull into the rink the parking lot is filling up these days. It is the best time of the year.
It is with the beginning of the new season that everyone starts fresh. Many player is in new places with new team, some player return to old team, and new coaches are with team as well. Change is in the air.
So how do you make the most of this new season? How do you help yourself to have success?
You have already trained hard all summer, and have made the team. Many have moved into the billet family house, and some of you have already played the first games of the year.
Lets keep things simple this year. Lets not step on our own feet or anyone else feet. It is simple to do.
Listen more than you speak. The smartest and most talented people in the world on speak when it is necessary, they do not simply run the mouth all the time. You can only hear and learn when you are not speaking. Become a good listener and become smarter. This will in the end turn you into someone people respect.
Work hard. Let your action be your speech. Work harder than everyone else, and invite people to work with you. Do more than what is required or asked for. It is a habit that will serve you well throughout your entire life.
Be early. If you have a three o’clock report time, be there at two forty five. Fifteen minutes early is being on time. The first to arrive and the last to leave is always what you want to be. And not just for practice or games. Be early for community service and public appearances.
Volunteer. Always volunteer your free time to help in the community or the local youth hockey association. Team leaders are those that are usually community leaders.
Eat right. Eat good foods. Stay away from the junk food, it is just not good for you. Your body needs fuel to perform at the highest levels, good fuel is good performance.
Sleep. Get plenty of sleep every night. Do not stay up and play the video games all night, or text your friends. Sleep allows the body to rest, recover and grow.
Be AWARE. In every place at all times be aware of yourself and your surroundings. You never know who may be watching you and what influence they may have on your life someday.
Stay out of trouble. If you put these simple keys to success into practice you will not only become a better, more respected player, but you will by nature of these habits stay out of trouble. Off ice issues ruin careers.
You only get one opportunity in life for a junior hockey career. Some career are longer than others, but you only get to do this once. Don’t you owe it to yourself to make the most of it?
Good luck to all of you this season. Many of us will be watching.
Coach
