Being More Than "Just a Hockey Player"

Be An Athlete

Parents, let me share a conversation I had with Teemu Selänne during his Anaheim Ducks days that changed how I view hockey development.

The Modern Hockey Pressure

I know what you're feeling. Your kid's playing competitive hockey. The pressure to specialize is intense. Every weekend there's another camp, another trainer, another "must-do" program promising the edge to juniors or college.

But here's what Teemu understood, and what NHL scouts look for: The players who advance aren't just great hockey players - they're exceptional athletes.

A Perfect Example

If you ever get a chance to watch an NHL pre-game warmup, pay attention to the soccer circle outside the locker room. You'll instantly spot the European players - their footwork and control is on another level. Why? They grew up as complete athletes, not just hockey only athletes.

What Elite Development Really Looks Like

That soccer game your kid wants to join? Those tennis matches? They're not distractions. Look at how many NHL players still cross-train with other sports. They understand something crucial:

Different sports build:

• New neural pathways in the brain

• Different movement patterns

• Better overall athleticism

The Science Behind Success

At the junior level, everyone can play hockey. But what separates those who keep advancing? It's rarely just about who had the most ice time. It's about athletic ability to:

• Process the game differently

• Move more efficiently

• Adapt faster

Late Bloomers vs Early Specialists

Consider Martin St. Louis or Brayden Point - neither was the biggest or strongest in their teens. But they were incredible athletes first. That foundation let them excel when everything else caught up.

What Parents Need to Know

Your kid's already good at hockey. But if you want them to have the best shot at advancing:

• Build complete athletes, not just hockey players

• Embrace diverse athletic challenges

• Trust the development process

Because at the highest levels, it's not about who spent the most money on hockey training. It's about who developed into the most complete athlete.

-Mike

The Mail Bag ✉️

Larry asked: How far do you think my kid really go in hockey?

A hockey dad in Minnesota pulled me aside after a game with the question every parent thinks about but few ask out loud: "What are my kid's real chances of 'making it' in hockey?"

Here's the honest truth:

The traditional "making it" path is razor-thin:

• NHL: Fraction of a percent

• NCAA D1/CHL: Small elite group

• It takes talent, timing, and yes, some luck

But here's what your kid is actually "making":

• Leadership skills running a power play

• Time management juggling practice and school

• Mental toughness bouncing back after tough losses

• Team chemistry in the locker room

• Decision-making under pressure

The Real Score

I've seen D3 players become CEOs. Junior A guys leading companies. Why? Because those early morning practices, team dynamics, and pressure situations build something more valuable than a pro contract - they build character.

Your kid's learning to show up early, work hard, handle criticism, and lead peers. That's not just hockey training. That's life training.

So when you ask "how far can they go?" - they're already going places. 

P.S. Stop measuring success by league level. Start measuring it by the person they're becoming.

Latest College Commitments 🖊

• Melvin Ekman (C) – Colorado College Tigers, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), Starting 2026-27

• Alex Carr (RD) – University of New Hampshire Wildcats, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL), Starting 2025-26

• Ethan Armstrong (RD) – Minnesota State University Mavericks, Langley Rivermen (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Tyler MacKenzie (LW) – Merrimack College Warriors, Everett Silvertips (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Cedrick Guindon (C) – University of Vermont Catamounts, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Luca Cannata (C) – Lindenwood University Lions, North Jersey Avalanche 16U (AYHL16), Starting 2027-28

• Daniel Hauser (G) – University of Wisconsin Badgers, Wenatchee Wild (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Tristen Trevino (RD) – Robert Morris University Colonials, Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL), Starting 2025-26

• Patrick Quinlan (G) – University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, USA U18 (NTDP), Starting 2025-26

That’s all for now! Hope you enjoyed it.

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Thank you!

Mike