By Jeff Serowik, former Pittsburgh Penguin, owner/director
of Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc.
Hockey USA, December 2, 2002
This is a message on mental toughness. When you reach a
particular level in hockey, you will realize that mental
toughness will set you apart from your competition. Two players
can have about the same skills and speed, but it is their
mental state, which enables one player to be great, -while
the other is ordinary.
Hockey is truly a game of mistakes. Even the superstars
make them. The key is learning to overcome those mistakes
quickly to succeed. Successful players know how to get their
head right back into the game, - and I mean immediately in
the very next shift! Young players need to develop this aspect
of their game just as much as developing skating, shooting,
checking, and team building skills. Learn this now!
I started honing this part of my game during my 4th year
pro playing for the Providence Bruins. If only I had realized
the importance of this skill, and it is a skill, at an earlier
age, - it would have truly benefited me as a player.
During that season with the Providence Bruins, I was sent
to see the Bruins sports psychologist, Dr. FredNeff, - who
has worked with many players (including many franchise players)
in the organization over the years. Week after week visiting
with Dr. Nuff, I began to learn how to strengthen my mind
and shrug off mistakes. I was rebounding quickly from negative
thoughts and errors in my game. That season became a turning
point in my career; and put me on my way to making it full
time in the NHL.
I broke the Bruins and AHL scoring record for a defenseman
and was awarded the Eddie Shore Award for best defenseman.
Unfortunately, I was only called up to Boston for one game
because back then Boston had six solid defenseman with no
injuries. I must say it was a thrill for me to be paired
up in a power play with Captain Ray (Ray Bourque), my favorite
player, on Boston Garden ice!
Anyway, in short, I attribute much of my success that year
to having strengthened my mental game.
Here are a few concepts to work on to develop your mental
game:
Take note of your favorite NHL
Player. He will make mistakes during the course
of a game; but they go by practically unnoticed because
he doesn’t go into a shell, get down, feel sorry
for himself, throw a temper tantrum, bang his stick,
or take frustrations out on a fellow teammate. Never
show your opponent you’re frustrated or weak!
Tune out negative situations around
you and turn them into positives. Example: If
you get beat 1 on 1 or have a bad give-away, don’t
get down on yourself. It’s now history; - focus
on the present. Quickly get yourself and your head back
into the game with a good hit, a shot on goal, or just
beat your opponent down the ice and work hard. Do anything
positive – no matter how small. You will regain
confidence. Charlie Corey, my Prep School coach used
to say, “Serowik, do you think people in China
care you made a mistake?” It’s done and forgotten,
- move on!
Make a list of your responsibilities
as a hockey player. Think about them before every
game. During the game don’t think, - REACT! Example:
If you are a defenseman, write down your duties in all
three zones, power play and penalty kill. Move the puck
quickly, stick between the legs, play the man, box your
opponent out, hit the net every shot, head on a swivel,
communication, control gap, how to play a 1v1, 2v1, 3v2
etc. …And so on. I had a 2-page list that I carried
in my wallet for my entire 10 year pro career. I pulled
out that list before each and every game and went over
everything, so that it was all in fresh mental storage.
If it’s in mental storage and you’ve already
thought it through before game time, then it will come
to you naturally during the game. Once the game begins
you don’t want to think, - just REACT!
Take 10 - 15 minutes before each
game for “alone time”. Go over your
responsibilities, almost like saying your prayers. Go
tape your stick by yourself, -visualize all positive
thoughts. Example: Picture yourself scoring the winning
goal, having a big hit, a great assist, hugging your
teammates in victory. These are all positive thoughts
that will put you in the frame of mind to be a winner.
Tailor makes a catch phrase to
say to you in time of trouble. Example: “Keep
it Simple” - and my favorite, “Move Mountain”.
When game time comes, - you should
come out for warm-ups hard and ready to compete. This
is NOT the time to be social or screw around with teammates.
Get a good handle on the puck, make some hard passes,
stretch out, and get your legs going with some hard sprints.
On your first shift do something,
- anything to get yourself into the game quickly.
I’d to make a crisp hard pass, give a big hit,
or even get hit by my opponent to wake me up and motivate
me. The first couple of shifts usually dictate the rest
of the game.
I hope these points are helpful. Getting mentally tough
is a lot easier said than done. Work on it everyday. As you
progress into the higher levels of hockey, everyone will
be skilled because the weak and inept players will have already
dropped out. Only the mentally strong will make it. Hockey
separates the men from the boys, and your tough mindset will
place you with the men. We will be touching on these skills
during the off-ice segments of our summer camps.
Please e-mail me anytime
with questions or comments. Hope to see you at a camp soon!
Jeff Serowik, President
Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc.
PO Box 565 Dover, MA 02030
508 497-1089 www.proambitions.com
