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There are a lot of good hockey players in the NHL, but far fewer great players. Have you ever thought about what makes a player like Sidney Crosby, Auston Matthews or Henrik Lundqvist more than just a “good” hockey player? If you study the great ones closely, they all share some common characteristics.
Here’s a look:
All great players must have exceptional hockey skills. They may not do everything exceptional, but a player can’t be considered one of the greats with just an average skill level.
The best players aren’t complacent – they’re always looking to improve. They work hard in practice, during off-ice workouts and even in the off-season to come back better than they were a year before.
Giveaways, bad shifts and bad games are bound to happen – but it’s how a player bounces back from a poor performance that’s the true testament to their character. The great ones let the bad times fuel them as motivation.
Great players are coachable, open to criticism and have a team-first mentality.
The best players know the game inside and out. They become students of the game and develop a hockey sense that coaches yearn for in their players that can make teammates better.
Hockey isn’t always an easy game. Goalies let in bad goals, players make mistakes and the opposition can frustrate and get under your skin. Having the mental toughness to bounce back and not let the little things frustrate you is key to being great.
Great players hold themselves accountable when they’ve hurt their team. Whether it’s a bad turnover that leads to a goal, a dumb, ill-timed penalty or being late to a team meeting or practice, the great ones don’t pass the blame to others – they own it themselves.
Some of the characteristics that make a great hockey player are things that can’t be taught – intangibles. But things like skill, work ethic and developing a hockey sense can be molded over time. We’re here to help develop that next era of great hockey players. For more information, contact us to learn more about Rick Heinz Hockey School.
