For all of last week, I was off coaching at the Ontario Winter Games, which was a high-performance camp and tournament for the top 160 bantam-aged girls’ hockey players from all across Ontario.  For these 13-15 year olds, this was the most intense competition they had ever been a part of.  Scouts were watching their every move, coaches were evaluating their performance on and off the ice, and their parents were sitting up in the stands hoping for their daughter’s to perform their best.

This was the first step on a long, challenging journey for these players.  And it was very clear which players were ready to take on the tough road ahead.   We, as coaches, were asked to evaluate the players on a wide variety of criteria, ranging from skating ability to game sense.  The list of areas to evaluate was very long and detailed, but I wanted to share the 4 most critical areas with you today.

Because sometimes we get so focused on one particular aspect of our game that we forget about the importance of other areas.


::::  Here at the 4 most critical factors for getting to the elite level  ::::

1. Ability to skate the game

This is by far the most important factor.  And it is about more than just being fast.  This is about timing and support.  Your play with and without the puck.  Your quickness in small spaces.  Your speed in open spaces.  Your power and strength on your skates.  Without ALL of the above, you will not be able to compete at the highest levels of women’s hockey. Period.

2.  Have great individual skills and be able to use them in a team environment

:::  On an individual basis:

Are you a threat with the puck?  Can you make moves, protect and control
the puck?  Can you give and receive a variety of passes? Can you shoot a
variety of shots accurately with strength, power and a soft touch? Can you
do all of the above while moving at a high speed?

:::  On the team level:

Are you a threat with and without the puck?  Can you use your vision to see and
create options for yourself and your teammates?  Can you control the puck in
all situations and exhibit creativity and courage?  Do you create time and space
without the puck by getting open, drawing checkers, anticipating the play?

3.  Ability to think the game

As a coach who works mostly at the bantam and midget level here in Toronto, this is the #1 difference I see between good players and great players. I’ve watched hundreds of games this season where it is clear that certain players have tremendous skills, but don’t have a very good understanding of the game.

Here are some examples of what it means to “think” the game:
:: Are you defensively responsible?
:: Can you play within the team system in all three zones?
:: Do you anticipate and support the play on the forecheck, break-out and attack?
:: Are you a factor without the puck?

4.  Grit and Intangibles

This one is more important than all the rest.  You can skate like the wind, have all the skills, and great game sense, but if you aren’t willing to put in the WORK on and off the ice or do whatever it takes to win a game in the last 10 seconds (even when that means diving in front of a huge slap-shot), then you don’t have what it takes to get to the next level.

You have to be able to win battles, fight through checks, play four games in one weekend and have your last shift be as effective and energetic as your first.

You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.  You have to be willing to work hard and compete.  You have to be able to deal with adversity.

The road to the top of the women’s hockey world is very steep. There are many people near the bottom who say they want to get to the top. But as the road gets tougher, those who are willing to show their commitment start to separate themselves from the competition.  The ones who reach the top are the ones who have all the things I’ve listed above, in addition to the
unwavering desire to be their best and the best.

Having a great slap-shot, 1-on-1 move or straightaway speed might be enough to allow you to stand out and get noticed at your current level.

But it’s not enough to get you to the top.

For many of the players who were at the Ontario Winter Games last week, this will be their last taste of provincial, national or international competition. That may sound harsh, but the truth is, some of them will quickly realize that they don’t want to travel up this tough and uncertain road ahead. Other players who didn’t make this competition will emerge and pass them along the way to the top.

As I reminded my team a few times over  the course of the week, I could barely skate at the age of 13 – let alone perform at an elite level at a provincial tournament.  You don’t need to be the best at the age of 14 to be the best at the age of 25 – which was the average age of the players on the Canadian and US Olympic teams .  But at every point along your journey to the top, you must commit to developing your game in each of the 4 critical areas listed above.

If you do, you will be well on your way to success.

Keep Working Hard & Dreaming BIG.

Your friend and coach,

Kim

Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS

Director, Total Female Hockey
Girls’ Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes