The “5 Player Rule” in women’s hockey has absolutely nothing to do with the number of players out on the ice. On every team, there are usually 5 players who are really dedicated and driven to get to the next level. It’s not that the other players aren’t trying their hardest or giving their best. It’s just that they’re not quite as focused on getting to the elite level. It’s neither good nor bad…but it is a reality.
The truth is that not every girls hockey player wants to play college hockey and not every player wants to play in the Olympics.

It’s a serious challenge for coaches who want to help these 5 players reach their dreams, but are hesitant about forcing the less motivated players into a level of commitment that they aren’t ready for.

But it’s an even bigger challenge for the player who is laser-focused on doing whatever it takes to get to the elite level of female hockey.

It’s frustrating to know that you are putting in all this extra time and energy away from the rink in order to be your best, and the rest of your team isn’t.

I get it. I was that player. I was the kid who would do anything and everything I could do to get an edge on the competition. And I spent my entire minor hockey, college and post-college career frustrated with my teammates who weren’t willing to do the extra work.

Who’s kidding who – it didn’t just frustrate me – it actually pissed me off.

If you are one of those players who would run through a wall if it meant that it would help you get closer to your dreams, you need to understand this.

Other players will say that they “want” to play at the highest level…But they don’t “choose” to take the action needed to get there.

Your teammates may not have the same goals as you. And that’s fine. You can’t make them decide to be great. Spending your time and energy focused on them doesn’t help you at all.

You have to realize that that some people aren’t going to understand why you are so driven.

The truth is that some players are going to think that you think you are better than them because you are so focused and committed.

I didn’t want them to think that I thought I was better than them. Because I didn’t.

I didn’t want them to think I was kissing up to the coach by trying so hard. Because I wasn’t.

The last thing I wanted was for my teammates to think I was a “bitch”. Sorry for being so harsh, but that’s a reality in girls hockey.

So here’s where the difficult decision comes in.

You can make the “easy” choice and let them take you off your game…

Or you can choose to stay focused on your goals no matter what and keep taking action towards your dreams.

Going after your goals doesn’t make you a “bitch”.

It makes you – and your teammates – better.

If you’re with a team that has 18 players who are ready to do anything and everything it takes to get to the next level of girls hockey, this isn’t a real problem.

But let’s be honest – that’s not the reality for most girls hockey teams.

There are the 5 or 6 players who really want it – and there are those that don’t.

Not everyone makes the choice to be great.

It’s the harder choice – but it’s worth it.

Your friend and coach,

~ Kim