We've dipped our toe in a brand new hockey season and you've no doubt learned a few interesting facts about your team's culture. Every team takes on a unique shape. It's impossible to grab a culture handbook off a shelf that fits perfectly with any given team. For Jussi Ahokas, that's why it's important to check in on the vibe at regular intervals. 

Ahokas, from Finland, believes deeply in the team game. Young players in particular who invest deeply in the team feel more comfrotable, take more joy out of the experience of playing hockey, and ultimately play better because of the condition of their mental state. Hockey games, dinners, Lululemon gift cards - Ahokas and his staff provide actual rewards for positive culture following specific segments in their season, which they refer to as chapters. 

Separating your season into manageable chapters provides natural benchmarks. And this isn't just from the coaches - the players have ownership of the season as well. What do the players need? More skating? More battle drills? More tactical practice? There's no better way to ensure whatever you're teaching is landing than by asking the players. Of course it's the coaches job to prepare practice and the program at large, but buy-in is the secret ingredient to performance. Seek guidance from your players and provide guidance in return. 

Winning and culture are not mutually exclusive. The moment you have a player who's so skilled that their contribution to team culture doesn't matter (read- they're a donkey) they'll get called up to the next league. But the reality is that league will have 100 of those players to choose from, so inevitably they'll get sent back down. 

Teach culture to your players. You are what you permit to happen. Permit positive energy. Put a stop to negative energy. The overall culture of the team means more than the individual needs of a single player. It means more players will be fulfilled, enriched, and challenged in a positive environment. 

And ultimately, it means a greater chance of winning. 

Check out this snippet from Ahokas' presentation and view the full video here a membership to The Coaches Site.