By Walter Aguilar COR.E Performance Dynamics & Mindset Coach

In today’s digital world, a young hockey player’s performance is shaped by far more than what happens on the ice. Social media is a powerful influence. It can either build a player up with encouragement and inspiration or tear them down through comparison, negativity, and distraction. As parents, it is no longer enough to just focus on equipment, training, and nutrition. Protecting and strengthening a player’s mind is just as important. That is where the idea of building a success posse comes in.

From a COR.E Performance Dynamics perspective, energy drives performance. What a player focuses on, and who surrounds them, will either add energy that supports confidence, resilience, and joy, or drain it by feeding fear, doubt, and comparison. Social media amplifies these factors because every scroll is either fueling a mindset of growth or creating interference that pulls them out of the present moment.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Social media presents both opportunities and challenges for young players. On one hand, it can connect players to role models, training tips, and communities of like-minded players. However, it can also lead to constant comparisons, criticism, and pressure to perform for likes, rather than playing for the enjoyment of the game.

This affects more than confidence. It impacts focus, emotional stability, sleep, and ultimately performance on the ice. A goalie distracted by online negativity or a forward caught in the comparison game is not fully present. And being present is the only place performance truly happens.

The Parent’s Role in Building a Success Posse

A success posse is the group of people who surround and influence your player. In the digital age, this posse must be intentional, not accidental. Parents play the lead role in protecting, guiding, and shaping this environment.

1. Be Intentional About Who Is Involved

Choose carefully who influences your player. Coaches, teachers, mentors, and peers should share your values and support your player’s growth.

2. Stay Informed and Involved

Do not assume you know what is happening online. Learn the platforms, understand the risks, and check in regularly. Create conversations, not lectures.

3. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

Technology is a tool, not a right. Establish device-free times, screen time limits, and expectations for respectful online behavior. Consistency here builds discipline that carries onto the ice.

4. Foster Open Communication

Encourage your player to talk about what is happening online. If they know they can come to you without judgment, you will become their safe place when things get tough.

5. Leverage Community Resources

Connect with other parents, educators, and coaches. Share strategies, lean on community, and keep learning about how to protect and prepare players in the digital age.

6. Model Healthy Digital Habits

Your players are watching. Show them what balance looks like. Limit your own scrolling, prioritize presence, and let them see you living intentionally.

7. Trust Your Intuition and Observe Changes

If your player’s mood, sleep, or energy shifts, do not ignore it. Trust your gut. Step in early, ask questions, and adjust their environment if needed.

Protecting the Mind = Protecting Performance

The mind is a player’s most powerful tool. Protecting it from unnecessary interference, whether that is negativity online or influences that do not align with their values, is essential. A success posse is not about controlling every detail of your player’s world. It is about creating the kind of environment where they can grow, thrive, and play with confidence and joy.

When parents build this kind of intentional support system, they are not just helping their player perform better on the ice. They are equipping them with the resilience and mindset they need to succeed in life.

If you would like support in protecting your player’s mind and helping them develop a mindset that fuels confidence, resilience, and consistent performance, reach out to me. Together, we can give your player the mental edge they need to thrive both on and off the ice. powervsforcecoaching.com