One of the most important parts of coaching isn't something we teach on the ice.
It's the mental side of the game.

I'm excited to continue my development as a coach with The Mental Game Academy.

As coaches, we spend countless hours teaching skills, systems, tactics and strategy. But we also have a responsibility to help athletes develop the mental skills needed to handle confidence, adversity, mistakes, pressure and the ups and downs that come with competition.

Another area I believe deserves more attention is our athletes' relationship with their phones. It's difficult to develop focus, discipline and mental toughness when we're constantly distracted by notifications, social media and the need to always be connected.

Reducing phone time isn't about being anti-technology. It's about creating space to be present.
✅Present at practice.
✅Present with teammates.
✅Present with family.
✅Present in conversations.
✅Present with yourself.

The ability to put the phone down and be comfortable without constant stimulation is becoming an important life skill. I believe it also has a direct impact on an athlete's ability to focus, learn and perform.

The physical game matters and the mental game matters just as much.

As coaches, we need to continue learning how to develop both.

I'm looking forward to becoming a Mental Game Academy coach and adding another tool to my coaching toolbox—not just to help players become better hockey players, but to help prepare them for life beyond the rink.