What Your Hockey Position Says About You? Puck Control or Self Control?

If you’re a hockey player, your position on the ice says a lot about who you are as a person. Some may say it reflects your personality traits, work ethic and skillset – but what does it really say?

“A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”

Wayne Gretzky

As Wayne Gretzky famously stated, a great player doesn’t skate to where the puck has been, instead they anticipate where it’s heading and make their move accordingly. This quote speaks volumes about what qualities one might possess when playing certain positions.

The forward line tends to be filled with dynamic players, always pushing for scoring opportunities and making flashy plays that often result in goals or assists. If you find yourself as a forward, chances are you have strong offensive skills like speed, agility and creativity. You may also enjoy taking risks and being in the spotlight.

On the other hand, defensemen tend to have more of an analytical mindset while possessing superior situational awareness. They understand how much time they have before needing to distribute or recover from potential mistakes. These types of players often adopt a relaxed demeanor as opposed to forwards who exude energy throughout shifts.

Lastly there is goaltending: arguably the toughest mental position in all sports. A goalie needs bulletproof focus night in-night out with moment-to-moment confidence backed by atop-notch technical ability which could take years upon years of practice perfecting craft.

No matter what position you play in hockey, each carries its own set of skills necessary to both master at game level-butalso translate off-ice making them successful careers and contributors outside-the-rink-and to life.Are you ready to see what YOUR role says about YOU? Keep reading…

Goalie – The Wallflower

Being a goalie is not for the faint of heart. It requires an immense amount of physical and mental strength, as well as quick reflexes and sharp focus. But most importantly, it requires a certain level of detachment from the rest of your team.

As a goalie, I find myself constantly observing rather than participating. During practice, while my teammates are running drills or scrimmaging, I’m usually off to the side stretching or working on some aspect of my technique. And during games, I’m alone in my crease while everyone else battles it out at center ice.

This sense of detachment can sometimes make me feel like a bit of a wallflower. But it’s also given me a unique perspective on both hockey and life in general: sometimes being on the sidelines isn’t such a bad thing.

“A good goaltender is like a good bra; they go unnoticed until something goes wrong.”

-Erin Whitten

I’ve always loved this quote by Erin Whitten because it perfectly sums up what it means to be a goalie. We’re often overlooked until there’s a breakaway or shootout situation where everything relies solely on us. Then suddenly we become front and center.

This kind of pressure can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also what makes being a goalie so exhilarating. When you make that impossible save or shut down an opponent in overtime, all eyes are on you–and there’s no feeling quite like it.

At the end of the day though, whether I made 50 saves or none at all, I know that being part of a team is about more than just individual accomplishments. It’s about contributing to something greater than oneself and building lifelong bonds with fellow players who share your passion for the game.

“The goalie is your backbone; they make or break the team.”

-Jocelyn Thibault

As a goalie, I take great pride in being that backbone–the last line of defense for my team. But even more than that, I take pride in knowing that as much as I may feel like a wallflower at times, I’m an integral part of something bigger than myself: a community united by our love of hockey.

Save the day, but not the party

Being a hockey player is not just about playing the game. It’s also about team dynamics and learning how to work together towards a common goal. Every position on the ice requires different skills and attributes that ultimately reflect one’s personality.

If you’re a goalie, then you have exceptional reflexes and the ability to stay calm under pressure. You tend to be analytical in nature and pay great attention to detail. Defensemen are typically more assertive and focused on strategy, constantly communicating with their teammates while protecting their own net.

As for forwards, it all depends on your preferred style of play. If you’re a center, then you possess excellent vision and know when to pass versus shoot. Wingers usually have more stamina than anyone else on the team as they skate up and down the boards trying to score goals.

“Knowing someone’s position can provide valuable insight into their natural tendencies both on and off of the ice.”

-Former NHL Player Stephen Weiss

Beyond just athletics, understanding what your hockey position says about you may reveal deeper insights about who you are. For example, centers often exhibit strong leadership qualities due to their need for decision-making abilities during critical moments of gameplay.

In contrast, wingers tend to be free spirits who enjoy taking risks or pushing boundaries in creative ways without being tied down by structure or rules too much – something that can apply outside of sports settings as well.

“Hockey players don’t push themselves through tough workouts because they want buns of steel; they do it so they can float effortlessly across sheets of smooth ice come game time.”

-Author Jennifer Comeaux

Overall, playing hockey takes commitment, perseverance, and cooperation with others in order for the team to succeed. Whether you’re a goalie, defenseman, center, or winger – you can pride yourself on being part of an elite group who bring energy and excitement to fans worldwide.

The last line of defense

Being a goaltender in ice hockey is a unique position. We are often considered the last line of defense and expected to make miraculous saves to keep our team in the game. But what does your choice to become a goalie say about you as a person?

If I had to choose one word to describe myself as a former goaltender, it would be “focused”. As goalies, we have to remain completely focused on the game at all times. One slip-up could result in the opposing team scoring and causing us to lose. This intense focus translates into other aspects of our lives outside of hockey.

“As a goalie, I’ve learned that hard work pays off.”

– Carey Price, professional NHL goaltender

Another trait commonly associated with goalies is their willingness to take risks. The position involves throwing oneself in front of flying pucks traveling upwards of 100 miles per hour without any protective gear for certain parts of the body (like your face!). While this may seem insane to some people, there’s something exhilarating about taking these kinds of calculated risks.

Goalies also tend to have an innate sense of leadership and responsibility. We’re responsible for coordinating defensive plays and communicating with our teammates throughout games, which no doubt influences our tactics when leading others both on and off the ice.

“Playing goalie doesn’t make someone different from anyone else. . . but if someone has played goalie then they might think differently.”

– Henrik Lundqvist, retired professional NHL goaltender

In sum, being a goalie isn’t just about making acrobatic saves; it’s about focus, risk-taking tendencies, leadership qualities, and more. What does your positioning say about you?

Defenseman – The Bodyguard

Your hockey position says a lot about you, and playing as a defenseman means that your role on the ice is similar to that of a bodyguard. Your job is to protect your team’s net and prevent the opposing team from scoring.

“Playing defense in hockey is all about patience, confidence, being quick with your feet and readily able to anticipate passing plays which are key skills when playing defence.”

– P. K. Subban

You have to be willing to get physical and tough it out in front of the net or along the boards to make sure that your goaltender remains unscathed. Defensemen need to think quickly on their skates, assess threats coming towards them at rapid speeds while still having exceptional hand-eye coordination.

Playing as a defenseman correlates directly with our personality traits: discipline and strategy. You always stay calm and composed under pressure, ready for whatever comes next because you know how important each defensive play can be for your team’s success – just like protecting those around us in real-life situations where critical thinking is crucial.

“Hockey players walk by mirrors looking at their moose knuckles”

– Mike Myers

A successful defenseman also has great communication skills within themselves but most importantly amongst fellow defenders. Clearing assignments, picking up a backdoor cut. , calling out screen over voice signals show immense leadership qualities among defensemen. It requires teamwork effectively; nothing good ever happens when one person ignores another player’s pleas for help since ultimately everyone loses then such losses could affect personal interests as well.

The beauty stands that successful defenseman never forgets who they represent while stepping onto the icefields – their team! They pride themselves on being loyal teammates willing to do what it takes so that no one else will suffer the consequences of subpar defense skills. Without these players, a team would struggle to gain traction in battles.

“I really don’t like touching people’s faces.”

– Zdeno Chara

In conclusion, playing as defensemen is an admirable position for anyone who aims to learn how discipline with strategy leads to success – both on and off the ice rink!

Protecting the house

As a hockey player, your position on the ice says a lot about you. For me, being a goaltender means I’m responsible for protecting the house – our net. It’s not an easy job. You have to be quick on your feet and make split-second decisions.

The same goes for those of us who take on this role in life. Whether it’s as a parent or someone in charge at work, we’re the ones who have to keep everything running smoothly and prevent disasters from happening.

“Protection is not just punching somebody out … that’s not what it’s about. It’s about understanding where you are weak, taking away shots or opportunities before they even happen.”

– Henrik Lundqvist, former NHL goaltender

Being a goalie also means being vulnerable. We wear all sorts of protective gear, but at the end of the day, we’re still putting ourselves in harm’s way every time we step onto the ice.

In everyday life, too, vulnerability can be scary – but it’s necessary if we want to connect with others and succeed in our personal lives and careers. As Brené Brown puts it: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. ”

“As a goalie. . . you need to have thick skin because no matter how well you play there will always be those who look past your performance directly blaming losses with goals against on simple sight test.”

– Jamie McLennan, former NHL goaltender & sports analyst

The mental game is crucial when playing goalie; one wrong move could change the outcome of the game entirely. Similarly, many situations in life require us to make critical choices based on our instincts rather than careful planning.

If you find yourself drawn to the goaltender position, maybe it’s a sign that you’re ready to take on life’s challenges head-on with courage and quick thinking.

“Being a goalie is 75% mental. If you don’t have a good head on your shoulders – if you lose confidence or get too full of yourself – it won’t matter how much talent you possess.”

– Martin Brodeur, former NHL goaltender

Blocking, checking, and hitting – oh my!

Hockey is a game that requires teamwork, skill, and endurance. But did you know that your hockey position can also reveal a lot about your personality? Whether you’re a forward or a defenseman, your role on the ice says something about who you are both on and off the rink.

Forwards are typically known for their offensive skills and ability to score goals. These players often have strong personalities and thrive under pressure. They’re quick thinkers on the ice and always willing to take risks in order to make a play happen. If you play as a forward, chances are you’re someone who enjoys taking charge in life too.

“As a former NHL forward once said: ‘I loved being up front because I had the power to make things happen’.”

Defensemen, on the other hand, tend to be more defensive-minded than forwards. They focus on stopping their opponents from scoring rather than getting goals themselves. This means they need to be solid communicators and team players in order to succeed. If you find yourself gravitating towards defense when playing hockey, it’s likely that you value cooperation and strategy above individual achievement.

“One of the greatest defensemen of all time once said: ‘My job was never to score; it was just to keep them from scoring. ‘”

In addition to forwards and defensemen, goalies occupy one of the most important roles in hockey. As the last line of defense against opposing teams, these players must possess incredible reflexes, agility, and composure under pressure. Goalies tend to be confident individuals with an intense focus on their performance – but they also understand that they need trust and support from their teammates in order to do well.

“Legendary goalie Martin Brodeur said it best: ‘Goalies are a different breed; we do everything backwards. ‘”

Whether you play as a forward, defensemen or goalie, your position on the ice reflects something about who you are both as an athlete and as a person. Embrace your strengths and use them to succeed in all areas of life!

Center – The Quarterback

If you play the center position in hockey, then congratulations! You’re considered to be the quarterback of the team and have an incredibly important role on the ice. Centers are responsible for being the primary faceoff taker and playmaker for their team. They must possess great offensive skills like speed, agility, stickhandling ability and a keen eye for passing lanes.

Your ability to win faceoffs is one of your most important contributions as a center. A successful faceoff can provide your team with possession of the puck, allowing you to set up plays and create scoring opportunities. Faceoffs are won by using quick reflexes, good timing or even tricking your opponent off balance. As former NHL player Mike Modano once said:

“If I get off first, that gives me a chance to maybe hold him back when he’s leaving or try to pin him and take some room away so my wingers can come in.”

Centers need to have excellent spatial awareness on the ice. Like quarterbacks calling plays at the line of scrimmage, they must direct traffic and understand where everyone else on their team is positioned at all times. Composure under pressure is also key because centers often face defenders trying to poke-check or knock them down right before making critical passes or shots.

If your playing style fits this description already mentioned here perfectly well (or has evolved through it), then chances are high that you match what your hockey position says about you – Center!

In conclusion, playing center means taking responsibility; not only for yourself but also for those around you—the quintessential difference between placing passively waiting for things to happen over affecting positive changes actively—doing something rather than wishing it was different.

The playmaker

When it comes to hockey, your position can say a lot about you – both on and off the ice. One of the most unique positions is that of the playmaker. A playmaker has excellent vision, creativity, quickness on their feet, and an ability to lead their team in scoring.

I remember watching my friend Adam play as a playmaker in high school. He was always the leader of our team and seemed to have eyes everywhere on the ice. Whenever he had possession of the puck, we knew something exciting was going to happen.

“To me, being a good playmaker means relying more on my teammates than just myself.”

– Wayne Gretzky

A great quote from one of the best players of all time. It speaks to what makes a great playmaker – knowing how to work with others and elevate everyone around them.

If you’re a playmaker yourself, chances are you possess some key personality traits that make you stand out from other positions. You might be imaginative, intelligent, confident, adaptable, and unselfish when it comes to teamwork.

“A lot of times people see success in different ways but for me it’s having good relationships with teammates.”

– Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby echoes this sentiment perfectly. Playmakers thrive on building strong connections with their teammates – both on and off the ice. They know that developing genuine bonds will help them better communicate during gameplay situations.

At its core, playing as a successful playmaker is all about elevating those around you while also showcasing individual talent when opportunities arise. It takes balance, dedication, skillful maneuvering and impressive footwork. But if you’ve got what it takes – like Gretzky or Crosby did – being a successful playmaker can provide an immense sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that’s truly unmatched in the sport of hockey.

Face-offs, assists, and goals – oh my!

As a hockey player, your position not only determines where you play on the ice but also says something about your personality. Are you a forward who loves to score goals? Or perhaps a defenseman who relishes in shutting down opponents? Let’s dive deeper into what your hockey position may say about you.

If you’re a forward, you are likely an offensive-minded player with quick reflexes and good stickhandling skills. You enjoy being in the spotlight and scoring goals, but don’t forget about setting up your teammates for success too. As Wayne Gretzky once said,

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

This rings true for forwards as well – taking risks and going after those hard-to-reach pucks can lead to great scoring opportunities.

On the other hand, if you’re a defenseman, chances are you have excellent skating ability and possess exceptional strength for knocking opponents off the puck. Your main goal is to protect your team’s net by blocking shots and breaking up plays before they even get started. Hall-of-famer Bobby Orr knows this all too well when he said,

“It’s important to be solid defensively and create offence out of it.”

Your ability to maintain defensive structure while still contributing offensively proves invaluable to any successful team.

If goaltender is your chosen position, then congratulations on having one of the most challenging roles in sports! As a goalie, it takes serious concentration and lightning-fast reflexes to stop incoming pucks from finding their way into the back of the net. But with great challenge comes great reward – making those miraculous saves that leave fans and teammates alike in awe creates lasting memories that last beyond any game or season. As former NHL goalie Ken Dryden put it,

“A goaltender is like a magician. He gives the illusion that anything is possible.”

And in some cases, it truly seems as though anything is possible with the right attitude and dedication.

In conclusion, your hockey position goes beyond just where you play on the ice – it can say something about who you are as a person. Whether you’re a forward always eager to score goals or a defenseman dedicated to keeping opponents at bay, there’s no doubt that each position requires unique skills, traits, and mental fortitude. So go out there and show off what makes you special – not just as a player but as an individual too!

Setting the pace of the game

What Your Hockey Position Says About You? Are you a forward, defender or goalkeeper? Each position requires different skills and attributes. As a former hockey player, I can attest to this.

If you’re a forward, speed is your ally. You need to outmaneuver the opposition and seize opportunities in front of the net. It’s not about how hard you shoot the puck, but with what precision. A famous quote from Wayne Gretzky exemplifies this idea: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

“Playing defense isn’t just defending; it also means being part of an attack.” – Niklas Kronwall

In contrast, defenders are more about strategy than brute force. They have to anticipate where their opponents will go and cut off passing lanes. Defenders possess excellent spatial awareness and good instincts for when they should jump into action to help forwards or remain behind as barriers against counterattacks.

Last but certainly not least, we cannot forget goalkeepers who play arguably one of the most challenging positions in any sport. Goalies require lightning-quick reflexes, great positioning sense and strong communication skills with their teammates on ice.

“Goalies don’t ask for attention; it comes uninvited by making saves.” – Eddie Lack

To be sure, each position takes skill development over time through practice and training. As players refine these abilities, their roles re-calibrate according to various situations in which they find themselves throughout games.

Closing thoughts lead me back to yet another quote inspired by Bobby Orr’s simple philosophy: “I skate to where the puck is going to be.” This mindset applies no matter what team members humans may represent on that shiny freeze-board surface each season!

Left Wing – The Sniper

If your position is Left Wing in hockey, then you are known as the sniper of the team. You have an excellent scoring ability and accuracy to shoot goals from a long distance. Your competitors despise seeing you zooming past them with agility and speed towards their goalie.

Your playing style involves developing new strategies for attacking opponents’ zones, analyzing the opponent’s moves intending counter-attacks, or spurring defense into action by initiating checks on rival players.

“If I’m going to put my body through all this hell at least get me a stick that works! ” – Brett Hull

Brett Hull was right about pursuing perfection because left wings such as him strive for it every day in their training regimens and off-season conditioning programs. It can be challenging work, but they know the effort will pay dividends when it comes time to perform on game day-

In fact, being a left wing requires more than just technical abilities; it demands quick decision making that translates directly to performance results. Psychological preparation often plays a significant role in delivering high-performance outcomes.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

These words hold true for anyone who desires success—whether in sports or life outside of sports. No matter how talented someone may be, if they aren’t willing to take risks and give themselves opportunities for success, then they’ll never achieve greatness.

The left-wing player bears responsibility for both offense and defense since their line assignments fluctuate frequently within games based on staffing choices made by coaches during intermissions between periods—and even mid-game depending upon strategic considerations related to score margins / personnel matchups.

To excel as a left winger means possessing aggression along with tactical acuity. That unique combination often separates the best from everyone else. While it’s true that being a left wing may put you in high pressure situations, with hard work and determination, no challenge is too great to overcome.

Shooting for the stars

In hockey, each player on the ice has a designated position that they play. These positions require different skills and attributes depending on whether you are playing in offense or defense.

If you’re a forward, your job is to score goals and create offensive plays for your team. As a defenseman, your focus is primarily defensive where your objective is to block shots, keep opposing players away from your goal tender and initiate breakouts by passing the puck up to forwards.

Your hockey position reflects not only what type of player you are but also gives insight into who you are as a person – analytical, strategic, aggressive or creative – traits that translate off the ice as well.

“Hockey taught me everything I know.”

-Wayne Gretzky

Hearing this profound quote from arguably one of the greatest hockey players of all time makes me reflect on how much my own hockey career has taught me about life. In some ways, it has been like boot camp training – pushing me past my limits physically and mentally. It’s an intense sport; there’s always someone after you every moment trying to steal the puck from under your stick while simultaneously avoiding getting body checked against the boards by another rival player.

Playing as a forward requires great skill in speed skating down the ice towards opponents’ net while keeping control of a round rubber disk called “the puck”. You need quick reflexes to dodge incoming defenders who are determined to intercept any passes made by you. All of these critical thinking conundrums help shape our resilience – which can be helpful through difficult periods both on and off-ice going forward!

“I believe in my game. . . I think every guy should avoid their weaknesses perfectly before adding anything extra.”

– Connor McDavid

As a defenseman, I learned to avoid mistakes and learn how to use my strengths best. It’s essential to know your limitations – what you can do, what the opposition is capable of doing, but more importantly who you are as a player.

The game teaches us not just about physicalities but mentalities too. Be flexible in recognizing when it’s time for teamwork or taking an individualistic approach depending on the situation at hand!

To conclude, hockey positions tell much of our personality traits that we exhibit both at play and outside rink gates. Whether forward or defenseman – there will always be something which sets players apart from others; whether it’s their tactical awareness skills or raw instincts needed in different roles. Like Wayne Gretzky famously said: Hockey taught him everything he knows, and for me personally – well playing ice hockey has made me appreciate drive, attention to detail in tactics & strategy formation while developing quick thinking off-rink manners!

Scoring goals and hearts

Your hockey position can say a lot about your personality both on and off the ice. As a forward, my role is to score goals and create opportunities for my teammates. But what does that say about me?

According to experts, forwards usually have an outgoing and assertive personality. We like to take charge and make things happen. Since we’re often the ones with the puck on our stick, we’re used to making quick decisions and being decisive.

“I think that people who gravitate towards playing up front are natural risk-takers.”

This quote by former NHL player Jeremy Roenick sums it up pretty well. Forwards aren’t afraid of taking risks or putting themselves out there. We enjoy being in the spotlight and thrive under pressure.

If you’re more of a defensive player, you might be seen as more conservative or careful both on and off the ice. Defenders are tasked with protecting their own net while also trying to prevent the other team from scoring.

“Defencemen tend to be responsible individuals who place importance on teamwork.”

This observation by USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program aligns closely with what many coaches believe. Defensemen need to work together seamlessly while communicating effectively with one another.

The goalie, perhaps more than any other position in hockey, needs to stay cool-headed no matter what happens on the ice.

“Goaltenders are unique specimens because they don’t get too high when they succeed nor do they get too low when they allow a goal, ” said Jim Bedard, former goaltending coach for multiple NHL teams.”

In addition to needing great physical reflexes and flexibility, successful goalies need sharp mental skills such as focus and determination.

No matter what position you play, hockey can teach us all valuable life lessons about teamwork, communication and perseverance.

Right Wing – The Enforcer

The Right Wing position in hockey is known for being one of the most aggressive positions on the ice. As a player in this position, your role is more than just scoring goals and playing defense, you’re an enforcer.

Your job is to keep the other team on their toes, physically intimidate them, and create space on the ice for your teammates to work with. You need to be quick, strong, and willing to throw your weight around when necessary.

“As a Right Winger, I knew that my primary goal was to protect my teammates. If anyone came after them or took dirty hits at them, it was my responsibility to step up and make sure they knew we weren’t going to tolerate it.” – Wayne Gretzky

Playing as a Right Winger requires a unique combination of physical ability and mental toughness. It’s not a position for players who shy away from contact or mind games. You need to be able to play hard and get into the heads of your opponents without losing focus on the game itself.

The unpredictability of this position can be both exciting and challenging at times. One moment you might be slamming an opponent against the boards while attempting to steal the puck, and another moment you might have a breakaway towards the net. This constant shift between offense and defense requires immense stamina and endurance.

“The hardest part about playing Right Wing is maintaining your energy level throughout the entire game. You never know when you’ll need that extra burst of speed or strength to make that decisive hit or score that crucial goal.” – Mike Bossy

This demanding position teaches valuable life lessons such as leadership skills, accountability, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, focus under pressure and taking calculated risks which are applicable off-ice too.

Overall, the Right Wing position is not for everyone. It requires a particular set of skills and personality traits that mirror those who embrace challenges head on, constantly seeking to improve themselves in every aspect of their lives.

Putting the “ice” in “ice hockey”

Hockey is a sport that requires players to have great physical strength, coordination, and teamwork skills. It is essential for every team member to know their role and position on the ice rink. In this article, we will take a look at what your hockey position says about you.

If you are a forward, chances are that you love scoring goals and being in the limelight. Forwards not only need to be quick but also have control over the puck. They tend to be creative thinkers who can come up with different strategies to outsmart the defenders. As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

“I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” – Wayne Gretzky

Defensemen hold an important responsibility as they stand between their opponents and their own nets. They possess excellent body check techniques, stamina, and focus. A defenseman’s job is far from easy as they need to cover both ends; therefore, patience and confidence play essential roles in their gameplay.

A goalie is seen as someone who has nerves of steel. Being a goaltender means blocking pucks coming towards them at lightning speeds while simultaneously analyzing the opponent’s moves on-the-go. Goalies must maintain maximum concentration levels throughout each game because even one mistake could lead to failure.

“The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day.” -Wayne Gretzky

Being one amongst many other talented athletes allows us room for growth which ultimately leads us down our individual paths; these four positions taking on vital roles towards success within any team dynamic. Let’s learn from these valuable skill sets held by these remarkable people playing on ice rinks around the world.

Intimidating opponents with physicality

In hockey, being able to intimidate your opponents with physicality can often give you an advantage. As a defenseman, using my size and strength to dominate in the defensive zone was always a priority for me.

I remember one game where our team was down by two goals late in the third period. The opposing forward tried to skate past me towards our net, but I stepped up and laid him out with a clean body check. The crowd erupted as my teammates rushed over to congratulate me on the hit. It wasn’t just about making a big play – it was about sending a message that we weren’t going to back down.

“Hockey is not a game for cowards.” – Eddie Shore

Eddie Shore, a legendary defenseman from the early years of professional hockey, understood the value of intimidation through physicality. If you want to be successful in this sport, you have to be willing to stand up for yourself and your teammates.

But it’s not just defensemen who can use physicality as a weapon on the ice. Forwards who are willing to go into the corners or battle along the boards for possession of the puck can wear down their opponents over time.

As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This applies just as much to taking hits as it does scoring goals. If you’re afraid to get physical, you’ll never know what kind of impact you could have made on the game.

“In hockey, bravery is learned overtime.” – Herb Brooks

If at first you feel hesitant about throwing your weight around on the ice, don’t worry – many players start out feeling unsure about how physical they should be. But through experience and practice, you can learn how to use your body effectively and confidently.

So whether you’re a defenseman looking to intimidate opponents with bone-crushing hits or a forward battling for control of the puck in the corners, don’t be afraid to get physical. As Eddie Shore said, “The only way to beat them is to outwork them.”

Frequently Asked Questions