Over the weekend my son and I travelled to Arizona for a hockey tournament.  It was a long five days and four nights away.  Although I got some fun Father/Son time the biggest take away from the weekend is the personal time we get to spend with some of the best coaches.

His current hockey coach, a few of the assistants and one of my very own mentors spent quality time with Hunter.

From explaining the in's and out's of the current system we are using, to life lessons and how hockey applies to everyday life.

From  the weight room to the classroom, from the ice to the time invested in YOUR God.  Everyone that says something impacts each of us in a ways that might not be visible now, but one day you'll hear that voice in your head and it was the lesson one of these guys said in passing.

One of the best influences my son has had the opportunity to have had was from one of his former coaches Derek Eisler.  I've written about Derek a few times because while he and I are on parallel paths, his is a bit more refined and less abrasive.

His article "Warrior v. Winner" highlights a discussion I was having with my son one evening just before "lights out".

We are a PERFECT .500 team.  Right down the middle of the road.  We aren't going to win the title like we did a few years ago, but that doesn't mean this season is any less impactful when you can establish which one you are...A Warrior or are you a Winner?

"We want players to recognize that the process of skill development, is much different than results development.  

Hockey is an ever-changing game from level to level and team to team, so you as a hockey player you have to adapt your game to the style or the circumstances that are being presented. If your team is only hinging their development outcome on winning, you are missing a huge part of development.

Let’s all try to develop into warriors!

 The Warrior vs. Winner Culture

 “Warriors are purpose-driven WHILE winners are trophy-driven.”

Winning a competition is a fleeting moment. What lasts longer is developing the desire and drive to always do your best and to seek excellence everyday. This motivation goes far beyond the pursuit of a piece of metal.

 “Warriors are internally motivated WHILE winners are externally motivated.”

When you focus on being the master of yourself, true excellence can be achieved. Competing for the sake of winning is an external motivation that relies on comparing yourself to others rather than seeking self-improvement.

“Warriors have a growth mindset WHILE winners have a fixed mindset.”

People focused solely on winning often think they are entitled to the trophy, while those with a growth mindset understand how much work it takes to get there. Even when the competition doesn’t go your way, the value lies in the opportunity to learn and grow.

 “Warriors are process-oriented WHILE winners are outcome-oriented.”

Instead of worrying about the endgame, stay in the moment and enjoy the journey. When you always have your eye on the goal, it can be easy to miss what’s going on around you.

“Warriors are values-based WHILE winners are glory-based.”

It’s important to develop the values that you want to fight for and then to instill these values in your athletes. When acquiring trophies is the focus, you are looking to boost your own ego rather than create a legacy of excellence.

Strive to be a pure hockey development players." ~Derek Eisler

 

Today's Training:

Dead Lift

Reverse Hyper

Shrugs

Concept II Row

Bike