player tips

Hockey players love to play in great facilities. There is something special, motivating and inspiring about lacing ‘em up at TD Garden, Agganis Arena, Conte Forum or any other storied facility where great players have scored legendary goals, won championships and created history.

The NHL Outdoor Series last month set on the shores of Lake Tahoe created a new dream for players wanting to one day skate on the same ice where their heroes play. Unfortunately, the mid-day ice conditions did not cooperate and the game had to be postponed until after sunset. 

However, the beautiful setting of the white frozen ice built next to the mystical blue waters of Lake Tahoe, all in the foreground of the Sierra Nevada’s created a setting unlike any we’ve seen in hockey. Lake Tahoe is already considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and when you add an ice rink to the scenery, you have one of the most beautiful hockey settings in the world!

As you work hard over the next few weeks to win your end of the season playoffs and advance to play on the biggest stage at some of the coolest rinks, remember that it’s the hard work and dedication away from the limelight that gets you to the spotlight.

In the great movie Hoosiers, the coach brings his small town basketball team to play for the state championship in a gym – and setting – larger than they have ever seen. In a classic scene, the coach breaks out a tape measure to show that even though the facility is giant, and the stage enormous with the state championship on the line, the basketball hoop is still 10 feet from the floor; the exact same height that it is in their small town gym back home.

Playing end of the season tournaments for the championship creates a lot of crazy emotions. One important thing to remember is that, just like in Hoosiers, the goal is still 6’ x 4’. The ice is still ice and the game is still the game. Focus on putting all of the skills you have developed throughout the season to use and block out the rest of it.

Even if it is the most beautiful rink sent on the shore of a beautiful lake in a beautiful mountain range!

Thanks for reading and good luck in your playoffs. Please reach out to us with any questions about our summer hockey schools located in 11 states this summer. We invite you to come train with our Pro Staff and take your game to the next level!