player tips

This year there is a great debate brewing about who will win the Calder Trophy as the NHL Rookie of the Year. Chicago Blackhawk Connor Bedard and Minnesota Wild Brock Faber are both experiencing exceptional years. Bedard is a high talent forward while Faber is logging record ice time as a defenseman. What can you learn from watching both of these talents?

Train, Train & Train!

Faber leads the Wild with 25:05 played per game, logging 30-plus minutes five times. This would not be possible without being in top physical shape. This year we celebrated the 44th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. A large part of the success of that team was head coach Herb Brooks whipping them into shape, better than any in the 1980 Olympics. “Again. Again. Again.” was a memorable part of the movie “Miracle” made about that team and as any top player will attest to, being in great shape is a key to success.

Skills = Success

While this is quite obvious, skill development is something that Bedard has mastered. The phenom entered the NHL as the most hyped rookie in years. He lived up to the expectations by showing off a shot, and release, that had even the Great One marveling over it. As a great coach once told our team, you can never quite working on skills.

Take advantage of every opportunity

Sometimes opportunities come along but once, and often are only there for a fleeting moment and must be taken advantage of. In the case of Faber, injuries to fellow Wild defensemen thrust him into a role that nobody imagined he would be in. He currently leads the power play and logs record ice time. When the opportunity presented itself, he was ready, and capitalized on an early career defining moment. Great players are ready for the moment!

Regardless of who wins the Calder Trophy, both players are worth watching anytime young hockey players have the opportunity. Much can be learned and applied each and very time they hit the ice!

Thanks for reading and we once again invite you to train with us this summer at one of our hockey schools. Many locations are already sold out, but you can click here to shop for dates, times and locations.

See you at the rink!