This week as part of our Elite Hockey Academy Mentorship Program, we were fortunate to speak former NHLer Matt Anderson. Matt is a native of West Islip, Long Island and furthered his career as a captain at the Division I level at UMass Amherst and then took the next step of playing professionally for 11 years including the NHL and KHL.
Anderson's focus on growing a network slowly with the right people, and you’ll find that you create opportunities for yourself. Creating friendships and NETWORKING for the rest of your life, you don’t realize the impressions you’re making on people (hockey world is small)
Anderson then spoke to the players about the requirements to play at every level and the secrets to becoming a dominant youth hockey player and beyond..
He explained as players get older, the player pool becomes more competitive and you find yourself surrounded with like-minded players on their respective teams, effort alone isn't enough to gain an advantage or stand out as a high-end player against the opposition or even amongst their own teammates. So what are your requirements or goals you set yourself at each level 15-18 years old?
Anderson believes the biggest part of separating yourself is working on your minimum requirements. Instead of doubling down on your strengths, here are some quick tips to consider:
Emotions: stay well balanced, never get too high, never get too low. As a player, person, student, you need to understand how to play through the lows and ride the wave when you're feeling high emotions and short term memory when things don't go your way. It's never as good as you think it is and it's never as bad as you think it is.
Leadership - How do you feel? You feel with your hands.
Book Recommendations: Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
The energy bus is a fable that will help you create positive energy with ten simple rules and make it the center of your life, work, and relationships.
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