Figuring out exactly how to have your best hockey season ever is like trying to put together a puzzle.

On-ice ability is a big piece of the puzzle - but it isn’t the only piece.

You need to know how to:

• Be mentally prepared for every game.
• Eat right so you can perform your best.
• Be physically prepared for every game.
• Get stronger and faster all season long.
• Peak for big tournaments and playoffs.
• Avoid injury.

So your in-season plan must address these six critical areas of player development:

1) Mental Performance
2) Nutrition
3) Warm-Ups
4) Off-Ice Training
5) On-Ice Conditioning
6) Recovery

These are the 6 other critical pieces of the player development puzzle that you have to find a way to fit into your plan for the season.

They can all be put together in any way that works best for you and your team.

I like to think of them as being shaped like squares, instead of having complicated sides and shapes that only fit together in one particular way.

This makes them easy to put together.

You can start by adding in a proper off-ice warm-up (which is the “piece” that I recommend you start with).

But if you think that you need to work more on the mental side of the game, or focus more on nutrition first, then you can easily put those pieces in as well.

There is no “right” way to put these six pieces into the puzzle, just as there is no perfect formula for putting together a great team.

You might need to try certain pieces out and then move them around depending on how the season is going and what needs you have to address.

But you do need to find a way to fit all of these pieces in at some point during the year if you want to guarantee that you have your best hockey season ever.

Kim