A huge girls hockey tournament starts tomorrow in Toronto. There are 215 games being played at 3 rinks over the course of 3 days. With most teams taking a few days off from practicing and the majority of people being in a “holiday haze”, Christmas tournaments are a perfect way to even out the playing field. Some of the weaker teams will have the chance to pull off big upsets against stronger teams who may be a little bit off their “A” game.

Here’s some great advice for every “underdog” looking to compete with, and beat, the best.

Beating and being the best is all about believing in yourself.

The next time you aren’t sure whether you can do it, read this poem:

The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost,
For out in the world we find
Success beings with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are:
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

~ Walter D. Wintle

You may have set goals that you aren’t 100% confident that you will be able to achieve. Every girls hockey player needs to have these “stretch” goals that they really have to fight for, because that is how you push yourself to become great.

What are you going to do to keep your eyes on the prize and prevent doubt from creeping in?

Work Hard. Dream BIG.

~ Coach Kim