NHL Draft Day

NHL draft day is a defining moment in the lives of more than just the players selected.

“When a defining moment comes along, either you define the moment or the moment defines you.”

Lots of dreams come true, some dreams are shattered and frustration boils over after hearsay and promises during their draft year. The players are rated on their quickness, speed, shooting, offensive hockey sense, defensive hockey sense, character and work ethic. They all received grades and all that gets tweaked in line with their ability to adjust to all the requirements for performing.

Curiosity that leads to learning all aspects of the game, including history and developing a respect for the game gets questioned. Then there all the words that begin with “C” that will ultimately define each player’s position in the draft and the game. Teams are looking for young people with compassion for others, players who care about their teammates in addition to their career. Teams are looking for young people with the composure to put mistakes and success behind them and those willing to compete with courage and confidence in a play-off setting. These players generally make solid choices and are comfortable in their own skin while defining and trusting their game. Cup champions are made up of players with character and the class of a champion who get it done in a critical moment

Being selected is the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one and should be considered only an honor. Expectations increase and players must recognize the importance of training hard to meet those expectations. They have to guard against any complacency and sophistication that unexpectedly, or sub-consciously, sets in. Maintaining a “chip on your shoulder” mentality versus a “got it made” mentality is paramount to maximizing your potential as an athlete.

The greatest trap to fall in to is the “I’ve arrived” mode which goes against trying to live up to the expectations of an NHL career. It is extremely important to learn about and recognize all the pitfalls. When we see people drafted, the first thing we think about is all of the people trying to get in to the player’s pockets. There are agents, advisers, fitness gurus and nutritionists all looking for a piece of the player. Any agent looking beyond development, both personal growth and physical, is wrong. Then there are family, friends, neighbors who join in on all of the adulation that comes with draft status. Adulation is known to kill careers.

It’s easy to learn fm all the mistakes others have made. Don’t believe that what happens to others can’t happen to others. The NFL did a study and 78% will become bankrupt, divorced or unemployed with two years of retirement. We have to assume all professional athletes are close to that number fm past research. The most important thing to remember is most players don’t get a 2nd contract so they better be on top of what’s important now in every single situation. They can start by being in the best possible condition each year they report to the team.

Their skills will get them in the door and their intangibles ultimately determine their fate. The skill to express their skills, the skill to get out of themselves, and the skill to constructively critique your assets and liabilities all enter in to the equation.

Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps