How to Succeed at Training Camp: A Goalie's Guide

Training camp is just around the corner, and I've been getting a lot of questions about how to do your best during this crucial time. It’s an exciting, high-stakes period where you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and prove why you deserve a spot on the team. To help you be at your best during training camp, here are 4 essential tips to ensure you thrive and stand out!

1. Focus on Yourself, Not the Competition

It’s completely natural to compare yourself to the other goalies at camp. I used to struggle with this a lot during my own training camps. If another goalie had a good practice or game, it would create a lot of pressure and stress for me. This anxiety could easily interfere with my performance and play on my mental state.

However, it's crucial to recognize that comparing yourself to others only drains your energy and takes your attention away from what truly matters: your own game. Instead of stressing over how others are performing or wishing negatively upon them, stay in your own bubble. Concentrate on your own skills, your preparation, and how you can improve each day. Remember, you can only control your own performance and growth. By focusing on your personal development, you'll build confidence and enhance your game more effectively.

2. Don’t Worry About Who’s Watching

It’s natural to feel pressure when you know coaches, scouts, or other influential people are observing your performance. However, this can often lead to overthinking and self-doubt. Instead of worrying about who’s watching, focus on executing your game plan and playing your best.

Treat each drill, practice, and game as an opportunity to showcase your skills rather than a chance to impress someone. When you focus on the task at hand and stay true to your training, you’re more likely to perform at your best and leave a lasting impression.

3. Don’t Dwell on Mistakes

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the game, and training camp is no different. Every goalie, regardless of experience, will make mistakes or allow a bad goal. The key is not to dwell on these setbacks or let them affect your confidence.

If you make a mistake or concede a bad goal, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on. Panicking or letting one error impact your entire practice or game will only hinder your performance. Resilience is crucial in this game. Keep your focus on the next play and continue working hard. Coaches are very interested in seeing how you handle adversity and if you can recover quickly while staying focused on the next play.

 4. Perfect the Small Things

Success at training camp isn’t just about making spectacular saves- it’s also about mastering the fundamentals and showing professionalism in all aspects of your game. Here’s how you can excel:

• Arrive Early: Getting to the rink ahead of time allows you to settle in, get comfortable with your equipment, and mentally prepare for the session ahead.

• Warm Up Properly: A good warm-up prepares your body and mind for the intense physical demands of training. It reduces the risk of injury and helps you perform at your best.

• Be a Team Player: Building good relationships with teammates, coaches, and staff is just as important as your on-ice performance. Show respect, be approachable, and support your fellow goalies. Positive interactions can make a significant difference in the team environment.

• Eat Well: Proper nutrition fuels your body for peak performance. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to ensure you have the energy and stamina required for rigorous training.

Conclusion

Training camp is your chance to shine, and by focusing on these key areas, you’ll maximize your chances of success. Keep your attention on your own progress, manage the pressures of observation, demonstrate resilience after setbacks, and excel in the small, often-overlooked details. Approach each day with dedication and professionalism, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful camp and beyond.

Good luck! Stay motivated and dedicated, and remember that the effort you put in now is what will set you apart in the long run!

Top Strategies for Young Goalies to Manage Pressure Like a Pro

Pressure is a Privilege - Billie Jean King

This is one of my favorite quotes and I think it is especially true for goaltenders. Being a goalie comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles we face is dealing with pressure. Whether it's the intensity of a close game, the expectations of teammates and coaches, OR simply knowing that if we make a single mistake, we cost our team a goal. The weight of all this pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some strategies that I learned and used throughout my career that I think can help young goalies as well.

Focus On The Now: Instead of getting caught up in future outcomes or past mistakes, focus on the present moment. Concentrate on the task at hand, which is the next shot, by focusing on tracking the puck, your positioning, your mindset and body language. By staying in the moment, you can maintain clarity and composure under pressure.

Control What You Can Control: Understand that there are certain aspects of the game that are beyond your control, like how well the other team plays or a referee’s decision. Instead of fixating on these external factors, focus on what YOU can control—your attitude, effort, and preparation. The only thing you can control is how you are preparing yourself for the next shot. By focusing your energy into areas within your control, you can feel more empowered and confident in your abilities.

Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool for managing pressure and boosting confidence. Take some time before games to visualize yourself making key saves, controlling rebounds, and leading your team to victory. Imagine yourself performing at your best and handling pressure with poise and determination. Visualizing success can help you mentally prepare for challenging situations and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Be positive!: Maintain a positive mindset, even when things are not going your way. Understand that mistakes are a natural part of the game. Pros make mistakes all the time and you will too! Just remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on failures, focus on the lessons you can learn from them and use them to make yourself better. Be resilient by bouncing back quickly from a goal or a bad game and maintain confidence in your abilities.

Relax your body: Try to work on relaxing your body through deep breathing. This can be done before or even during a game if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed. Focusing on your breathing has been proven to help calm your nerves, reduce tension, and promote a sense of focus and concentration.

Don’t Go Through It Alone: Reach out for support when you're feeling overwhelmed by pressure. Talk to your parents, coaches, teammates, or a sports psychologist about your concerns and feelings. Sharing your experiences with others can provide perspective, validation, and encouragement, helping you feel less alone in your struggles. You are NOT the only one going through this so do NOT feel embarrassed to express your thoughts with other people.

Remember, pressure is a natural part of being a goalie, and learning to manage it effectively is a valuable skill that will serve you both on and off the ice. By staying present, focusing on what you can control, visualizing success, maintaining a positive attitude, focusing on your breathing, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate pressure with confidence and resilience. Keep working hard, stay true to yourself, and trust in your abilities—you've got this!