Career Paths
      


Taf's Report
      Report 1: ICE
      Report 2: Stretching
      Taf's Bio


Mental Game
      New Playing Roles
      Being One of Many
      MidSeason Burnout
      Parental Motivation
      Be Humble
      Adversity
      Negativity
      Concussions


Off-Ice
      Young Athletes: Part I
      Weight Gain
      Tip of the Week
      Strength Interview
      Strength Interview 2
      Leading Into Summer
      Warm-Up
      Train with Intent
      Training for Hockey
      8-Week Program
      Groin Strains in Hcky
      Speed-Agility Program
      Training for Quickness
      Off-Season Cardio
      Combination Lifts
      Strength Training
      20 & Down
      Flexibility
      Off-Season Rest
      Muscle Soreness
      Injury
      Injury Rehab


Nutrition
      Overview
      Hydration
      Meal Planning
      Food Groups
      Meal Plan
      Meal Timing
      Alcohol


Drills & Games
      Score More Goals
      Stop at the Net!
      The Slap Shot
      Stretching for Goalies
      PIG
      Rebound
      Survivor Rebound
      Bet for Skate


Equipment
      Breaking It In
      Stick With What...





Adapting to New Roles


This is an article that is aimed at all players, because the vast majority of us will be faced with this issue at one time or another.
      Throughout our playing careers, we will find ourselves becoming accustomed to playing the different roles that make up a hockey team. As players, we get used to being a goal scorer or a defensive defenseman, a grinding winger or a specialty team player. Whatever our roles may be, we learn to play that role, and we often become comfortable with it. As you get older and you progress from level to level, you'll become more aware of what role it is that suits you and what role you've become accustomed to playing. We're here to say, "Never get too comfortable, never limit yourself and your potential by labeling yourself, because you may find yourself in a role that you didn't think you could play. And, for many, a role you think you shouldn't play.
      Every hockey team is unique, and as you progress through the game of hockey, you'll find that the roles you will come to play are dictated by your particular team's needs and wants. When a player becomes too attached to a role and feels that they can't change or shouldn't change, that player is in trouble, because change is a big part of hockey.
      No player likes to go from being a goal scorer or a first line player to a third or fourth line grinder. The harsh reality of the game of hockey is that there are going to be times when you play on a team that this situation will happen. Maybe there are a number of vets. Maybe the coach feels someone else can do the job better than you. Whatever it may be, role reversal is a part of hockey that you can expect to one-day experience. It's not a question of if it happens, it's a question of when, and how you as a player react.
      We encourage you to be open to change. We aren't saying to ever accept the change but learn from it. Learn from the other players. Do what it takes to get better at whatever role it is that you're playing. Most importantly, remember to always believe in yourself and be confident in your ability, because there will be times when you begin to doubt it. The only way to change your role, is to continue to improve as a player, do what you do best and whatever part of your game you feel needs to get better. Do it better.
      Within the game of hockey we all have our roles. We all can't be goal scorers, nor can we all be grinders. It's when every player plays to the best of their ability and at the same time fulfills their role that a team and its individual members will experience success.







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