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March 7
by Jeff Lynt
In the tough world of elite hockey, where victories are hard-fought and glory is earned, one thing trumps all the fancy moves and precise shots – it's the burning desire to compete.
True greatness in the game often comes from that relentless will to win. In a sport where everyone's got skills, it's the ones with an unquenchable thirst for competition who rise above the rest.
Picture a tied game, the clock ticking down; it's not about who dazzles with skills but who embraces the grit of competition. This isn't a sport for the faint-hearted; it's a battleground where the hungry, the fierce, and the relentlessly competitive carve their place among the best.
"Compete" isn't just a skill; it's the fiery soul that separates champions from contenders and sets them apart on the ice.
In Scouting, where figuring out which young players will shine is like solving a puzzle, scouts always determine a player's "Compete" level first. A player can have all the best skills in the world, but if they don't compete and use them, then the skills are useless.
When scouts first make their lists, they look for something special, and that's a player's strong desire to compete. It's like a bright light that helps scouts spot potential stars early on.
In a game where it's hard to predict how skills, especially skating, will develop, a high compete level makes players really stand out. It's about the fierce determination, the hunger to beat opponents, and the refusal to give up.
Their compete level provides crucial insights into a player's potential for growth, coachability, and overall commitment to the sport.
So, for scouts dealing with lots of uncertainties, a player's intense compete level is like a reliable guide, pointing them toward hidden gems who have the guts to navigate the unpredictable journey of becoming a hockey star.
Compete is a critical mindset and skill, often overshadowing even the most refined technical abilities. While possessing elite skills is undeniably important, their true value emerges when coupled with the determination, work ethic, and resilience shown by a player's competitive mindset.
Essentially, "compete" becomes the driving force that transforms skills into impactful on-ice performance, separating successful players from the rest.
Interestingly, success on the ice is not solely dictated by technical prowess. Players with a lesser skill set but a high compete level frequently outperform their more skilled counterparts, showcasing the tangible impact of sheer determination and willpower.
This competitive mindset is characterized by unwavering determination and resilience. Players with a high level of compete showcase a relentless work ethic in games.
The competitive player is not merely content with participating; they are fueled by an unyielding aspiration to win, evident in their approach to every aspect of the game.
Compete ensures that a player's skills are not confined to isolated peak moments but are consistently displayed throughout the whole game. This level of sustained effort becomes a trademark of players who prioritize both technical excellence and a competitive mindset.
Emphasizing a high compete level in player selection goes beyond individual skills; it contributes to the collective success of a team. Teams that prioritize players with this mindset establish a culture of excellence and resilience, fostering an environment where every member is committed to giving their best effort.
Examples of Compete:
Examples of Compete:
Competitiveness is a dynamic and multifaceted quality that extends far beyond the scoresheet. It encompasses a deliberate and willful engagement in battles to secure free pucks, strategic backchecking, and purposeful forechecking. The following examples demonstrate the various dimensions of competitiveness, breaking down the on-ice actions that define this essential quality in elite hockey players.
Battling for Puck Possession:
Battling for Puck Possession:
At the core of competitiveness lies the commitment to actively engage in battles to win free pucks. Engaging in the battles for puck possession is like the heartbeat of a player's competitiveness in hockey, combining physical strength and effort with smart strategic thinking mindset.
Players exemplify competitiveness by using speed and power to triumph in races for puck possession, showcasing their determination to gain a crucial edge over opponents.
It's not just about pushing and shoving; it's a mix of strength, speed, and quick decision-making. Picture it as a fight on the ice where every inch matters. Players use their physical strength, speed, and determination to outplay opponents and grab control of the puck.
But, it's not just a raw power game; it's like a chess match, with players thinking ahead and using their speed to get the best position.
Winning these battles isn't just about showing off muscles; it's a way of saying, "I'm determined to get that puck, and I've got the smarts and strength to make it happen."
It's a crucial part of the game where players show not only their physical skills but also their clever strategies and relentless commitment to being the best on the ice.
Forechecking and Backchecking Dynamics:
Forechecking and Backchecking Dynamics:
Adding another layer to this dynamic, competitiveness in hockey extends to strategic forechecking and backchecking. For elite hockey players, mastering forechecking and backchecking is an art that combines instinct, skill, and strategic awareness.
During forechecking, possess an uncanny ability to predict their opponent's moves, reading plays with precision is critical. Strong speed becomes a powerful tool, enabling them to close in on opponents swiftly and decisively. Applying controlled pressure is an important craft, disrupting plays with finesse and forcing opponents into errors that lead to turnovers.
When backchecking, a competitive player excels at tracking opponents with precision, anticipating their moves. This heightened awareness allows the player not only to keep pace with opponents but also to strategically position themselves, ready to disrupt plays or create turnovers.
They don't just hustle; they sprint back into the defensive zone with a clear and unwavering purpose.
They track opponents with an awareness that prevents opponents from finding advantageous positions on the ice.
Maintaining a proactive defensive stance, elite competitive players position themselves strategically, ready to prevent any scoring opportunities with a combination of physical prowess and hockey IQ.
Strategic Positioning and Presence:
Strategic Positioning and Presence:
Competitiveness is vividly expressed through strategic positioning on the ice.
Stopping on pucks and maintaining a close presence to opponents without swooping or fly-by's is key. This ensures players are in a prime position to influence the play positively, whether defensively by disrupting opponents or offensively by driving towards the net.
Mastering the skill of stopping on pucks is more than just hitting the brakes; it's about executing swift stops and rapid starts – a controlled maneuver that demands extra effort but pays off in both defensive and offensive strategies.
While it might be more energy-intensive, this extra effort is where true competitiveness comes into play. On the defensive end, it allows you to shadow opponents effectively, limiting their movements and disrupting plays.
Offensively, it becomes your secret weapon for driving purposefully towards the net, leaving defenders behind. Choosing to master stops and starts sets your standard of excellence in the game, rejecting shortcuts, outworking opponents, and demonstrating a commitment to giving your best.
Defensive and Offensive Contributions:
Defensive and Offensive Contributions:
Stepping into shooting lanes, blocking shots, and disrupting passes are essential components of a competitive player's toolkit. These actions not only showcase commitment to team defense but also exemplify a willingness to sacrifice personal safety for the collective benefit of the team.
Being faceoff ready with a strategic plan and actively sprinting back to provide support or driving into the offensive zone to retrieve pucks are offensive manifestations of competitiveness. These actions highlight a player's dedication to creating scoring opportunities.
Unmatched Work Ethic:
Unmatched Work Ethic:
Competitiveness extends beyond the ice, manifesting in an unmatched work ethic. Approaching practices, games, and off-ice training with the same desire and purpose underscores a player's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
Mental Toughness:
Mental Toughness:
Mental toughness is a crucial aspect of competitiveness, requiring players to be present during the game, make decisions quickly, and act with conviction.
Examples abound in the NHL, where players like Patrice Bergeron consistently demonstrate exceptional mental fortitude, influencing the game positively with their decision-making and on-ice presence.
Physical Toughness:
Physical Toughness:
Physical toughness completes the spectrum of competitiveness, as players engage with opponents using their bodies, willingly take contact in challenging areas of the ice, and drive to the net with or without possession.
Notable examples include Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins, who combines skill with a robust and competitive style, effectively integrating physical play without crossing into perceived dirtiness.
Summary:
Summary:
"Compete" is not just a buzzword; it is the heartbeat of hockey excellence. As a mindset, it defines a player's character, work ethic, and determination.
As a skill, it elevates technical abilities, ensuring they are not just skills on display but impactful contributions that lead to success on the ice.
From scouting young talent to building championship teams, the emphasis on compete becomes a fundamental and defining aspect of hockey evaluation and triumph.
Competitiveness in hockey involves various on-ice actions and off-ice commitments. Understanding and embracing these elements not only defines individual players but also contributes to the overall success of the team. As we witness these qualities in NHL stars, it becomes clear that competitiveness is not just a trait but a way of approaching the game with unyielding determination, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
Jeff Lynt
Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada.
Founder of EHC Agency and he is a certified Hockey Scout and Agent with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com
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