The Importance of a Well-Rounded Game in Hockey: The Mistake of Measuring a Hockey Player by Points
Embedded Files
by Jeff Lynt
As I spent my weekend at an under 9 yrs (U9) hockey tournament, I couldn't help but observe the overwhelming emphasis placed on scoring goals by parents, coaches, and organizers. Despite the fact that the games didn't even keep score, every team seemed to keep a tally in their heads and the parents perpetuated the importance of their kids scoring goals. It was disheartening to see that other crucial aspects of the game were not given the same attention or importance.
I get it, this is just a little fun tournament and most of these kids won't pursue hockey at a higher level, but I see the exact same thing at higher level elite hockey games. This inspired me to write an article about the misconceptions that exist about what makes a successful hockey player. Too often, the focus is solely on the number of goals scored, but it's essential to understand that there's much more to being a great hockey player than just putting the puck in the net.
In this article, I'll explore the importance of a well-rounded game and how to play the right way. I'll also delve into how top scouts and general managers can differentiate between the players who are just scoring goals and those who are truly playing the right way. Also, how focusing too much on points can be detrimental to a player's development and success in hockey.
Hockey is a sport that requires both individual and team skills, and it’s important to play the game in the right way. Unfortunately, many fans and even some players are misled by the misconception that a player's worth is solely based on their goals and assists. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Hockey is a team sport, and it takes a complete team effort to win. While having goal scorers is certainly important, it’s just as crucial to have players who can play solid defense, battle in the corners, and make the smart play at the right time. You must be able to play in all zones, "forecheck, backcheck, paycheck", as the saying goes. It’s the players who have a complete game and make the right decisions that help their team succeed. The game of hockey requires a lot of different skills and attributes, and in order to be a successful player, it's essential to have a well-rounded game.
Parents and Coaches
Parents often groom their children to be goal scorers and forget about the importance of playing the game properly. While goals are certainly valuable and contribute to the team's success, no player can score without a supporting cast of players and teammates working together.
Unfortunately, coaches contribute to this attitude through player of the game awards and extra recognition in the dressing room. The glory often goes to the goal scorer, but this is unjust. A player who battles in the corners, has good hockey sense, and shows courage and determination is just as valuable if not more so, than the top scorer.
It's time to stop putting so much emphasis on the box score sheet and start recognizing the other important aspects of the game. So, let’s shift our focus and start recognizing the players who make the right plays and are 'plus players'. It’s unfortunate that many great players quit the sport because they don't like these dynamics. The focus on points can create too much pressure, and takes away from the joy of playing the game leading to many great players quit the sport. However, parents and players must remember that there are many different roles on a hockey team, and each player brings their own unique skills and abilities to the table.
Listen to the legendary Harry Sinden (former GM of Boston Bruins) talk about being careful when identifying the best players.
Goals vs. Playing Right
One of the biggest fallacies in hockey is that the player with the most points is the best player on the team. While it is true that points are important, they do not necessarily define the best player. The player with the most impact and influence in the game may not be the top scorer. A player with less goals may have the most impact in the game and control more of it, and therefore, have a greater influence on it. People who know hockey, such as amateur scouts and general managers, can often see the difference. Unfortunately, the average fan often can't and judging a player solely based on points is a flawed measure of a player's impact on the game.
The Importance of a Well-Rounded Game
The key to playing right is to understand that a player’s value is not solely based on their box score statistics, but rather their overall impact on the game. Many players get caught up in the competition of being the top scorer and forget about playing the game properly. focusing too much attention on the practice of scoring and not enough on defensive play and hockey sense is a critical error in development. It's important that parents help guide their development appropriately.
By being too goal focused, players don't learn to pass the puck, they take bad angle shots and don't see better opportunities to score with their teammates, leading to missed opportunities. This kind of player mentality can be detrimental to their advancement as a hockey player, as well as the success of their team.
A player must be able to play both offense and defense, and have strong hockey sense, drive, and determination. A well-rounded player understands the importance of working hard in every aspect of the game, including in the corners, to create opportunities for themselves and their team. A player who avoids the corners is not only limiting their own potential, but also putting their team at a disadvantage. Players who are too goal focused tend to avoid the tough areas and leave the hard work for their linemates. They want to be ready for the shot all the time and often won't backcheck, which leaves their team vulnerable in their own zone. Furthermore, these types of players are often quick to blow the defensive zone too early, leaving their team exposed. By focusing solely on scoring goals, they miss out on the opportunities that come from playing a complete, two-way game, and they risk hindering the success of their team. Many players never learn how to play with linemates, and other important aspects of the game and they ultimately fail to reach high levels in hockey.
The best players are able to adjust to different situations, have a unique ability to think creatively and make split-second decisions that can change the game. Playing the game, the right way, sets them apart from the competition and makes them a more valuable player.
Scouts and General Managers
Amateur scouts and general managers are able to recognize the value of a well-rounded player. Scouts focus on the player's overall contribution to the team. A player may be the best scorer, but if they do not have a good work ethic, are a poor defender, and lack hockey sense, they may not be the best fit for a winning team. On the other hand, a player who is strong in all other areas such as skating, stick handling, body positioning, determination, courage and is a great team player, can make a huge impact in the game and be a more valuable asset to the team.
Listen to Dino Caputo (SMWW) discuss with Harry Sinden the importance of finding the right players
Complete players are those who control the game, influence it, and make their linemates better. These are the players who coaches and scouts look for when evaluating a team and its players. These skilled hockey professionals also appreciate the importance of character, drive, and tenacity, and how these traits can contribute to a player's success on and off the ice. They understand that in order to be a successful hockey player, it is essential to be able to contribute to your team in many different ways.
Yes, it's true, no scout wants to lose out on the next big goal scorer, but you must understand that in minor hockey there are many great goal scorers across each league. There is a lot of competition in the goal scoring category and it is very difficult to stand out if it's your only skill. A player has to be in the top 10 of all goal scorers in a top elite league and must be extremely exceptional for evaluators to look past their other deficiencies. Teams just don't take too many risks on one dimensional players, there is only a few spots available for these types of players. Most of these players are not sure bets and are less likely to succeed at the next level versus well-rounded players.
In conclusion, when evaluating a player’s performance, it’s important to consider that playing right involves a full 200 foot game. Remember, hockey is a team sport and it takes a complete team effort to win. Playing right is just as important as scoring goals. A well-rounded game is essential for success in hockey. A true hockey player knows that success requires a combination of skills, including goalscoring, but also a solid understanding of the game, the ability to play well in all areas of the ice, and the drive to work hard and make a difference in every shift.
The next time you watch a hockey game, pay attention to the player who battles in the corners, has good hockey sense and IQ, and shows courage and determination. They may not have the most points, but they are just as valuable if not more so, than the top scorer. They understand the importance of playing both ends of the ice, being responsible with and without the puck, and being able to make a difference in all three zones. Having a well-rounded game not only makes a player more valuable to their team, but it also makes them a more attractive option to scouts and coaches at the next level. By showing a complete understanding of the game and the ability to impact it in multiple ways, a player is setting themselves up for long-term success and a more rewarding hockey experience.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Jeff Lynt
Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. He is a certified hockey scout with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse