BUILDING BETTER TEAMMATES IN JUNIOR HOCKEY The path to on ice success takes commitment

In junior hockey, coaches dedicate countless hours to developing players’ technical skills—skating, shooting, passing, positioning, and understanding systems. These are essential for competing at a high level. But just as important, and often overlooked, is the development of character and a team-first mentality. Hockey may showcase individual talent, but it is ultimately a team sport. The best teams aren’t just made up of skilled players—they’re built on a foundation of great teammates.

The locker room, the bench, and the ice are all places where culture is shaped. A team’s success often hinges not on talent alone, but on how well players support, challenge, and elevate each other. As coaches, we must teach our athletes that being a good teammate is more important than being a good player. When players commit to each other, they grow individually and collectively. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all ships.”

Hard work is contagious. Whether it’s in practice, off-ice training, or during games, pushing yourself sets the tone. When one player gives everything, others follow. The best teams are built on effort. In hockey, actions speak louder than words. Backchecking hard, finishing checks, and blocking shots show commitment more than any speech ever could. Success in hockey can be fleeting, so players must stay grounded and always strive for more. The moment you think you’ve arrived is the moment you stop improving.

Every practice, every shift, every game is an opportunity to be better than you were yesterday. Excellence isn’t perfection; it’s consistent growth. Hockey is emotional, and momentum swings are constant. A player who brings positive energy—on the bench, in the room, and on the ice—can stabilize and inspire the team. Bad calls, tough losses, or unfair situations happen. Complaining doesn’t help. Focus on what you can control—your attitude, your effort, and your response.

Junior hockey is a stepping stone, but it’s also a brotherhood. Play for the logo on the front, not the name on the back. Recognition will come when the team succeeds. Commitment isn’t just showing up—it’s showing up ready. Be early, be prepared, and be consistent. Let your teammates know they can count on you. Every shift matters. Whether you’re on the first line or the fourth, your effort impacts the game. Consistency builds trust.

Accountability starts with you. Be honest about your performance and expect the same from others. Challenge each other to be better, respectfully and constructively. Respect isn’t earned by goals or assists—it’s earned by character. Treat teammates, coaches, staff, and opponents with dignity. Demand that same standard from your team. Be an energy giver. Celebrate others’ success. Help a teammate through a slump. Don’t wait for recognition—give your best because it’s the right thing to do.

On-ice communication is vital—calling for passes, alerting teammates, organizing coverage. Off the ice, it builds trust. Talk openly, listen actively, and be honest. Great teams aren’t just groups of players—they’re families. Get to know your teammates. Understand their stories, their struggles, and their strengths. Lead by inclusion. Invite others to train, study film, or hang out. Leadership isn’t about being in front—it’s about bringing others with you.

Junior hockey is demanding. Injuries, slumps, and pressure are real. Be the teammate who notices when someone’s struggling and offers support. Care about your team’s success, your teammates’ well-being, and your own development. When players care deeply, they play harder and bond stronger. Friendship strengthens teams. Loyalty means standing by your teammates, defending them, and being there when it matters most.

Love isn’t just emotion—it’s action. Show love by sacrificing, supporting, and celebrating your team. When players love their team, they play with heart. Sacrifice ice time, personal stats, or comfort for the good of the team. Block shots, take hits, and play your role. Champions are built on sacrifice. Legacy matters. Whether you’re aging out or moving up, leave a mark. Mentor younger players, uphold standards, and build a culture that lasts.

As coaches, we must go beyond drills and systems. We must teach values. These principles aren’t just motivational—they’re transformational. Integrate them into your daily coaching. Start practice with a character focus—a short talk or quote. Recognize great teammates publicly, not just great players. Create leadership groups that model these behaviors. Hold team discussions about what it means to be a teammate. Use video and storytelling to highlight examples of selflessness and grit.

When players understand that being a great teammate leads to being a great player, they unlock a deeper level of performance. Teams become tighter, more resilient, and more successful. Junior hockey is a crucible for growth. It’s where young athletes learn not just how to play the game, but how to live with integrity, humility, and purpose. By teaching players to be better teammates, we prepare them for more than just the next level—we prepare them for life.

So, challenge your players to sweat more, complain less, and care deeply. Build a team where every player lifts the others. Because in hockey, as in life, the best teammates make the best teams.