START OF THE SEASON MINDSET Set the Tone Early and Lead the Right Way

The start of the season is a big deal. Whether you’re new to junior hockey or coming back for another year, how you show up in the first few weeks matters. It’s not just about your stats or your gear—it’s about your attitude, your effort, and how you help shape the team around you. This is your chance to set the tone, earn respect, and build something that lasts all season long.

One of the biggest things players get wrong early on is shift length. Let’s be clear: long shifts hurt your team. When you stay out too long, trying to conserve energy or waiting for the “perfect moment,” your legs slow down, your brain fogs up, and your team becomes vulnerable. The best teams run on short, high-energy shifts—30 to 45 seconds of full effort. That’s when you’re sharp, explosive, and making smart decisions. Anything longer, and you’re just surviving out there. You’re not helping your team—you’re dragging it down.

Think about it: when you’re tired, you stop moving your feet, you lose battles, and you make lazy plays. That’s when turnovers happen. That’s when goals get scored against. Coaches notice. Teammates notice. And if you’re trying to be a leader, this is where it starts. Leaders take smart shifts. They give everything they’ve got, then get off and let the next guy go to work. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you build momentum.

Before the season gets rolling, take time to get your mind right. Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Visualization—imagining how you want things to go—is a tool used by top athletes. Picture yourself winning puck battles, making clean passes, and staying calm under pressure. Think about how you’ll respond when things get tough. Will you panic, or will you reset and refocus? Practicing these mental reps helps you stay sharp when the real moments hit.

This kind of mindset isn’t just for games. Use it before practices, team meetings, and workouts. Ask yourself: how do I want to show up today? Am I focused? Am I bringing energy? Am I helping my teammates get better? These questions help you build habits that carry through the season.

Setting goals is another key part of starting strong. Don’t just hope for a good year—plan for it. Set goals that push you. There are two types to think about: outcome goals and process goals. Outcome goals are the big ones—make the playoffs, get noticed by scouts, win a championship. They’re exciting, but they’re not always in your control. Process goals are different. They’re about what you do every day—improving your backcheck, winning more faceoffs, being more vocal on the bench. These are the goals that build your game and your confidence.

Break your goals into short-term and long-term. What do you want to accomplish this week? This month? By the end of the season? Tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and shows coaches that you’re serious about getting better.

Now let’s talk about adaptability. The start of the season doesn’t always go the way you expect. Maybe your line isn’t clicking. Maybe your role isn’t what you hoped for. That’s okay. What matters is how you respond. Stay flexible. Keep working. Focus on growth. Every shift is a chance to improve. Every practice is a chance to earn more trust. Coaches love players who adjust, stay positive, and keep grinding.

Your support system matters too. Junior hockey is tough. You’ll face pressure, competition, and change. Lean on your coaches, teammates, and family. Ask questions. Listen to feedback. Be coachable. Build strong relationships with the guys in the room. Help each other through the ups and downs. That’s what good teams do.

And if you want to lead, start in the locker room. Leadership isn’t about wearing a letter—it’s about how you act. Show up early. Be ready. Stay positive. Encourage your teammates. Own your mistakes. Be consistent. Leaders don’t take shortcuts. They set the standard. They bring energy when others are tired. They speak up when something’s off. They lead by example.

Setting the tone in the locker room starts with your shift habits. If you’re taking long, lazy shifts, you’re sending the wrong message. If you’re giving everything you’ve got for 30–45 seconds and getting off, you’re showing your team that you care. You’re showing that you trust your teammates to do their job. That’s leadership. That’s culture.

Parents play a role too. Talk with them about your goals and your mindset. Ask them how they’ve handled pressure and new beginnings in their own lives. Learn from their experiences. These conversations help you stay grounded and focused.

Here are a few questions to think about: How do you mentally prepare for the excitement and nerves of a new season? What helps you stay focused and confident? What kind of teammate do you want to be? What kind of leader do you want to become?

Starting strong isn’t about scoring on your first shift or being the fastest guy on the ice. It’s about showing up with purpose, giving full effort, and helping your team succeed. Junior hockey is a grind. It’s physical, mental, and emotional. But if you commit to short, high-energy shifts, stay adaptable, and lead the right way, you’ll set the tone for a season that builds your game and your character.