The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter: PRESSURE POINTS

Hello Players and Families, 

This is one of the most intense stretches of the hockey calendar. Junior leagues are in the thick of playoff battles, with championships and futures on the line. At the same time, youth hockey is entering tryout season, where players are fighting for roster spots, positioning themselves for advancement, and—let’s be honest—trying to prove they belong.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 14 or 20—pressure is pressure, and right now, everyone is feeling it. 

For Junior players, every shift in the playoffs matters. One bad game could end a season. One great moment could earn you a conversation with a college coach, a new contract, or a bigger opportunity next year. For youth players, tryouts bring a different kind of weight—skating under the watchful eyes of evaluators while trying not to make “the mistake” that costs them a spot.

But here’s the truth: No great hockey career has ever been built on the absence of pressure. It’s built on how a player responds to it.

The players who rise to the top aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones who can perform when it matters. Playoffs and tryouts are tests of more than skill. They test:

-Focus when everything’s on the line.

-Composure when mistakes happen.

-Resilience when the odds aren’t in your favor.

-And awareness—because coaches are watching not just how you play, but how you carry yourself.

This is your stage. If you’re in a Junior playoff right now, understand that this is where real evaluations happen. It’s easy to look good in October. But can you elevate your game when it’s do-or-die? That’s what coaches want to see. You don’t have to be perfect—you have to be reliable, coachable, and engaged every single shift. 

Tryouts aren’t about being flashy—they’re about being consistent, disciplined, and smart. Coaches can spot when a player is forcing things. They can also spot the player who supports teammates, listens to feedback, and never takes a shift off. Make your presence felt without trying to be the hero every time you touch the puck.

-Control What You Can– You can’t control the coaches, the other players, or the final decision. You can control your effort, your focus, and your attitude.

-Slow it Down– Breathe. Re-center between shifts or drills. Calm minds perform better than frantic ones.

-Stick to Your Identity– Know who you are as a player. Don’t reinvent yourself during playoffs or tryouts. Lean into your strengths and stay within your game.

-Treat It Like an Opportunity, Not a Judgment– This isn’t about proving you're perfect. It's about showing who you are, how you compete, and what kind of teammate you’ll be.

Whether you’re playing for a championship or trying to earn a roster spot, know this: pressure doesn’t break players—it reveals them.

So embrace the challenge. Welcome the nerves. Use the adrenaline. This is what you train for.

And no matter the outcome, how you handle this moment will shape what comes next.

For the players,

Mike 

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Freshman players across NCAA Division I men's hockey made significant impacts during the 2024–25 season. Boston University's defenseman Cole Hutson led all freshmen with 48 points, showcasing his offensive prowess from the blue line. Michigan forward Michael Hage earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, tallying 34 points in 33 games. Denver's defenseman Zeev Buium stood out with 48 points and was named NCHC Player of the Year. Boston College goaltender Jacob Fowler posted a 25–7–2 record with a 1.63 GAA, earning the Mike Richter Award as the nation's top goalie. These standout freshmen not only led their teams but also set the stage for promising collegiate careers.​

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Norwich University has appointed alumnus Dominick Dawes as the 12th head coach in its men's hockey program's 116-year history. Dawes, who contributed to Norwich's 2003 national championship as a player, returns after a successful nine-year tenure at Stevenson University, where he led the Mustangs to five MAC titles and their first NCAA tournament appearance. Previously, he guided Neumann to a national championship in 2009 and was named AHCA National Division III Coach of the Year. Dawes aims to uphold and build upon Norwich's tradition of excellence as the team transitions to the Little East Conference in the 2025-26 season.​

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The USHL has announced Will Zellers (Green Bay Gamblers), Ryker Lee (Madison Capitols), and Giacomo Martino (Sioux City Musketeers) as the 2024–25 Forward of the Year finalists. Zellers, a Colorado Avalanche prospect, led the league with 42 goals and 81 points. Lee, a Michigan State commit, topped the league in assists with 53 and was second in points at 80. Martino, committed to Boston University, recorded 38 goals and 79 points, ranking third in both categories. All three players were instrumental in their teams' offensive success throughout the season.​

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All eight Divisional Semi-Final series in the NAHL are underway, featuring intense battles across the league. Maryland shut out Maine 2-0 to tie the series, while Chippewa beat Wisconsin 3-0 with a 34-save performance by Devin Shakar. Rochester, Minot, Corpus Christi, and Lone Star took 2-0 series leads, showing early dominance. Johnstown tied its series with a 3-2 win over New Jersey, and Anchorage evened its matchup against Kenai River 2-1. Standout goaltending and clutch scoring defined the night.

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The Valleyfield Braves became the first CJHL team to qualify for the 2024 Centennial Cup by winning the LHJAAAQ championship. They secured the title with a 3-1 series victory over Terrebonne, capped by a 5-3 Game 4 win. This marks Valleyfield’s first league title since 1999. Goaltender Félix-Anthony Ethier was named playoff MVP after posting a 12-2 record. The Braves now await the national stage in Oakville, aiming to continue their strong postseason momentum.

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Players and families, we want to hear from you. If there are any questions, concerns, or if you just want to have a conversation, please feel free to contact us directly. We want to hear from you. Good Luck and Great Hockey!

 

Thank you,

Team VHC

 

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