The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter:  BREAKING THE WALL

Dear Players and Families,

October is behind us, and for many players, the momentum they started the season with feels like it’s beginning to fade. The energy of training camp is gone. The adrenaline of opening weekend has worn off. Lines have settled, roles have been assigned, and a quiet grind has taken over. This is the point in the season where some players push forward, and others hit The October Wall.

It’s a real thing. We see it every year. Players who came out of the gate flying suddenly stall. Their confidence dips. They stop producing. They start overthinking. Practices feel repetitive. Ice time shrinks. They convince themselves that maybe this just isn’t their year. That’s the danger. Not the plateau itself, but the belief that it’s permanent.

So why does it happen?

Because the season is long, and the brain gets tired before the body does. The structure, the pressure, and the expectations settle in. Instead of rising to meet them, many players fall into survival mode. They stop competing and start coping. They show up, but they stop standing out. They wait for opportunity instead of creating it. And once that mindset takes hold, the season slips away without a moment that ever really felt like progress.

But here’s the truth: plateaus are normal, and they are beatable.

The players who break through this wall are the ones who recognize it early. They don’t pretend nothing’s wrong, and they don’t wait for someone else to fix it. They lean in. They double down on the habits that built their early success and sharpen the ones that were holding them back. They ask questions. They take feedback seriously. They find small wins in film, in training, and in attitude. They chase momentum, not minutes.

So, what can you do right now?

Start your own film review.Don’t wait for coaches to point it out. Watch your last few games. Find the shifts where you were effective. Find the ones where you disappeared. Look for patterns.Set a short-term focus.What are you improving this week? Not in theory, but in action. Whether it’s faceoff wins, better stick position, or quicker feet, set one goal and attack it.Control what you can.Nutrition, sleep, lifting, hydration, mindset, and habits. These aren’t just clichés. They are competitive advantages that can reset a season.Get back to details.Are you finishing your routes? Calling for pucks? Keeping your stick on the ice? Competing every rep in practice? That’s where coaches look first.Ask for a check-in.Reach out to your coach. Ask for honest feedback. Show that you want to grow, not coast. Most players never ask, so when you do, it stands out.

The season didn’t end in October. But if you stop pushing now, you might not be in the conversation by December. This is the moment to recommit. Not just to being on the team, but to being a player who is getting better every single day.

You’re not stuck. You’re standing at the wall. What you do next determines whether you stop here or break through.

Stay strong,

Mike

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Parents are demanding accountability after the Bold City Battalion, a Jacksonville-based junior hockey team in the USPHL, folded just weeks into its season. Families allege mismanagement under new owners Chris and Rhea Reaves, citing unfulfilled promises of housing, food, and coaching support despite steep tuition and billet fees. Players were placed in overcrowded Airbnbs without adequate meals. The USPHL has since intervened to reassign players, while families seek refunds and transparency amid claims of contractual violations and financial neglect.

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USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 team is embracing a demanding schedule that includes 18 matchups against NCAA Division I and III opponents. Facing elite programs like Western Michigan and Notre Dame, players are learning to adapt to faster, more physical play while refining their skills under pressure. These high-level games serve as a developmental benchmark, helping athletes transition toward college hockey by emphasizing growth, discipline, and preparation for the next level.

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Following the NCAA's 2024 decision allowing CHL players in Division I men’s hockey, College Hockey Inc. has shifted its mission from protecting eligibility to guiding players across all junior leagues toward NCAA opportunities. Executive Director Sean Hogan now works closely with CHL leadership, emphasizing academic support and recruitment education. With expanded cooperation and growing interest from Canadian families, College Hockey Inc. is also pushing for program expansion, backed by NHL support, to meet the rising demand for college hockey pathways.

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The Humboldt Broncos extended their winning streak to seven games with a 4-1 victory over the Kindersley Klippers, capping a weekend sweep in the SJHL’s Nutrien Division. Goals from Jeter Korte, Rylan Hue (twice), and Brayden Skogstad secured the win, while goalie Charlie Tritt posted 20 saves to move to 11-2. Jacob Strizzi notched his 200th CJHL point and extended his point streak to 15 games, helping Humboldt solidify first place in the league standings.

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The BCHL will host its 2026 All-Star Weekend at the new Thompson Family Arena in Spruce Grove, Alberta, from Jan. 16 to 18. Marking the league’s Alberta debut for the event, the showcase will feature top BCHL talent alongside players from the VIJHL and JPHL. The Spruce Grove Saints, in their second BCHL season, will serve as hosts. The event promises a fresh format, community celebration, and a dynamic fan experience in the state-of-the-art venue.

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The Spruce Grove Saints will host the 2026 BCHL All-Star Game from January 16-18 at the new 1,665-seat Thompson Family Arena, marking the league’s first All-Star event in Alberta. Now in their second BCHL season, the Saints will showcase the league’s top talent alongside participation from the VIJHL and JPHL. League officials praised the venue and community support, promising a fan-focused experience with an updated format and expanded festivities celebrating junior hockey excellence.

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Shane Soderwall’s ascent to NCAA Division I hockey with Clarkson University is a testament to perseverance. The 23-year-old goaltender climbed through the NA3HL, NAHL, and Division III ranks, where he earned national honors at Curry College before transferring. Notably, he recorded a 36-save upset over No. 4 Penn State early this season. Known for his calm presence, Soderwall credits consistent effort, mental strength, and strong family support for his remarkable path to collegiate success.

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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