The Power of Positive Leadership: A Modern Hockey Coach's Philosophy

In today's hockey world, I often hear veteran coaches say, "They don't make them like they used to," referring to players' mental and physical toughness. And you know what? They're right. I experienced this firsthand during my Junior hockey days when my coach made this exact observation to our team. The truth is, players today are different – and that's precisely why our coaching methods need to evolve. While I absolutely wish all kids came with built-in mental toughness, the reality is that times change, players change, and most importantly – coaching methods must change to meet them where they are.

Let me share a simple but powerful analogy that transformed my coaching approach:

Think about training a dog (stay with me here – I'm not comparing players to pets, but the psychology is universal). When you reward a dog with treats for good behavior, they'll come running back eagerly, time and time again. But if you punish them every time they approach, they'll eventually stop coming altogether.

The same principle applies to coaching young athletes. When players make mistakes – and they will – how we respond shapes their future responses to adversity. If we constantly "beat them up" over every minor error, guess what happens when they face real challenges? They won't turn to us for guidance or support.

Instead, I've discovered that positive reinforcement creates an environment where:

Players learn 95% faster

They genuinely want to improve

They trust their coaches

They enjoy coming to practice and games

They become more resilient in the face of challenges

But here's the key insight: Every player is unique. Some need more discipline, others need more encouragement. Our job as coaches isn't just to master the X's and O's of hockey – it's to become students of our players' individual needs and personalities.

Parents often tell me their kids love playing on my team. It's not luck, and it's certainly not a secret. It's about understanding that our role as coaches extends beyond teaching hockey skills. We're motivational speakers, mentors, and guides who need to adapt our approach for each player we lead.

The modern player doesn't respond to the "old school" approach of constant criticism. By embracing positive reinforcement while maintaining appropriate discipline, we create an environment where players thrive, develop, and most importantly, maintain their love for the game.

Thank you to all the players, parents, and fellow coaches who have been part of my journey. Every player who has stepped onto the ice with me has taught me something valuable about coaching, leadership, and the importance of positive reinforcement. Your trust in my methods and your willingness to embrace this approach has validated what I've always believed – that we can develop strong, skilled, and mentally tough hockey players while maintaining their joy for the game. To my fellow coaches: remember that your words and actions have the power to shape not just athletes, but young people who will carry these lessons far beyond the rink. Keep learning, keep adapting, and most importantly, keep encouraging.

Grant Sikich

NH Selects

Director of Player Development