KNEE-jerk
Reaction time in hockey isn’t just about being quick — it’s a chain of skills under pressure. From spotting the ball or puck early to making split‑second decisions and executing with precision, every link matters. Age inevitably reshapes these abilities, but the science shows they can be trained. Vision, cognition, neuromuscular speed, and movement economy all offer levers to keep performance sharp
get AROUSED
Arousal is the invisible accelerator of performance — the physiological and psychological ignition that can propel athletes into peak states or derail them entirely. From heart rate and cortisol surges to the subtle distractions of mobile notifications and multimedia overload, athletes rarely step onto the field at a neutral baseline. The challenge for coaches and players is not whether arousal exists, but how to regulate it: keeping activation within the individual’s optimal zone so that energy sharpens focus rather than fragments it. Contemporary sport science shows that unmanaged arousal amplifies anxiety, impairs decision‑making, and erodes fine motor control, while tailored routines, mindfulness cues, and digital hygiene can transform it into a competitive advantage.
Wipe the Floor with Cliques
Cliques are not trivial — they are psychosocial defense mechanisms born of insecurity. In all levels of hockey including masters they are a skidmark on the laundry of the game. Left unchecked, they corrode trust, damage outsiders, and drag down performance. Leaders must deliberately dismantle exclusivity and replace it with inclusive structures, rituals, and norms that make belonging universal.