In some sports where one athlete dominates the game, which can thrust them into stardom, people often fear that the professional will grow an ego.
But there’s no need to worry about that with hockey players – those athletes stay grounded.
Hockey still hones players to develop essential work ethic traits – attributes that can be useful in and out of the rink.
But what do these hockey players learn by playing the sport?
Matthew Blaisdell of PA delves into the world of hockey – to find out why most of them are “beauticians” in their own right.
Hockey Players Are Disciplined
In hockey, a beautician (or beauty) is a player admired by the fans because of their talent – but they’re also well-liked by their teammates due to their personality. That said, a beautician wouldn’t receive their much-deserved recognition without their discipline.
Just like most sports, players undergo intense training.
One hour of playing? That requires excellent cardio conditioning.
But exercise wouldn’t be as effective without a proper diet. Therefore, hockey players also have to control their eating habits – they know there’s a time to indulge. And pre-game isn’t the time for that.
Discipline, however, isn’t the only trait that makes athletes commendable.
They Take Accountability
People may have their favorite teams, but generally, all sports are unpredictable – as several things could go wrong. Injuries, for instance, can affect the game. And most of the time, in hockey, injured players are willing to take accountability for how the game turned out.
Even if it’s not their fault, they still feel responsible for their team losing – they won’t blame others, nor they will make excuses. They’ll just apologize and promise to do better in the future.
And their unwillingness to give up brings us to another valuable trait they possess.
Hockey Players Possess Excellent Leadership
True leaders serve as a backbone for their team – and they’ll ensure that they properly guide them.
In an article by Ben Levesque (BuiltforHockey.com founder and The Hockey Sense Handbook author), he stated that the crucial traits of hockey leaders are: they motivate their teammates, they lead by example, and they have integrity.
And everybody can agree on that.
While in some cases (or sports), a coach or captain’s tough love can empower an athlete, hockey players rely on support from their teammates and their leaders. Because, yes, everyone can do better – but it doesn’t mean that what the athlete is doing isn’t good enough.
After all, leaders lead – not bully.
With regards to a leader’s support for their team, they’re also just as supportive – as a teammate.
They Value Teamwork
In hockey, whenever one player sees the opportunity for a drop pass, they won’t hesitate to do that – as other team members are just as talented. And they’re also just as capable of netting.
This simple acknowledgment of another player’s talent also shows that a player trusts that wherever they leave the puck, they’re sure that one of their teammates will assist them in the goal.
But the technicalities of the hockey strategies are often complicated – and game plans are exclusive to the team. Nonetheless, everyone there relies on each other. Because a goal isn’t solely for the goal scorer or coach to celebrate – but for the whole team.
Summary
In an era where athletes can gain a following for displaying outrageous behavior, the hockey world remains courteous – to themselves, their teammates, and the people who believe in them.
Because playing hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a valuable life experience to improve the human psyche.