I love hockey. I love everything about it. I love the skill, the toughness, the teamwork, and the heart. I love how, as Canadians, hockey is in our blood, and people around the world think of Canada synonymously with the game. I take great pride in and am very appreciative of working in such a great game. I love it.
One thing I do not love though, is the growing belief and culture that you have to pay to be great. Is there a monetary commitment to hockey that is on average higher than most other sports? Yes. Does this mean you have to remortgage your house to be the best? No. If you are a player who has aspirations of playing hockey at the next level, whatever that next level might be — AA, AAA, high school, junior, college, or pro — there will be a cost. You will pay for it in blood, sweat, commitment, and effort. If you do that, they will find you. I promise you.
The game of hockey has never been as globally accessible as it is now. There are cameras in almost every rink. I work with scouts and player development personnel who will tell you that if you are good, they will find you no matter where you are. If you do not have the financial means to go to the most expensive academy or train at the fanciest facility, do not worry. I promise you, those opportunities do not define success. There are lots of affordable resources out there to help you improve. Block out all the noise. Do not worry about where this person goes or what program or team other people are on. Focus strictly on what is under your control. The main thing being your own effort. Your effort is always 100 percent under your control at all times. It directly affects everything you do: training, eating, sleeping, preparation, practices, games — everything. Always give your best. Your best may look different from day to day, but whatever you have that day, give it. Your effort is the ultimate equalizer in the equation to being successful. If your financial situation does not afford you certain opportunities, eliminate the deficit by working as hard as you can every single chance you get.
At the end of the day, your effort is going to be a greater predictor of your success than anything else. If you are an athlete reading this right now and worried about the culture of “keeping up with the Joneses”, rip this article out and hang it on your wall as a reminder that all of that is just noise. Block it out by focusing on yourself. Do not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. They are only speaking from their experience. Their experience is not your experience. Create your own. Like the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley states, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Until next time,
Strength, Courage, Hustle, Commitment
AJ Zeglen
