The Mental Edge: Enhancing Performance and Overcoming Challenges in Hockey 🥅
Dec 21, 2023
The Mental Edge: How to Build Unstoppable Confidence in Hockey
Featuring Sean Goodsell | The Hockey Journey Podcast Ep. 94
🧠 Key Takeaways: Training Your Brain
- It's Not Just Physical: As you get older, everyone is fast. The players who succeed are the ones who are mentally tough.
- Sports Save Lives: Coach Sean used sports to overcome anxiety and hard times growing up.
- Rest is Training: Taking time off after the season helps you reset and play better next year.
- Write it Down: Keeping a "Hockey Journal" is a secret weapon for tracking your goals.
We spend hours practicing slap shots, crossovers, and toe drags. But how much time do you spend practicing what happens inside your helmet?
In Episode 94 of the Hockey Journey Podcast, we sat down with Sean Goodsell from The Mental Edge. Sean is a high-performance coach who helps athletes turn their anxiety into confidence.
Whether you are battling a slump or just want to take your game to the next level, Sean’s story proves that the strongest muscle you have is your brain.
Who is Sean Goodsell?
Sean grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, and life wasn't always easy. He faced some tough family challenges and battled anxiety and depression as a teenager.
But Sean found a safe place: Sports.
Whether it was hockey, basketball, or football, the game became his escape. Through sports, he found coaches and mentors who believed in him when he didn't believe in himself. Today, he uses those same lessons to help young players like you overcome fear and doubt.
Why is "Mental Skill" important for hockey?
Sean believes that most players ignore the mental side of the game until they hit a wall. But you shouldn't wait until you are struggling to start training your mind.
The "Mental Edge" Toolkit
Just like you have a bag of pucks for practice, you need a bag of mental tools. Sean recommends focusing on:
- Goal Setting: Knowing exactly what you want to achieve this season.
- Visualization: Closing your eyes and "seeing" yourself make the perfect pass or save.
- Self-Talk: Changing the voice in your head from "I can't do this" to "I am ready for this."
How can I improve my mental game today?
You don't need a gym to get mentally strong. Here are two things Sean suggests every youth player should do:
1. The Power of Journaling 📝
It sounds like homework, but it works. Get a notebook and write down:
- What went well in practice today?
- What made me frustrated?
- What is my main goal for tomorrow?
Writing it down gets the thoughts out of your head so you can play freely.
2. The "Rest & Reset" Rule 🛌
When the winter season ends, take a break! Sean advises taking a few weeks off to rest and recover.
Use this time to reflect on your season. If you don't let your brain and body recover, you'll burn out before the next season even starts.
Ready to train your body and your mind?
Success in hockey isn't just about physical skill; it's about having the confidence to use those skills when the game is on the line.
If you are ready to build the skills that give you confidence, check out our Elite-Weekly Online Hockey Training Drills. We combine physical drills with the structure you need to become a smarter, better player.
About Coach Lance
Lance Pitlick is a former NHL defenseman (Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers) and founder of Online Hockey Training. He helps players worldwide build elite stickhandling, stronger shots, and greater confidence through structured off-ice training programs and tools.