Pressure usually means you care. The goal is not to never feel pressure. The goal is to know what to do when it shows up. Breathe. Slow the moment down. Control the next action. Today’s question: When do you feel the most pressure?

They give you information. Bad shift? Information .Missed shot? Information Got beat? Information. Lost confidence? Information. The best athletes do not avoid mistakes. They learn faster from them. Today’s question: What is one mistake that taught you something?

AA Tier 2 Tryout Weekend: Maverick Mindset This weekend, athletes across California and beyond are stepping into AA Tier 2 tryouts. Remember: you are not there to prove your worth. You are there to show your work. Control what you can control: your effort, attitude, body language, compete level, and response after mistakes. A Maverick does not chase perfection. A Maverick prepares, competes, resets, and keeps going. Michael Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Go into the weekend with confidence. One drill, one shift, one moment at a time. Go compete. Go grow. Go be a Maverick. Side Quest: Prepare Like a Maverick Before tryouts, take 5 minutes and write down: 3 things you can control6 words that describe the player you want to be9 deep breaths before you walk into the rink Then say this to yourself: “I am prepared. I am present. I am ready.”

There's one thing that every player's game revolves around: confidence. It's the difference between having a bank account full of money that you can't access versus having one that you can open as you please, so this poses the question. Why do players struggle with confidence? There are three answers you can find, and it's very easy to narrow it down. One, you're just not good enough. You're at a tryout, on a team, at a showcase, and you see the other players dominate or outshine you, and maybe you have the skillset to showcase your own superiority, or you don't. Why is this the case? Why do I say this? It's very simple. Every player in every competitive sport is playing to outperform their competitor. If you internally know that you aren't good enough, it because it's true! A AAA player will never let a A level hockey player outwork, outplay, or control their game. It's pride, purpose, and humility. It's a sign of respect to the opponent. A sign that you are better, you know you're better, and it's the strong foundation that lays out a space for your confidence to stand tall and unshakable regardless of circumstance.

Real talk: What usually gets in your head the most? A) mistakes B) pressure before games C) comparing yourself D) coach feedback E) confidence swings Comment the letter 👇