Goal setting for Summer

Summer is coming sooner than we think and the preparation for what we want it to look like starts now. We talk with a lot of players wanting to achieve big goals over the summer to prepare for the fall and winter seasons. However, too often we see missed opportunities and let downs come the end of summer. If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for an amazing and productive summer of hockey.

1.     Connect with a coach or a strength and conditioning trainer to help assess the most important areas to build on both physically and mentally this off season.

a.     Asking for feedback from your coach shows a level of professionalism and drive that is most always appreciated and welcomed.

2.     Assess your level at BASELINE of where you are currently at with that skill or level of strength.

a.     Example: I can currently do 12 pushups in a row without stopping and breaking form.

3.     Once you have a good understanding of areas of growth, make them even more SPECIFIC.

a.     For example, rather than saying “get stronger arms” say, “Increase the number of pushups I can do by 5 reps each week for a total of 8 weeks.”

4.     Be STRAGEGIC with how you are going to obtain the results on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and make a commitment.

a.     Example: I will do 3 sets of 10 pushups 6 days per week.

5.     Put a TIMELINE on when you want to accomplish your goal with at least one midpoint assessment (use video or an accountability partner to assess and measure).

a.     Example: “I will be able to complete 40 pushups without stopping or breaking form by August 15th, 2024. My mid-way assessment will be July 15th, and I will be able to complete 20 pushups without stopping or breaking form.”

6.     CELEBRATE your progress along the way rather than just looking at how far away your end goal is.

Adding in a bit of planning and preparing for your summer training can take your game to the next level and have you going into your next season confident and ready to go.

What is Sport Psychology? Could it benefit my child?

Sport and performance psychology helps athletes, coaches, parents, teams and others within the athletic community learn skills and knowledge to optimize performance on and off the ice, and improve the wellbeing of players.

Sport psychology uses science-based principles that can immediately be used to enhance and support those within the hockey community. We see athletes as young as 5 years old and well into their 60s. From youth, juniors, collegiate, and professional levels of hockey, we are ready to support you at any skill level. We can work with players one on one, in small group leadership settings, teams, coaching staff, parents of players, and board of directors/GMs. Dr. Allie Wagener and Katie Peterson, MA have extensive knowledge of hockey and what it takes to get the most out of the game while still enjoying the process is something that sets us apart from the rest.

Mental training is on a continuum - we work with people experiencing mental health barriers to those that are wanting to elevate their game to the next level. Common topics and ways we can help include but are not limited to the following:

• Fear of making mistakes

• Lack of confidence/self-doubt

• Difficulty with coaches and/or teammates

• Lack of enjoyment with hockey

• Support with the recruitment process

• Transition to the next level (Juniors/college/professional)

• Efficient communication

• Perfectionistic thinking

• Playing under pressure

• Leadership skills

Training our minds is just as important as working on our on ice skills or dryland training. We have found that the players,, coaches and parents that work on the mental side of hockey are at the top 1% and also report enjoying their experience in hockey more than those that do not. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Allie to set up an initial consultation. You can also learn more tools and tips through our social accounts -

We hope to hear from you soon.