Appendix B – Pressures and Distractions for Junior Hockey Players
The pressures and distractions that Junior Hockey Players face can affect them emotionally and affect their focus, motivation and self-confidence. These pressures and distractions can include but are not limited to:
MOVING
- moving away from parents, siblings, extended family, girlfriends, pets, friends, home, routines, favourite foods, possessions
- moving to a new billet home with new billet parents, siblings, extended family, pets, routines, food, house rules, expectations
- attending a new school with new teachers, curriculum, classmates, expectations, rules
- being away from home during family crisis such as illness, divorce, other family issues
- moving from another country or continent, cultural differences, language, expectations
HOCKEY
- increased level of competition for spot on team, ice time, place on specific line
- increased expectations from coaches, teammates, parents, agents, friends
- learning new skills, plays, routines
- fitting in with new team, making friends off-ice
- learning how to deal with injuries, trades,
- getting used to hockey becoming a business not just a game for fun
- tough schedule, road trips, trouble sleeping in hotel rooms
SPOTLIGHT
- attention and opinions from fans, media, agents, NHL teams
- learning to become role models
- getting used to lack of privacy, being recognized in public and keeping things in perspective
- getting used to not being in spotlight, if were top player or fan favourite in lower leagues
- public appearances for bigger crowds, more often
SOCIAL
- setting priorities when considering social events, girls, friends etc
DRAFT
- Pre-draft -added pressures from NHL teams, increased expectations, media, family prior to draft
- Post draft (if drafted)- increased expectations and attention from media, NHL teams, family
- Post-draft (not drafted) – disappointment, decisions regarding future, depression