A presentation discussing developmental and transitional challenges that face collegiate and minor league hockey players. Sport psychology consultant perspectives and experiences shared.

1. Journey to the Big Leagues:Consulting in Hockey Adam H. Naylor www.bu.edu/aec North Atlantic Sport Psychology Conference 2011 Temple University

2. Paths Towards the NHL College Hockey CHL ECHL AHL College Hockey CHL – Major Jr Europe

3. Cases for Consideration Note: All players had aspirations beyond first pro contract.

5. The Challenge of Change Time of inner conflict Give up stuff – separation and loss Consider wishes and possibilities for future Big questions – meaning and commitment Balancing patience with passionate persistence. In life, transitional periods take 4-5 years… to get to the “next level in hockey” a player rarely has that long to adjust.

6. Integration: Transitional Ends A transitional period comes to an end not when one is at the top of a new level of play, but rather when questions and explorations are no longer stressful and urgent. The player is fully committed to taking on practicing, competing, and embracing at this new level of play.

7. Stages of Minor League Success Think Freshman fall

8. Adjusting to New “Game” and New Liftestyle

9. Separation From teammates Facebook, Twitter, texting, and phone are good Tough to replace sitting around in dorms From friends Slapshot vs. Wall Street

10. Business of Sport Contracts Details can never come to soon 1 way vs. 2 way Filling a spot vs. stepping towards the next level Team needs “Settling” happens Trades Developmental communications Big club vs. Minor league affiliate Future too often seem vague

12. Supports

13. Frustrations

14. TeachersShared goals is an ideal, goal disunity the reality.

15. The Minor League Culture Few shared goals “Selfish” approach Little team End destination for some Culturally diverse Anglos, Euros, Russians, French Easy culture for a young man to enjoy Not a culture of intellectualism

16. Physical Factors Length of season For college guys Injury Roadblocks to playing time and rapid advancement Taking care of body Rest and recovery 3 days back to back Travel

17. Day to Day Playing Playing time Dramatic changes without communication Role on team PP, PK Style of play preferences Conservative vs. Aggressive Coach feedback Level of play “This is one step above beer league hockey.” “AHL hockey isn’t tough for me.”

18. Athletic Performance Confidence in self is rarely lacking

19. Shifting Out of Neutral Re-finding focus “How are you doing?” “Are you taking care of your stuff?” “Will you be a better player at the end of the season?” An open ear at the end of the phone line Develop acceptance without contentment Mental skills education when necessary

20. Concluding Thoughts Things change quickly Challenge without disempowering “It’s o.k.” “I’m o.k.” Flying blind – easy to feel helpless Its about athletes desires, values, etc. Most in environment want to be somewhere else Counseling skills are needed Persistence is o.k.

21. Thank You Adam H. Naylor, Ed.D., AASP-CC www.bu.edu/aec @ahnaylor