What Are The Attributes Of A Person Playing Hockey?

What Are the Attributes of a Person Playing Hockey?

May 26, 2011 | By Steve Silverman

The desire to become a top hockey player may become a part of your makeup the first time you step on the ice with a stick in your hand. To achiever your goals, you must build your skill level by working on your skating ability and balance on the ice. Your ability to withstand punishment and demonstrate ahtleticism will help give you play the game with enthusiasm

Balance

Hockey players need to have outstanding balance on the ice because the flow of the play can change in an instant. A player can be skating up ice with the puck and pass it to a teammate who loses the puck to his opponent. Changing directions quickly to keep up with the play is vital.

Toughness

There is little disputing that hockey players exhibit their toughness on a daily basis. In a 2010 Stanley Cup playoff game, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was hit by a puck in the mouth. He was wearing a helmet but not a face mask. The puck knocked out seven of Keith's teeth. He went into the dressing room for immediate repairs, and after an assessment by the medical staff, Keith went back out on the ice. This did not surprise hockey players or hockey fans, who witness dozens of examples of toughness every season.

Athleticism

The athleticism needed to play hockey is nothing short of extraordinary. The ability to accelerate to full speed, stop, skate backwards, pass the puck, shoot the puck, receive the puck and anticipate plays is crucial. Doing all of that well separates most players from those who can't compete at a high level.

Confidence

Top-level hockey players bring a dynamic sense of self-confidence to the ice with them. To be able to go out on the ice, control the puck, know where teammates and opponents are positioned and then make a positive play takes self-confidence. Knowing that your opponent is looking to separate you from the puck, and still being able to make the play, generates more confidence. The same holds when a player can shoot a puck hard, watch it fly past the goaltender and make the net bulge.