Hockey, the fastest game on two legs, is a physically and mentally taxing sport. Excelling at the professional level requires a combination of both on-ice and off-ice qualities. On the ice, a professional hockey player is expected to be physically powerful, nimble on his skates and focused. Off the ice, he is expected to be gracious, respectful, and humble in the face of praise or criticism.
Physical Qualities
Hockey is first and foremost a physical game. Brutal body checks and the occasional fist fight are both aspects of the game. But, for the professional player, these are aspects that require being in top physical condition. According to his sports agency's website, Casey Kesselring, director of hockey operations for Total Sports Management, said, "If you are big and you can skate, you should have a shot [at a career in the NHL]."
Passion
While being able to suffer the physical brutality of the game is key, what drives most professional hockey players is that intangible attribute: passion. According to an interview conducted by Paul Grant at ESPN.com, Al MacInnis, a 13-time All Star and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, said, "I think the difference maker is what you want to get out of the game -- your love and passion and commitment bring you a long way. If you look around the Hall of Fame today, all of those guys have those characteristics." This passion is what drives professional players to train hard and play even harder.
Respect
Physical power, speed, and passion seem to bring professional hockey players to the pinnacle of their sport. But what separates the average players from the captains and Hall of Famers is respect. Pat Quinn, a former player and coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs, was quoted in an interview with Paul Grant at ESPN.com as saying, "The biggest thing I think is you have to have the respect of your teammates, and that starts with showing them respect." Respect for teammates, the game -- and even the referees -- is a key quality of professional players.
Off the Ice
Being a professional hockey player requires more than just on-ice aptitudes and skills. There is an expectation on the part of the league, the team, and the fans that a player be approachable, humble, and well-spoken. When asked by Paul Grant at ESPN.com about what it took to be a great NHL captain, Scott Stevens, captain of the New Jersey Devils, remarked, "It's more about work ethic, coming to play every night, working hard in practice, showing up for practice, showing up for games, and what you do off the ice, how you carry yourself, because everyone is watching you."
Member Comments