Mid-Season Reset: Take Advantage!

The season is at its midpoint, and for many players, this is the perfect time to pause and reflect. Mid-season is not just a break in the schedule, it is an opportunity to reset your game, your mindset, and your goals. The first half of the season often flies by with practices, games, and travel, leaving little time to step back and assess where you stand. Now is your chance to do exactly that.

Why a Mid-Season Reset Matters

Hockey is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. Over time, fatigue can creep in, habits can slip, and confidence can waver. If you keep pushing without evaluating, you risk finishing the season below your potential. A mid-season reset allows you to:

• Recharge your body: Recovery is essential for peak performance. Use this time to heal minor injuries, improve flexibility, and restore energy.
• Refocus your mind: Mental fatigue is real. Reflect on your mindset and make adjustments to stay sharp and motivated.
• Recommit to your goals: The goals you set at the start of the season may need a refresh. Are they still realistic? Do they need to be more aggressive? This is your chance to realign.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Game

Start by asking yourself honest questions about your performance so far:

• Are you playing the way you envisioned at the start of the season?
• What areas of your game have improved, and where are you struggling?
• Are you contributing to your team the way you want to?

Break down your game into categories: skating, shooting, passing, positioning, and hockey IQ. Identify one or two areas that need the most attention. Do not overwhelm yourself with too many changes at once. Focus on what will make the biggest impact.

Step 2: Reset Your Mindset

Your mental approach is just as important as your physical skills. Confidence, focus, and resilience can make or break your season. During the break, take time to:

• Visualize success: Picture yourself making the right plays and scoring big goals.
• Set clear intentions: Decide what kind of player you want to be when you return.
• Practice gratitude: Appreciate the opportunity to play and compete. A positive mindset fuels better performance.

If you have been frustrated or stuck in a slump, use this time to let go of negativity. A fresh start begins with a clear mind.

Step 3: Write Down Your Goals

This step is non-negotiable. Writing down your goals dramatically increases your chances of achieving them. Research shows that people who write down their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them compared to those who only think about their goals. Why? Because writing creates clarity, commitment, and accountability.

When you write your goals, you:

• Turn vague ideas into concrete targets.
• Create a visual reminder that keeps you focused.
• Engage your brain in a way that strengthens memory and motivation.

Do not just write “play better.” Be specific. For example:

• “Increase my faceoff win percentage by 10 percent.”
• “Score five goals in the next eight games.”
• “Improve my conditioning to skate hard every shift.”

Post your goals somewhere you will see them daily: your locker, your bedroom wall, or even your phone wallpaper. The more visible they are, the more likely you are to stay committed.

Step 4: Make Necessary Adjustments

Once you have evaluated your game and mindset, create an action plan. This could include:

• Adding extra stickhandling drills to your routine.
• Improving conditioning with short, high-intensity workouts.
• Watching game film to study positioning and decision-making.
• Working on mental skills like breathing techniques or goal-setting.

Small, consistent changes will lead to big results. Do not wait until the season ends to make improvements. Start now.

Step 5: Come Back Ready to Crush Your Goals

When the break ends, return with energy, confidence, and clarity. Bring purpose to every practice and every shift. The second half of the season is where champions are made. Whether your goal is to earn more ice time, help your team win a championship, or simply become the best version of yourself, this is your moment.

Your Game, Your Mindset, Your Goals. Own Them.