If you want to make it far in hockey but to I have to be the best on my team to make it big?

Question

Collage, NHL,minors

Answer 1

I agree with the above answer, but would add that it really depends on what you are doing, what your strengths are, and how realistic your expectations are of yourself.  

For instance, what position do you play?  If you are a goalie, it can be very, very difficult to carve out a star-studded career, even if you do have talent.  There are only so many spaces, and consistency is an even bigger factor for netminders than for skaters.  As with all the positions, practise, but become a suberp skater and focus on athleticism, flexibility, fitness, and reflexes.

As a forward or defenseman, you'd have to rely on your strengths and adapt them to fill out your game.  That would be the best way to choose your position going ahead.

If you are/want to be a forward/shooter and aren't the most offensively talented, work another angle: become an enforcer, a grinder (that is the most reliable), a pest, or a playmaker.  Find a way to plug up any deficiencies in your game with practise, and add facets to your game which either are unique to your team or fresh altogether.  Make sure you are able to keep some defensive awareness... forwards with little skill and glaring defensive lapses have a hard time because they are a risk to the team and coach/GM, and unreliable.

As a defenseman, stay tight.  Choose to be an Offensive-D or Defensive-D.  If you are an OD, remember to cover your end first always, and think twice before pinching or stepping into the play, even when you have the hang of it.  If you go with OD, you have to be fast, alert, reflexive, etc.  If you go as a DD, it means covering your end like a daemon; a great position for the intense and focused player.  Be ready to block shots and stick to your check like glue.  May seem less glamourous, but what is better than that sliding defender stopping the flying puck with a body sacrifice, or a complete shutdown of the other team's offence.  That would be your responsibility, and it's easier than it seems with the right focus and energy.

Of course if you are the next Orr, Gretzky or Crosby/Ovechkin, you will have skill in spades.  It would then be about ensuring that you work hard, earn your spot, balance your game and your personality.  The best players in history have been good people, gracious, generous, tough yet kind, aggressive, tenacious, well-intentioned and sportsmanlike.  Take that with you no matter who you are, because you won't get too far without those in hockey... it may seem like a recklessly rough sport, but the game demands an incredibly high level of discipline and mutual respect.

In short, go with your skill set and find a niche.  If you can balance talent with learning, practise, determination, and some creativity, you have a better chance at going further in hockey.  Don't fight yourself, and take in all the advice you can get when on the ice.  Experience and coaching are invaluable.  Make sure you are confident and passionate, but don't get too full of yourself.  Work hard, study harder, prepare for any eventuality.  Even if you don't make the NHL or AHL, there are many higher levels of sport which you can participate in, and even work around a regular lifestyle.  And if you are in University, study your school work well.  It will keep you on the team, prepare you to focus, and give you options for the future.  Even the greats know the value of that.

It is tough to break into professional leagues, but it is possible if you put things together correctly.  Look at the NHL; there are men there who have worked out a persona or character which their teams find invaluable, even if they are just a small part of the overall picture.  Whether or not you become the main cog, to be a part of the bigger machine is in itself impressive. Be persistent, be consistent. Then you'll be set.

Answer 2

You don't have to be the best on your team skillwise, as many skilled players fall out because of grades, injuries or loss of interest.  But if you want to play colllege and pro's you need to be in the top of your team skillwise at least. You have to be a good all around player and person.  You have to have at least average grades and be a smart hockey player to make it to the collegiate level.  To make it to the pros you need all the same things plus alot of skill and luck.