Hockey Headspace

Hockey Headspace

By Kevin Willis, PhD. (DrDub)SportsHockey
Download on the App Store

Hockey Headspace episodes

  • Psychological Flexibility

    In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we dive into the critical skill of psychological flexibility and how it can elevate your hockey performance. Psychological flexibility is your ability to adapt to changing situations, manage emotions, and stay focused under pressure. But how does this apply to the fast-paced world of hockey?

    We’ll break down why flexibility in your mindset is just as important as physical strength and skill on the ice. Learn how to handle setbacks, maintain composure in high-stakes moments, and refocus when things don’t go as planned. Plus, get actionable strategies to strengthen your mental game and ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges of the season.

    Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode will give you the tools you need to stay resilient, confident, and mentally sharp no matter what the game throws at you.

    11 min
  • Hockey Roadmap - Part 4

    Welcome to the finale of our 'Mastering the Hockey Mind' series—Part 4: Right Performance. In this episode, we dive deep into the defining traits of elite players: resilience, compete-level, and grit. These characteristics often distinguish good players from legends. We explore how resilience allows players to bounce back stronger from setbacks, how a fierce compete-level drives players to excel under any circumstance, and how grit enables athletes to persevere through pain and adversity in pursuit of long-term goals. This discussion builds on the foundation of purpose, mindset, focus, and deliberate practice we've covered in earlier episodes, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest levels in hockey. Join us as we unpack these pivotal traits and provide insights on integrating them into your journey to becoming a complete player, not just on the ice but in all aspects of life. Remember, the path to becoming a legendary player is ongoing, and this roadmap is your guide to navigating it successfully. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and let's make greatness happen.

    7 min
  • Hockey Roadmap - Part 3

    Welcome to Part 3 of our series, 'Mastering the Hockey Mind: Right Practice.' Having built a strong foundation with purpose, self-awareness, and mindset, we now turn our focus to transforming raw talent into refined skill through focus, motivation, and deliberate practice. In this episode, we dive into how elite players maintain sharp focus during high-pressure moments, harnessing techniques like visualization and deep breathing to stay present and effective on the ice. We also explore the driving force behind relentless training—motivation. Whether it's the pull of personal growth or the push of external rewards, understanding what fuels you can make all the difference. Lastly, we break down the concept of deliberate practice, a targeted approach that goes beyond routine training to significantly enhance skill and performance. Join us as we delve into how these three pillars—focus, drive, and deliberate practice—can elevate your game to elite levels and make your practice sessions count.

    6 min
  • Hockey Roadmap - Part 2

    Dive into the core of what makes a hockey player truly exceptional in this episode of our series, focusing on RIGHT PREPARATION. Understand the pivotal roles of purpose, awareness, and mindset in reaching elite levels. We explore the foundational 'why' behind your drive—whether it’s the thrill of the game, the bond with your team, or the cheer of the crowd, your purpose fuels every stride on the ice. We also delve into self-awareness and situational awareness, crucial for customizing your training to maximize strengths and improve weaknesses. Plus, we'll dissect how a robust mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Every practice, every game, and every setback is a chance to advance your skills and resilience. Join us as we prepare you mentally for the rigorous demands of hockey, setting the stage for upcoming discussions on RIGHT PRACTICE and PERFORMANCE, where focus, motivation, and grit turn good players into great ones.

    10 min
  • Hockey Roadmap - Part 1

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of the TCP Roadmap series: Unlocking the Power of the Hockey Mind. In this episode, we dive deep into the core mental skills essential for any player aiming to have their best season ever. While physical training is a given, the mental side of hockey often remains underexplored. Join us as we embark on a four-part journey through the Complete Player Mental Toughness Roadmap, designed to reignite, inspire, and motivate you to prioritize mental toughness in your hockey development. With over two decades of experience in the field, we'll explore how mastering the mental game is just as crucial as physical prowess in defining the journey of an elite hockey player. Don't miss out on this series opener where we lay the groundwork for becoming a complete player by focusing on the often overlooked, yet crucial, elements of skill and opportunity in your development journey.

    8 min
  • Hockey Headspace Trailer

    Welcome to Hockey Headspace, the podcast where we dive deep into the mental side of hockey and help players, coaches, and parents unlock their full potential. Hosted by [Your Name], a seasoned expert in sport psychology and mental game training, Hockey Headspace brings you the tools and strategies you need to build mental toughness, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best—on and off the ice.

    Each week, we tackle topics like:

    • How to stay confident under pressure
    • Strategies for overcoming adversity and bouncing back from losses
    • The power of mental resilience and why it's a game-changer for coaches and scouts
    • Managing fear of failure, stress, and expectations
    • Developing the mindset of a complete player

    Whether you’re an aspiring athlete aiming for the next level, a coach looking to better lead your team, or a parent committed to supporting your player, Hockey Headspace is your go-to resource for mastering the mental game.

    Subscribe now and start building the mental edge that separates the good from the great. Let’s elevate your game—one episode at a time.

    3 min

About Hockey Headspace

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Hockey Headspace, the podcast where we explore the mental side of hockey and help players, coaches, and parents unlock their full potential. It is hosted by Kevin Willis, aka DrDub, a seasoned expert in sports psychology and Mental Game Training and a frequent guest on Hockey Prospect Radio on NHL Network (SiriusXM).