Why Having Fun Helps You Play at Your Best!
“I love the game. That’s why I’m still playing, because I enjoy it. It’s a game at the end of the day, and that’s why you play.” Sidney Crosby
Hockey is called a “game” for a reason, it is meant to be played, not worked at like a job. Too often, players get caught up in the pressure to win, perform, and meet expectations, and they lose sight of what brought them to the rink in the first place: their love for the game.
As a hockey player, especially as a goalie, you face unique challenges and expectations. But the secret to thriving on the ice is simpler than you might think—it is about having fun and enjoying the process. Here is why focusing on fun can make you a better player:
1. Fun Improves Performance
When you are having fun, you relax. Your body moves more fluidly, and your mind stays sharp. Enjoying the game helps you play naturally, without forcing it or overthinking. Remember the feeling of your best games? Chances are, those were the games where you were just playing, not stressing over stats or outcomes.
2. Fun Reduces Stress and Pressure
When the scoreboard or your stats dominate your thoughts, hockey can feel like a chore. Shifting your focus to enjoyment takes the weight off. Walter Gretzky, Wayne Gretzky’s dad, always reminded players that hockey is a game. Playing with joy, rather than pressure, lets you perform more freely and confidently.
3. Fun Reconnects You to Your Passion
Why did you fall in love with hockey? Maybe it was the thrill of skating fast, the sound of the puck hitting your stick, or the camaraderie with teammates. Reconnecting with these moments reminds you of why you are on the ice. Passion fuels better performance, so take time to remember what makes hockey special to you.
4. Fun Keeps You in the Present Moment
The present moment is where the magic happens. If you are stuck worrying about the last goal you let in or the next shot coming your way, your performance will suffer. Having fun keeps you in the here and now, fully engaged with each shift or play. This focus is critical for peak performance.
“You always have to remind yourself why you started playing hockey in the first place: because it was fun.” Henrik Lundqvist
5. Fun Sparks Creativity and Intuition
When you are having fun, you stop overthinking and start trusting your instincts. That is when you make the incredible plays, like a save you didn’t know you could pull off or a creative pass that sets up a game- winning goal. Enjoying the game gives your intuition and creativity the freedom to shine.
6. Fun Builds Resilience
Mistakes and setbacks are part of hockey. How you bounce back matters more than the mistake itself. Players who enjoy the game tend to brush off mistakes more easily and move forward with confidence. Fun keeps you lighthearted, so you can rebound from challenges instead of letting them drag you down.
7. Fun Helps You Enter the Flow State
The “flow state,” or being in “the zone,” is that magical place where everything clicks. Your movements feel effortless, your focus is razor-sharp, and time seems to slow down. Fun is a key ingredient in achieving this state. When you are enjoying the game, you naturally tap into this level of peak performance.
8. Fun Balances the Intensity of the Sport
As you advance in hockey, the stakes get higher, and the pressure to perform can feel overwhelming. Fun provides balance. It reminds you that, at its core, hockey is still a game. When you keep the joy alive, you will approach the ice with a sense of purpose and playfulness, which leads to better results.
“At the end of the day, hockey should be fun. If you’re not having fun, then why are you playing?”
Carey Price
Bring Back the Fun
The next time you step onto the ice, ask yourself: “Am I playing with joy?” Hockey is not just about goals, stats, or wins—it is about passion, connection, and the thrill of the game. By focusing on fun, you will not only play better but also love the journey, no matter the outcome.
So, go out there, enjoy the game, and let the joy of hockey guide you to your best performance. After all, when you are having fun, the puck just bounces your way.
