U18 & U16 Hockey players learning the necessary mental skills early
Mental Performance Coach Mirjam Wallin has been supporting junior hockey players in learning the necessary mental and emotional skills early in their hockey career. Some players begin doing the work on mental performance and wellbeing as early as at the age of 15 - using coaching to navigate their way to more serious hockey. Here’s an inside perspective into what coaching feels like as a young player.
Photo: Janne Hilander
Daniel Salonen
“I’ve realized most things are actually mental, and succeeding comes down to your mental state – it affects the physical too.
1-on-1 coaching has worked better than I expected, and the confidence I’ve gained has been evident in games, practice and in the locker room. Having more trust in my skills has helped in creating a flow-state in games.
Things get better as we talk about them together. In sessions I get to create my own solutions, as Mirjam asks good questions that help me discover answers. Coaching conversations have empowered me and provided clarity.
It pays off to use all possible opportunities to help your hockey career.”
Photo: Vanninenphotos
Timi Haapio
“You can see the benefits of mental coaching in games. When you commit to working on things in sessions, you notice things starting to change. You learn to reset after goals and do better in the next shift.
Challenges can be turned into a resource and you learn to cut off bad cycles early on. Coaching has taught me how to shift my mental state, it has helped me focus and take responsibility for my progress.
Overall it has surprised me, how much coaching has helped. Without even noticing, I use the tools we’ve worked on. Mirjam provides perspective and can see what’s in the background, helping you find the answers.
I encourage others to commit to working on the things you want to change. I’ve enjoyed coaching from the very beginning. It’s benefited me to get to unload my thoughts and get advice on overcoming hurdles.”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Matias Ahtola
“After a serious injury, mental coaching supported me through the rehab process back onto the ice. It’s been really good to open up about being injured, and talk about the things I cant say to anyone else. Talking helps to deal with the emotions and calm the mind. My return to games was successful.
Mirjam is understanding and knows how to ask the right clarifying questions – that makes it easier to talk to a professional.
I recommed coaching to others too if you’re dealing with an injury or a crisis. You don’t have to process everything alone, talking helps to free your mind.”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Jasper Inkinen
“Starting coaching was a good idea. Frustration used to get the better of me, but coaching has improved my self-control. I’ve understood how important it is to be in the right mental state.
We’ve worked on pressures that come with the sport, and I feel better now. The mental side is very important if you want to develop.
I recommend coming to coaching if you’re having a tough time or want to talk to someone other than family. After sessions it’s easier to go back on the ice.”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Louis Herpin
“In coaching you get to know yourself better and find solutions that feel natural to you. I’ve adopted a more positive mindset. I’ve felt coaching is important for my development as a person as well as goalie. It’s given me confidence and the will to keep going during tough times.
Working with Mirjam feels relaxed and fun, and you learn a lot at the same time. After sessions I always feel relieved”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Rasmus Elo
“Coaching helps you learn about yourself, work on your weaknesses and gain confidence for games. My pressure tolerance is stronger and I feel coaching helps my wellbeing. I’ve become more of a leader in the team, taking on more responsibility.
Mirjam is calm, positive, supporting and understanding, and she knows her players well. You can talk about anything and you also learn a lot, while also getting to unload mentally.”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Tomas Lanki
“Through coaching I’ve learnt to choose my response instead of letting my feelings dictate it. I haven’t taken stupid penalties due to aggression or frustration anymore. My mood has been better and I’ve been working on a more athletic lifestyle. I’ve learnt to focus and work harder in practice. This season has also taught me about recognizing pressure and how to deal with it.
In sessions you get to unload mentally in a confidential setting – especially about the things that weigh on your mind. When you regularly talk about those things, they don’t build up. Together we find solutions, and I feel lighter when I leave.
Mirjam is an understanding coach who is good at problem solving. If you have something on your mind, I recommend coaching.”
Photo: Juniorilukko
Vili Lehtonen
“Mistakes and bad games used to play tricks on my mind. My performance on the ice felt and looked bad. I knew I could do much better, but I was nervous and couldn’t execute. Through coaching, I’ve gained confidence and learned a new approach to mistakes, seeing them from a learning perspective. I probably wouldn’t even play anymore If I hadn’t started coaching.
Mirjam is a skilled coach with a confident approach to her work, which makes you feel secure, too. She knows how to pick the right things to work on, and is able to notice things I wasn’t even aware of. We are on the same wave-length and over time have been able to communicate openly.
A regular coaching process has been a positive experience for me, and I’ve noticed improvement off the ice as well. My communication skills are better and I can take on more leadership.
If something is weighing on your mind, I recommend mental coaching. It can turn your weaknesses into strengths.”