Pure skill alone won't make you elite
- Coach Kevin
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
In hockey, it’s easy to be captivated by players with lightning-fast edges, blistering shots, and highlight-reel moves. But the truth is that skill alone doesn’t make someone a great hockey player. Sure, skills stand out—and they’re a critical part of the game—but they’re only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
There’s even a term for this: “practice all-stars”—players who dominate drills and always look fantastic in practice, yet struggle to have the same impact in games. By contrast, the truly elite players who consistently produce at every level combine their high-end skills with intangibles like grit, determination, and a relentless motor, plus the Hockey IQ to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure.
Most players have some combination of these traits, but those who rely primarily on pure skill, without strong intangibles or HockeyIQ, often underperform. As a coach, it’s tough to watch players with tremendous raw talent fall short of expectations because they believe they can always “out-skill” their opponents. That approach might work when they’re young and the skill gap is wide, but at higher levels, it’s the complete players—those with skill, intangibles, and game sense—who truly make a difference.
Looking for a Flex Schedule Summer Skills Camp?
Join Fusion Hockey this Summer - July 10th at the Edge in Bedford, MA
Skating and Stickhandling vs. Hockey IQ
Hockey is a sport that demands fast processing, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of the game’s concepts. The smartest players know how to set up plays, draw opponents out of position, and recognize the right times to attack or defend. On the other hand, players who rely solely on skill often end up reacting to the play, improvising on the fly, or trying to turn every shift into a one-on-one highlight. A player with great edges and speed can certainly open up the ice, but that doesn’t mean they always know where to go.
The truly effective players—those who blend skill with smarts—understand the game at a deeper level. They read the play, anticipate what’s coming, and adapt. They know when to jump into a play—and when to hang back to support a teammate. That’s Hockey IQ: the situational awareness and decision-making that separates flashy players from truly effective ones.
Intangibles: The Secret Sauce
Great hockey players possess intangibles—things like work ethic, competitiveness, and consistency. They play within the team structure, head-man pucks to teammates, block shots, and do the little things that help their team succeed. They win puck battles, support their teammates, and make smart, simple plays that drive team success. They may not always make the highlight reel, but they produce game in and game out. Intangibles can’t be taught in a stickhandling clinic; they’re earned through experience and a commitment to playing the game the right way.
Smart Positioning Makes All the Difference
A player who’s always out of position—no matter how fast they skate—can be a liability. Good players understand spacing, timing, and defensive responsibilities. They find the quiet areas on the ice to get open, and they know how to angle opponents off the puck. Smart positional play helps them make an impact shift after shift, regardless of who they’re playing with.
Elite Players Produce No Matter Who They Play With
Truly good hockey players contribute no matter where they’re slotted in the lineup. Whether they’re playing with players of equal skill or slotted with players of lesser skill to balance the lineup, it doesn’t matter—really good players find a way to contribute. If the puck isn’t flowing to them, they don’t complain; they just dig in and find a way. They don’t blame their or their team’s lack of success on their line combinations; they just play the right way and elevate everyone around them. Skilled players who rely solely on flash often struggle in different roles or with less-skilled linemates; they can disappear when the game gets tight or physical. Great players make an impact in every situation because they understand that hockey is about playing the right way and finding ways to win.
Flash vs. Substance
It’s easy to get caught up in the dazzle of a player who can toe-drag and fire bar-down shots, but hockey is a team game. Players who make a difference are the ones who combine skill with smarts, effort, and adaptability. They make their teammates better and elevate the team’s performance. That’s the hallmark of a great hockey player.
So, while being skilled is a fantastic asset, it’s not the only ingredient for success.
Hockey rewards the complete player—the one who combines skill, intelligence, grit, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. That’s the difference between being skilled and being a truly great hockey player. And that’s the player every coach wants on their team.
Comentarios