With All Due Respect For Fixing Hockey Problems…

In the world of NHL scouting, talent evaluation, and player development, the age-old debate on whether to focus on fixing hockey shortcomings or nurturing unique strengths continues to be a hot topic. After countless seasons in the hockey wars, one undeniable truth emerges: while no player wants glaring weaknesses, it’s the presence of one HUGE strength — be it frightening speed or a trembling shot — that often catapults a player into the spotlight, capturing the attention of coaches, scouts, and NHL Draft selectors. As we view each yearly NHL Draft, the focus will inevitably shift to those prospects who not only have the potential to be world-class in a specific aspect but also how talent raters can build a dream team around such standout qualities. This article delves into why, despite the necessity to address fundamental skills, the real game-changer in hockey might just be amplifying what a player does best…

Ya, with all due respect for fixing hockey shortcomings, let me tell you something I’ve come to understand after a kzillion years in the hockey wars…

For sure, a player doesn’t want to have any glaring weaknesses.  Yet, want to know what draws the most attention to a player — and what very often wins him big-time recognition?  Well, it’s one HUGE strength (and I’m talking about as close to world class as one can get)!

What I’m talking about is speed that is frightening, or a shot that makes goaltenders tremble.  And while those aren’t the only qualities I could list, I hope you get my meaning here, in that it has to be something that’ll cause a coach or a scout to go, “Wow!”

Come to think of it, the NHL Draft usually represents a chance for others to gain an appreciation of exactly what I’m suggesting.  For, sure as anything, we’re going to hear NHL execs touting their latest selection as “…an unbelievable _______-er, but he still needs a little work on his _______.”  (Yup, the pros take all sorts of players with shortcomings, so why must we waste too much sleep over that?)

Yes, talent raters — be they scouts or tryout coaches — like to be wow-ed.  Or, said yet another way, they like to see something they can build a dream upon.

Okay, there’s a good chance I just upset your applecart with all the above.  So, let me try to put this thing into perspective…

Of course, any long-time member should know that I’m really into our game’s basics, and that I want my players to be fundamentally sound, through and through.  At the same time, I never wanted to build players to be “Joe Average”.  Naw, it’s pretty likely I could see at least one strength in a kid, and I’d — besides working on his basics — look for a way to really bring out that strength.

Take, for example, the different body types…

Besides later (after puberty?) starting to work on his body strength, why dwell on the fact that a player is on the small side?  Quite often such kids handle their bodies better than bigger guys, and they’re frequently a little quicker or better in fine motor skills (like footwork and/or puckhandling).  So, I’d find one or two of those good qualities and start enhancing it or them.  And I’d aim to help him or her undress defenders with stickhandling moves or frighten them with blazing speed.

And how about the really big guy — the one who has more difficulty handling his body than some of the littler players, but he does do well in the tough going?  Oh, I’d really work on his skating and other fine motor skills, but I’d also try to help him become “hell on wheels” (if he was willing).  I mean, have every opponent on the ice looking over their shoulders and worrying about this guy cruising around.

Can you appreciate what I’m getting at?  It does no good to bemoan a kid’s shortcomings — beyond a point.  And to ignore his strengths while dwelling on his weaknesses is likely to keep him or her hidden in the middle of the pack.  And what I’m also suggesting is that a kid’s strength (or few strengths) is the only thing he has that can break him out of that proverbial pack.

Once again, though, just to be sure I’m not misunderstood…  I am saying that a player should work hard to improve upon his or her shortcomings.  At the same time, however, he or she HAS to magnify the one thing that might ultimately carry him or her to much higher levels.