04
What Elite Players Do Before Puck Drop
Most Players Hope
They Feel Ready.
Elite Players Build It.
Your pre-game routine is either setting you up to perform or leaving you to chance. Let's fix that.
Edition 04 · Pre-Game Mental Routine · 3-Part Framework
Think About This
Think about the last game you played. In the hour before puck drop — what were you actually doing? Were you dialed in, or anxious, scattered, scrolling your phone waiting for something to kick in?
Most players leave their pre-game mental state completely to chance. They show up and hope the right feeling arrives at the right time.
"Elite players don't leave that to chance. They build the feeling before the game begins."
Why It Matters
What a Pre-Game Routine Actually Does
01
Signals Game Time
Tells your brain competition is coming — activating the right state before you step on the ice.
02
Manages Nerves
Channels pre-game nerves so they fuel your performance instead of freezing you up.
03
Anchors You Now
Keeps you present — not thinking about the last game, the standings, or who's watching.
Your Framework
Build Yours — The 3-Part System
Physical Activation
Body Sends Brain Signals
A specific warm-up sequence, breathwork, or skating pattern that signals it's game time. What your body does tells your brain what state you're entering.
Mental Priming
2–3 Minutes of Visualization
See yourself make a strong first play, execute under pressure, come back from a mistake with confidence. Walk through your best game in your mind before it happens on the ice. This is rehearsal — not wishful thinking.
Activation Phrase
Said Every Single Game
A personal statement right before stepping on the ice. Short, present-tense, tied to your identity as a competitor. "I compete hard for 60 minutes." "I'm built for this." Find yours — use it every time.
The goal isn't to feel perfect before every game. The goal is to give yourself the best possible mental starting point, every game, regardless of how you feel walking into the rink. Start building yours this week.
Your Routine Should Match Your Style
A Comeback Player Primes Differently Than a Pressure Player
Haven't found your competitor style yet? Start there — it changes everything.
Take the Free Quiz →
Try it before your next game. Build the habit when the stakes are low so it's automatic when they're high. Next edition — something every athlete needs to hear about slumps.
Talk soon,
Coach Kim
Mental Performance Coach · Peak Performance Coaching