The Killer Shot Clock Virus
Hey everyone!
Sorry it’s been a minute:) I just have been busy enjoying the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and have been working with some new clients! Also, I actually like to write when I feel inspired, not when I feel it’s time I should put something out just for content filler.
Well, I’m feelin’ inspired:) And it was during a recent meeting I had with a young client, that I decided I definitely had something I wanted to write about.
The youngster was talking about how his season had gone and how he had a dip towards the end as the pressure mounted. He said that each game became tougher and tougher because he was worried about how his stats were plummeting. As he paused, I described myself when I was younger, and in detail told him about being in the game and looking up at the shot clock, turning into a mathematician (as the game’s playing!), figuring out what my save percentage was for the game, AND how many more shots I needed to save to get above .900! hahaha… Painful:)
Immediately, his eyes lit up as if we shared a bond. A bond of distraught goalies, trying to survive in the world of hockey and our own minds. From there I explained to him that the Shot Clock Virus is all to real, and that it happens at every level. I told him that I’ve coached pros through this challenge, so he was in good company. I shared this and more with him, because I wanted him to know that he is not alone in this, that we are all only human, and this trying to figure things out on the fly can be difficult.
I also mentioned a goaltender I had in the LA Kings organisation Cal Petersen, and how his first season in the AHL was all roses, his stats were great, and he made the All Star Team. The next season the team was very green and he was facing 40/50 shots regularly. So, as you could imagine, his stats were taking a huge hit. What he wasn’t seeing (cause he was focused on his stats) was that he was bringing it every night and improving. Sometimes it’s hard to see this when you are deep in the fight of it all, and having someone simply point out what you are doing well can make all the difference.
I figured this out as I grew up and went through a lot of ups and downs. As a coach, I’ve always downplayed the importance of stats and have tried to convey this to whomever I’m coaching. And I always use the Shot Clock Virus story to help open their eyes;)
Peace,
Dusty Imoo