Use being cut as motivation to improve

As we enter the first couple of weeks of hockey season, and now reflecting back on the tryout period prior to the season, it has probably been a stressful time for a lot goalies (and parents too)

And, I am sure, some of you didn't make the team you tried out for.  Believe me I've have personally experienced being cut and, recalling those days, it wasn't the most pleasant of times.  So, I thought I would pass on a little advice which I hope will help out a bit.

I know the first question that comes to mind, when it happens, is WHY?  Truth is, sometimes, it doesn't make a lot of sense, even when you get the answer.  Maybe it was just that the competition was really tough (a lot of exceptionally good goalies in your age group) or you didn't perform up to the expectation of the coaches or your skills were lacking.  Or maybe, "politics" came into play.  Maybe it was your demeanour, how you presented yourself in the net, your size or the coach just felt more comfortable (confident) with other guy (or girl)  Whatever the reason, you have to move on.  You can't hang on to the thought that the coach didn't like you or they didn't see you at your best or because you allowed fewer goals than the other goalie(s) you should have been selected.

Understand, that, unless we do fail from time to time, we will never become the best we can be.  Most top end athletes (goaltenders) will tell you that fear of failing is what has driven them to become successful.  And, they learned from the failing experience because they were able to "move on", understand their deficiencies, and vowed to work diligently on those to make the necessary corrections and improve.  And so, failing is a necessary part to improving your game.

So, what are YOU going to do about it.  The first thing you need to do is take an honest look at your game and identify the parts that need to be improved .  If you feel the need for outside help to do this, enlist a trusted coach to sit with you to make the review.  Just remember, if he/she are being  honest, you may hear things you don't want to hear.  However, if you REALLY want to get better, then the need for honesty.  During the review, identify 3 or 4 areas for improvement, put those into writing plus what you want to accomplish for each and how you plan to do it.  Again I highly recommend you enlist the help of a coach or your parents in the plan.  But remember it's YOUR plan and not the responsibility of Mom or Dad or a coach to lead you along.  They can help set you off in the right direction, but the ball (puck) is in your court when it comes to providing the motivation, dedication & hard work.  

If you truly WANT (not wish, like to, would be nice) to be a top end, above average or elite goaltender then it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to put in the work, provide the motivation and MAKE THE SACRIFICES necessary  No one else can do it for you!