All posts by Ryan Walter — Abbotsford Heat President, Stanley Cup Champion, Coach, Speaker, Author
You’ve Got To Hit The Net
I was recently re-reading an article by Earl McRae of Sun Media about a friend of mine, Mike Bossy. Mike and I played against each other in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the years that the New York Islanders won four Stanley Cups. In his interview, Earl McRae asked Mike why players in today’s game miss the net so much.
A Victory For All Of Us!
During my 15 year NHL career I had the privilege of participating in two Stanley Cup finals, winning one in 1986, and losing to Calgary in 1989. The feeling on the ice with the Cup was surreal…
Shooting Against a Brick Wall
I find it fascinating to watch great athletes proceed through prolonged scoring slumps. I make a habit of observing the best-of-the-best halfway through their slump because I am keenly interested in understanding the process that puts them back on track.
Common Values a Key to Success
When minor hockey associations work together towards common goals, everyone wins.
Women’s Hockey: Intensity, Passion, Character
Our family is a hockey family. I was blessed to pursue my dream to play (and coach) in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 17 seasons. Something you may not […]
Fail Forward: Failure is Crucial to Future Success
Did you know that in addition to the many honours that have been bestowed on Michael Jordan, including an National Basketball Association (NBA) record ten scoring titles, arguably the greatest basketball […]
The Walter Way: Love and Unconditional Support
I am about to let you in on a little secret that I learned over my career as a professional hockey player; some people have said that I have “Selected […]
The Pros and Cons of Spring Hockey
Spring hockey can be the best of times and the worst of times! It can be amazing or disappointing. It can enhance your player’s skill development or exacerbate your player’s […]
No Excuses
Outcomes are important; we don’t play to lose! Countries do not go to war to tie. Hockey teams do not play to be average. Life is about outcomes. You can […]
The Secret to Being ‘In the Zone’
Playoffs bring with them what I call the “dichotomy of pressure.” As teams continue to win in the playoffs or at a tournament, each coming game brings higher expectations, which […]
The Secret to Being ‘In the Zone’
Playoffs bring with them what I call the “dichotomy of pressure.” As teams continue to win in the playoffs or at a tournament, each coming game brings higher expectations, which […]
All I Really Need to Know I learned in Hockey
As we begin the year, let’s hit the pause button and take a moment to reflect on the positive intangibles that minor hockey delivers to our children. Remember the book, […]
7 Ways Parents and Players Can Team Up to Create High Performance!
Building a strong team environment is essential for enabling all players to be their best. In this busy month, I encourage all coaches, players and parents to focus on the […]
November: Topping Up The Energy Tank
Everything good this season will result from the energy of your players! When it comes to playing your best game, understanding how to re-energize is every bit as important as […]
November: Topping Up The Energy Tank
Everything good this season will result from the energy of your players! When it comes to playing your best game, understanding how to re-energize is every bit as important as […]
Three Ingredients For A Great Team Culture — By Ryan Walter
My wife, Jenn, and I really enjoyed the 19 seasons of minor hockey that our three boys played. Our oldest son, Ben, who now plays professional hockey, was a Novice […]
Three Ingredients For A Great Team Culture
My wife, Jenn, and I really enjoyed the 19 seasons of minor hockey that our three boys played. Our oldest son, Ben, who now plays professional hockey, was a Novice […]
Gearing Down
Hockey season seems like it’s nonstop sometimes. However, Ryan Walter says that it’s important to take a break every once in awhile.
When the World is Watching
Individual athletes often make or break their careers based on how they perform in “big games.” Some athletes surprise us with their calm, consistent play, while others, even on the same team, underperform. I would like to present two ideas for you to be mindful of, as you watch, with an emphasis, naturally, on hockey. I encourage you to observe how they factor into the performance of each participating athlete.