🚨 Feeling the pressure before a big game? You’re not alone. But what if we told you that pressure is actually a privilege? In this episode, mental performance coach Vinny Malts—who works with NHL players and teams—joins us to break down how young athletes can turn stress into strength.

Together, we explore why pressure exists, where it comes from, and how you can take control of it instead of letting it control you. Coach Vinny shares a simple but powerful exercise to help players recognize their emotions, manage nerves, and perform at their best when it matters most.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Why feeling pressure is a good thing—and how to embrace it

✔️ The “Angry Alex” exercise—an easy mental trick to manage emotions in the moment

✔️ How to recognize whether pressure comes from you or outside influences

✔️ The two voices in your head: the saboteur and the sage—and how to listen to the right one

✔️ Why learning to manage pressure now will help you on and off the ice

🏒 Whether it’s pre-game jitters, dealing with lineup decisions, or handling expectations, this episode is your mental reset before stepping on the ice.

🎧 Listen now, apply these tools, and take control of the pressure!

#TheRideToTheRink #MentalPerformance #HockeyMindset #PressureIsAPrivilege #YouthHockey