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"It doesn't matter how old you are, it's all about having fun." Every player brings a valuable asset to a squad. Maybe you're a notch above the rest in speed. Perhaps you've managed to per- fect your forecheck or backcheck. Or maybe you've got a knack for scoring or passing. While skillsets are important to have, the off-ice character, leadership and, yes, over- all positive attitude is an asset that cannot be overlooked. A CHARACTER PLAYER We often stress about the importance of building a player's character on the ice as well as off. After all, that's what playing hockey is all about—helping you hone life- long skills as well as hockey-specific skills. Former Blaine Bengal turned St. Cloud State Husky turned 11-year career NHLer Matt Hendricks embodied all that it meant to be a character player. "He has no problem reaching out to the entire spectrum of our locker room, wheth- er it's a 22-minute guy or a six-minute guy, and helping shape that person's day about being positive and being excited," Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice said back in 2019 after the Jets reacquired Hendricks from Minnesota for his final season. "That's just leadership. Are you a person the organization wants other players to fol- low? Do you have the ability and the skillset that can identify a guy that needs help and reach out, and have the respect of that play- er? He has all those things here." Hendricks lets out a sly smile when you make him aware of what a presence he has in a room with everyone. "I mean, I've just always been a guy who gets along with just about everybody," said Hendricks, now assistant director of player development for the Wild. "I learned how important using that was from Adam Foote when I was in Colorado. He would talk to me about being that guy, so I just started to focus on that and worked just as hard at being that guy in the room as being a strong player on the ice. "The reason that's important is, it's important to bridge any gaps to become a true team. You have to have a certain individual in the room that can be parts of all groups. You need some- one that can combine every- body and make it all work and make sure that everyone's voices are heard. "I think it's critical to be that char- acter guy, and it's a role I truly valued." There's a reason NHL scouts and development scouts care about the per- son behind the player. "You see a lot of kids when they're younger and they have that unbeliev- able skill and ability, but a lot of times, that only can get those kids so far," said Stalock. "You come to a point in your career where it really is about the team. Coaches, scouts, general managers, when they're making those final decisions, I think a lot of times at the end of the day, they will look for a guy that's maybe not as skilled on the ice but say he's an unbe- lievable team guy. Guys like playing with him. He may bring a little more to the team aspect. That's also what teams are looking for." M H J ON L I N E . C O M | N O V. / D E C . 2 0 2 0 18 Photos / MHJ Archives, Minnesota Wild, Getty Images CHARACTER PLAYERS "ARE YOU A PERSON THE ORGANIZATION WANTS OTHER PLAYERS TO FOLLOW? Do you have the ability and the skillset that can identify a guy that needs help and reach out, and have the respect of that player?" WINNIPEG JETS COACH PAUL MAURICE