USA Hockey Magazine

The energy ramps up when tournament time comes around. Road trips, hotel knee hockey, new competition and team meals on the road are some of the best parts of youth hockey. The feelings of excitement begin to swell, but you may begin to detect hints of something else bub- bling up under the surface…Pressure. The games start to carry more weight with brackets, banners and wait— is that person in the track suit holding a clipboard? Is that a scout? When the pressure to perform kicks in, it doesn't just affect the kids. It's natural to want our children to succeed and it can be easy to get swept up in a high stakes atmosphere. If the scoreboard begins to overshadow development or a tough game becomes a family-wide emotional rollercoaster, that may be a sign that the pressure is taking a toll. Pressure doesn't have to be the enemy. In fact, when handled well, it can be a pow- erful teacher. Pierre DeBar has seen it all when it comes to pressure. A lifelong hockey player and mental performance coach, Pierre has spent years coaching mental performance for athletes of all ages. His expertise with youth and NHL athletes lies in understanding the delicate balance between the drive to perform well and the overwhelming pressure that can hinder performance. "Every athlete wants to play their best, but when the desire to play well turns into an emo- tional frenzy, it's easy to lose focus and start making mistakes," DeBar said. It's a common trap: the more you want to suc- ceed, the more anxious you become, and the more you try to force things. In those moments, the key is to relax, refocus and trust in the skills you've worked so hard to develop. Debar encourages players to visualize success before they even step on the ice. "Mental reps are just as important as physical reps," DeBar explained. "By imagining yourself handling the pressure calmly and confidently, you're creating a mental blueprint that makes it easier to stay in control when it matters most." DeBar would mentally rehearse scenarios before a big game where he made key plays, stayed composed and quickly recovered from mistakes. " M i s t a k e s w i l l a l w a y s h a p p e n ," D e B a r e x p l a i n e d . " T h e q u e st i o n i s : h ow w i l l y o u respond? If you've already rehearsed your reac- tion, you'll be prepared to bounce back and stay focused on what's next." O n e o f t h e m o st v a l u a b l e l e s s o n s D e B a r teaches is the power of self-talk. It's easy to get caught up in negative thoughts—especially when a game is on the line or things aren't going your way. But changing that inner dia- logue can bring results on the ice. DeBar suggests creating short, positive affirmations: "I've got this." "I'm ready." "I'm a beast." The key is for kids to use their name in the affirmation, to personalize it and make it more powerful. This helps them push away doubt and maintain that mental edge. Parents can deploy the same tactics. The emotional energy in the stands can easily shift the atmosphere on the ice. When you're tense, anxious, or overly invested in the outcome, that energy can seep into your child's performance. " You have to manage your own emotions," DeBar said. "When parents are anxious or overly reactive, their kids pick up on it — and it can increase their own stress. It's about creating a positive, steady energy, not only for your child, but for yourself." Pressure, when managed well, can help your athlete shine. It teaches resilience, focus and the ability to perform under stress. But when pres- sure becomes overwhelming, it can cloud their judgment and take away the joy of the game. The key is balance. Teach your child the tools to manage their emotions and performance, but also take care of your own. Create an environment where pressure becomes something to lean into, rather than something to fear. Just like in nature, pressure, when applied the right way, brings diamonds. P R I N K RAT BEH I N D T HE G L A SS THE HOCKEY MOM By Christie Casciano Burns ILLUSTRATION BY Michael Iver Jacobsen No Pressure, No Diamonds 22 // NOV/DEC 2025 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM "Mistakes will always happen. The question is: How will you respond?"

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