Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1547516
HOW IMPORTANT IS DECISION-MAKING COMPARED TO RAW SKILL? Hardwick: It's huge, and I see it both ways. A player might have an unbelievable amount of skill and physical talents, but they might struggle with the thinking part or the decision-making. Or, vice versa. Some players might show that hockey IQ, but right now they are just lacking the speed or the strength. HOW DO YOU COACH OR TEACH YOUR WAY THROUGH THOSE SITUATIONS WITH PLAYERS? CAN COMPETE AND HOCKEY SENSE BE TAUGHT OR LEARNED? Hardwick: Sometimes it's easy when a player comes into high school at like 130 pounds, and you know he's going to continue to grow. On the other hand, you can work through the teaching part with a lot of repetition and video. You can continue to teach that, and it's not a process that changes overnight. But if you can continue to go through the reps in practice, and show the video clips, that eventually when they are in those game situations, they will recognize and remember. Trust they will make the right play. WHAT ABOUT PLAYERS COACHES CAN TRUST? WHAT EARNS A COACH'S TRUST? Hardwick: I trust players with their work ethic. I know mistakes are going to happen, but if a player works hard and at least makes an effort to play the right way. You can tell the players that are bought in, and know that they are going to continue to work on it. YOU'VE HAD DOZENS OF COLLEGE HOCKEY PLAYERS COME THROUGH, WHAT DO THE VERY BEST OF THEM HAVE IN COMMON? Hardwick: The most common thread in all the greatest players I've coached is their love of the game. They love being on the ice and playing hockey. That's all they want to do, and whether it's open ice, or practice, or a game, they want to get better because they love hockey so much. NOV/DEC 2 0 2 6 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M 23