BE READY TO PRACTICE SMARTER ON THE ICE

By Maurice Tanel

Why Preparation Off the Ice Leads to Progress On It

You’ve probably heard it before—“working harder is how you get better.”
But what if working harder isn’t enough?

What if pushing harder during practice isn’t what’s holding your goalie back—but rather, a lack of preparation before they step on the ice?

Effort matters. But without a plan, effort alone can go to waste. The goal shouldn’t just be to work harder—it should be to practice smarter.

And that starts with preparation.

The real hard work happens before practice. What your goalie does before they hit the ice—mentally, physically, and strategically—is what sets the stage for progress. Stepping on with purpose, focus, and a clear plan is how you get better, faster.

Here’s what smart preparation delivers:
✅ Deepens goalie-specific knowledge
✅ Clarifies what to focus on in each drill
✅ Makes it easier to identify errors and self-correct
✅ Builds confidence and intention
✅ Helps effort translate directly to improvement

Two Tools That Help Your Goalie Step on the Ice More Prepared Than Ever

Team Shutout’s Lesson Plan Previews + The Goalie Toolbox

 Lesson Plan Previews show goalies exactly what they’ll be working on in their upcoming session—so they can show up focused and ready.
The Goalie Toolbox provides structured off-ice learning, drill breakdowns, and mental reps to help goalies understand the “why” behind the technique.

 Parents and coaches: These tools give your goalie an edge before practice even begins—so their time on the ice is sharper, more confident, and more productive.

True hard work isn’t just sweat—it’s strategy.
Preparation turns practice into progress.

Are you preparing the right way this off-season?
Let our preparation resources help you get started.

For further information on this or any other questions you may have, please feel free to contact Maurice (Moe) Tanel by email at [email protected]