One of the key qualities that you need to be a great hockey player is fantastic anticipation and feel for the game - if you know where the puck is going before it is hit, that is half the battle.
Wayne GretzkyRead
I wasn't naturally gifted in terms of size and speed; everything I did in hockey I worked for, and that's the way I'll be as a coach.
Interpretation
Success comes from hard work and dedication rather than inherent talent.
Wayne Gretzky's quote emphasizes the importance of effort and perseverance over natural ability in achieving success. It reflects a philosophy that consistent hard work and determination can lead to accomplishments in any field, including coaching, encouraging others to adopt a similar mindset.
In practice
In a motivational speech to young athletes emphasizing the importance of effort.
One of the key qualities that you need to be a great hockey player is fantastic anticipation and feel for the game - if you know where the puck is going before it is hit, that is half the battle.
I knew at a young age, whether I was playing baseball or hockey or lacrosse, that my teammates were counting on me, whether it be to strike the last batter out in a baseball game or score a big goal in a hockey game.
When I was 5 and playing against 11-year-olds, who were bigger, stronger, faster, I just had to figure out a way to play with them.
I played everything. I played lacrosse, baseball, hockey, soccer, track and field. I was a big believer that you played hockey in the winter and when the season was over you hung up your skates and you played something else.
Only one thing is ever guaranteed, that is that you will definitely not achieve the goal if you don't take the shot.
I get a feeling about where a teammate is going to be. A lot of times, I can turn and pass without even looking.
I just hate to lose. When I am on the court, it is like my life depends on it.
Love what you do. Believe in your instincts. And you'd better be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.
For me, it always goes back to something I learned in basketball. There's winning and there's losing, and in life you have to know they both will happen. But what's never been acceptable to me is quitting.
If you start something, you shouldn't quit; that is what we were taught. If you're going to play, you might as well play to be your best.
The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if: (1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving, (2) You're willing to take massive action, (3) You notice what's working or not, and (4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way.
You've got to be able to think on your own; you've got to be creative. You can't be willing to take a backseat.
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