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Dennis Maxwell, former NHL scout and 14-year pro, shares his journey from player to advisor and reveals the hidden factors that determine hockey success beyond just skill and statistics. We explore the psychological barriers that prevent players from reaching their potential and the importance of role acceptance, growth mindset, and authentic self-development.

• Reflecting on career choices and learning to adapt to different coaching styles
• Understanding that coaches are primarily focused on winning, not personal vendettas
• The importance of accepting your role on a team and finding ways to contribute
• How personality types and interpersonal dynamics influence hockey career trajectories
• The critical difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset in player development
• Why some less skilled players have longer careers than more talented prospects
• The value of mentorship and proper guidance in navigating the hockey system
• The role of player advisors in protecting young athletes and providing honest feedback
• Building credibility as an advisor through honesty and maintaining integrity
• How self-reflection and personal development continue even after your playing career

If you're interested in speaking with Dennis about player advising, you can reach him at topdrafthockey.com or on Instagram at dennismaxwell_topdrafthockey.

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Dylan Garand shares his journey from a young goalie in Victoria to becoming a New York Rangers prospect and AHL All-Star, revealing the mental techniques and training approaches that have elevated his game.

• Moving to Delta Hockey Academy at age 14 marked the moment Dylan committed fully to becoming a hockey player
• Understanding what works personally for mental preparation is crucial for goaltenders
• Practice intensity directly transfers to game performance - Dylan aims to stop every shot in practice
• Purposeful intent behind every drill helps develop technical skills while maintaining competitive mindset
• Self-talk using simple cues like "compete" and "work hard" helps maintain focus after goals or during tough stretches
• World Junior experience included winning gold medal in dramatic overtime fashion
• Transition to pro hockey required adjusting to players making more calculated decisions
• Finding ways to play well when not feeling your best is what separates professionals
• Training specifically for goaltending involves edge work, ankle stability, and lateral movement rather than traditional player workouts
• Patience in development while with the Rangers organization (behind Igor Shesterkin) is building a foundation for long-term success

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Andrew Cristall shares his remarkable journey from an undersized prospect to WHL scoring leader and Washington Capitals draftee, revealing how criticism and doubt have fueled his ascent in hockey.

• Weighing just over 100 pounds in his WHL draft year yet still selected eighth overall by Kelowna
• Used exceptional hockey IQ and skill to overcome size limitations and perceived skating deficiencies
• Played in the WHL bubble as a 15-year-old during COVID, skipping the traditional U18 level entirely
• Recorded 69 points as a 16-year-old and 95 points in his NHL draft year
• Selected 40th overall by Washington after hoping to go in the first round
• Led the WHL in scoring with 132 points and earned first-team CHL All-Star honors
• Tied the Spokane Chiefs playoff record with 21 goals in 19 games (second most in WHL history)
• Cut from Team Canada's World Junior team despite leading the WHL in scoring
• Focused on improving skating through specific technical training while maintaining his offensive production
• Aiming to make Washington's NHL roster but prepared to develop in Hershey if necessary
• Recognizes that being overlooked has consistently provided motivation throughout his career

Work on your weaknesses until they become strengths, and don't let others define your potential. Hockey IQ and determination can overcome physical limitations.