TOP TEN: THINGS FRESHMEN COLLEGE PLAYERS NEED TO KNOW There’s not a freshmen college hockey player on the planet that knows it all before stepping into the room for the first time.

Mistakes are made by just about everyone and that includes rookie head coaches. Today’s Ten topic will give players transitioning into the college game a bit of insight from a coach’s perspective.

Hockey wealth is the number of key relationships any person has been able to foster as the result of the game. When this topic was listed on the white board, there are a large number of college coaches we could have turned to for suggestions. Although today’s coach will remain unnamed, know that he’s been around the block and knows a thing or two about junior hockey and today’s college hockey player.

So boys, pay attention and you just might learn something from today’s article.

1. Know your away around a weight room and make sure you are physically prepared to meet the challenge.

2. Know that this will be the best hockey you will have been a part of. Leave the ego at home.

3. Find a place on campus where you are able to get school work done (it’s most likely not going to be the library).

4. Understand, like it or not, most other students are going to know you are a hockey player.

5. You won’t get the outcomes you want on talent only.

6. Find an identity that isn’t just being an athlete.

7. Hone your time management skills before you arrive on campus.

8. Don’t bring relationships to campus that will distract you from your academic and athletic success.

9. Know how to appropriately fuel your body. The cafeteria can both be a positive and a negative if it’s not managed.

10. College hockey is a process and the school / coaching staff is investing in you. Manage your expectations.

The Bonus. In college hockey you are a part of something bigger than just you. You will be a part of your college family for life.