ADM Kids

The definition of “team” is fairly straightforward: a group of individuals that come together to reach a common goal. In team sports, such as hockey, when a group of skilled athletes make the decision and the commitment to work hard and play together as a single unit, the opportunities are endless. Great teammates create great cultures, and a dream scenario for coaches.

“The more you have players that challenge each other each day and support each other, the more you can progress and build layers and make your team better, versus spending time focusing on things that take away from that,” said Dan Jablonic, manager of player development for USA Hockey. “If you have great leaders within a team, then the coaches can put their practice plan to work and bring out the best in the kids.”

Jablonic, a USA Hockey Level 4-certified coach who led the U.S. Under-17 Select Team to a second-place finish at the 2022 Five Nations Tournament and also served as a USA Hockey National Player Development Camp coach on multiple occasions, shared his thoughts on what makes a great teammate, particularly at the 12U level.

USA Hockey: Why is being a great teammate so important?

Dan Jablonic: The ability to make others around you better is part of the makeup of successful teams. Also, what we learn in hockey, such as how you work with others, will transfer to our daily life at school and in the community. We know these things are important life skills that hockey teaches us.

USA Hockey: What are some ways to be a good teammate?

Jablonic: There are many different ways you can be a good teammate, but two of the biggest things are making sure that you’re coachable and then making your teammates better each day at practice. That could be as simple as competing your hardest and pushing teammates to do the same. The ability to work hard and compete on and off the ice brings out the best in all players. For example, if you’re a forward, you are making the defensemen better by using your edges and competing on every puck. And it’s the same for any position. As you go, you are making each other better. At the 12U age group, when you’re starting to really learn about team dynamics, it's such an important piece.

Playing unselfishly is also a key. At 12U, that’s something you’re reinforcing, that it takes six players from the goalie on out to play the game and have success. We talk about team defense to team offense and having the ability to pass the puck and play unselfishly and make sure that others have success along that journey. Typically, when a play happens, it’s not one person, it involves several. The ability to move the puck and be unselfish and do the things your coaches are asking each day, it pays dividends for your team.

It's also important to be attentive and a good listener, not only to your coaches but to your teammates. So, when you show up and you’re using your listening skills, those are the little things that transfer to being a good teammate. It allows you as a group to move forward when you’re listening, if you’re coachable and then obviously if you have that drive to compete.

USA Hockey: How critical is it to support a teammate when they make a mistake or build them up when they do something well?

Jablonic: Our game, even at the highest levels, is a game of mistakes. The ability to show some empathy, understanding that everyone develops at different rates, is part of being a good teammate. You need to understand that maybe it’s going to take other teammates a little bit longer to learn or contribute to the team on a consistent basis and be supportive. If you actually show some empathy and encourage those players that may be struggling at times, it will make the team better. Everyone goes through it, especially at 12U. You can really build those players up and let them know you’re there for support, pulling for them and want to see them succeed.

USA Hockey: A lot of players feel like they’re being judged on goals and assists. So, how can young players balance improving their own individual performance but also the team’s?

Jablonic: We want every kid to dream and play at the highest level. They need to understand that when they’re being evaluated, it’s the little things, not just their stats. You want to see how this player plays and responds in all situations. The real character of a player and how good they may be as a teammate shows up when your team is down. Are you working extra hard, still working with your teammates, giving positive encouragement, even when things aren’t going well? It’s easier in life when things are going well. It’s easy to stay positive. But when things are challenging, that shows true character. Those are things that a lot of the scouts and coaches look at – how do players react in challenging times and what are they doing to improve their games on and off the ice.

USA Hockey: How can coaches teach players the value of “team”?

Jablonic: Having talent is one thing, but the more we can allow these players to understand why we’re doing things and how to have success and fully enjoy it as a group, the more impactful we can be as coaches. Coaches can help players fully develop that passion for the game and to appreciate the successes and failures that come along with it. This helps build character and really contributes to what it means to be a good teammate.

USA Hockey: Is there anything parents can do to reinforce this idea with their athletes?

Jablonic: The easiest piece for parents is to simply support hard work and the ability to learn some new things. Just saying ‘I love watching you play, how hard you work and the unselfishness you have as a player,’ can be really important. I that’s such an important piece versus just always celebrating a win or a goal. Find value in the little things. When you see a kid bring another kid up and help them out, or listening to their coaches, or when the coaches say ‘well we had a tough game today but your son or daughter played unselfish and was positive about the whole experience and helped the team,’ that’s something to celebrate.