Keep your stick on the ice

The most basic and important piece of advice in hockey (and maybe even in life).

Also possibly the most repeated advice from coaches, often screamed in frustration when some knob misses an easy tip into a wide open net because his/her stick is nowhere near the ice, or the goalie lets in a soft five-hole goal for the same reason.

The meaning is twofold:

First, be ready for anything. Hockey is fast and the difference in a one-goal game could be the result of your stick placement (applies to everyone, goalies included).

Second, chill out; keep it simple. It can be easy to over-complicate things and to try too hard when you get into a slump. Don’t over-think it; just keep your stick on the ice and things will work themselves out.

1.
Phil Kessel: I haven’t scored a goal in like 52 games. I’m never gonna get out of this slump.

Ryan Smyth: Dude, you’re probably right, but don’t over-complicate things… Just keep your stick on the ice.

2.
Red Green: On behalf of myself and Harold and the whole gang up here at Possum Lodge, keep your stick on the ice.

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