Welcome to Hockey Headspace, the podcast where we explore the mental side of hockey and help players, coaches, and parents unlock their full potential. It is hosted by Kevin Willis, aka DrDub, a seasoned expert in sports psychology and Mental Game Training and a frequent guest on Hockey Prospect Radio on NHL Network (SiriusXM).
Hockey Headspace gives you the tools and strategies to build mental toughness, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best—on and off the ice.
Each week, we tackle topics like how to stay confident under pressure, strategies for overcoming adversity and bouncing back from losses, the power of mental resilience and why it's a game-changer for coaches and scouts, managing fear of failure, stress and expectations, developing the mindset of a complete player.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete aiming for the next level, a coach looking to lead your team better, or a parent committed to supporting your player, Hockey Headspace is your go-to resource for mastering the mental game.
Subscribe now and start building the mental edge that separates the good from the great. Let’s elevate your game—one episode at a time.
DrDub explores how understanding individual HockeyTypes enhances player performance, team chemistry, and mental toughness, offering insights for athletes, coaches, and parents in this interview episode.
15 May 2025
Why Some Great Players Struggle in the Playoffs—and How to Break Through
In this episode, DrDub breaks down the real reasons why top players sometimes fade when the pressure ramps up—and it’s not about effort or desire. Learn how cognitive overload, emotional rigidity, and misaligned mental habits can derail performance in big moments—and more importantly, how to fix it. If you're serious about showing up when it matters most, this episode is a must-listen.
25 Apr 2025
Playoff Buzz..That’s Your Next Season Calling
Feeling fired up watching the playoffs? That spark you feel matters—if you know how to use it. In this episode, we talk about locking in that energy, building a plan for real growth, and using visualization to train like the player you want to become. Don’t just watch greatness—train for it.
12 Nov 2024
The Stare
In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we dive into a powerful and universal moment in sports – “the stare.” It’s the look of disbelief and reflection that takes over athletes’ faces in those moments of unexpected loss.
Join us as we discuss how “the stare” is often the catalyst for something greater – a moment that fuels resilience, sparks growth, and builds the mental toughness that can turn disappointment into redemption. With insights from the Amazon Prime Video Game Seven series, we examine how that thin line between victory and defeat is what defines champions. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan, this episode will remind you that even in the face of loss, there’s an opportunity to redefine yourself and come back stronger.
Tune in to learn how to harness “the stare” and make it the beginning of something truly extraordinary.
1 Nov 2024
Work With Me
Take your game to another level. Work with me and find out just how good you can be. There's more to this game than just physical. Train your brain like you train your body and watch your game take off.
1 Nov 2024
Ten Ways Players Get Rattled
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into tackling one of the most challenging aspects every player faces—keeping composure under pressure. Dr. Dub explores how common attitudes and mindsets can throw even the best players off their game and shares actionable strategies to help you stay mentally tough in pressure situations.
15 Oct 2024
Podcast Episode: WhyCompete-Level so Important
In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we tackle a quality that’s becoming the ultimate differentiator in hockey: compete level. Coaches, scouts, and analysts everywhere are fixated on a player’s drive to compete, and today we’re diving into why this might just be the most critical part of your game.
Join Dr. Kevin Willis as he breaks down the four major reasons why compete level is a must-have trait: how it bridges skill gaps, becomes a primary focus in scouting, earns you respect, and, maybe most importantly, carries over into everyday life.
If you’re a player looking to step up, a coach wanting to push your team further, or a parent hoping to understand what really matters on the ice, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover why compete level isn’t just a part of the game—it’s everything.
So lace up, dig deep, and get ready to understand the heart of hockey. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into what it takes to truly stand out!
1 Oct 2024
Mindset Matrix for Peak Performance
Join Dr. Kevin Willis, AKA Dr. Dub, on "Hockey Headspace" as he introduces the Mindset Matrix, a transformative framework designed to evaluate and enhance your mental game. In this episode, Dr. Willis explains the four quadrants of the matrix—Self-Sabotage, Momentum, Stagnation, and Overwhelmed—and offers practical strategies to shift towards a mindset that maximizes performance in hockey and life. Whether you're on the ice or off, understanding where you stand within these quadrants can lead to significant improvements in your approach and results. Download the quadrant diagram (https://kclickfunnels.s3.amazonaws.com/SHARED%20AWS-PICS/Mindset%20Matrix%20TCP.pdf) and follow along to see how you can elevate your game today.
30 Sept 2024
How Brutal Feedback Can Make You Unstoppable
In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we tackle one of the toughest challenges athletes face—handling criticism and negative feedback. Whether it’s from coaches, teammates, or even yourself, how you respond to feedback can make or break your development on and off the ice.
We’ll dive into:
The psychology behind criticism: Why it’s so hard to hear and how it affects your mindset.
Real-world examples of players who struggled with handling criticism and the impact it had on their careers.
Actionable strategies for turning negative feedback into a powerful tool for growth, resilience, and improvement.
Practical tips on how to shift your perspective, learn from mistakes, and maintain confidence, even when the feedback stings.
Criticism isn’t something to fear—it’s a stepping stone to becoming a better, more resilient athlete. Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode will give you the mental tools to handle feedback like a pro and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Don’t miss this essential guide to mastering criticism and boosting your performance!
23 Sept 2024
Positive Outlook
In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we explore the transformative impact of cultivating a positive outlook and how it differs from simply thinking positive thoughts. A positive outlook is more than fleeting optimism—it's a resilient mindset that influences every aspect of your performance on the ice and your life off it.
We'll delve into why a positive outlook is crucial for:
Enhanced Resilience: Learn how positivity helps you bounce back from setbacks more effectively.
Improved Performance: Discover how a positive attitude leads to better focus, confidence, and game-day execution.
Better Stress Management: Understand techniques to reduce stress and handle pressure situations with composure.
Boosted Motivation: Find out how a positive outlook drives you to set and achieve challenging goals.
Stronger Relationships: See how positivity fosters better connections with teammates and coaches.
We'll also provide actionable steps to help you develop and maintain a positive outlook, including practices like gratitude, visualization, and mindfulness.
Whether you're a player looking to elevate your game, a coach aiming to inspire your team, or a parent wanting to support your athlete, this episode offers valuable insights to help you unlock your full potential.
Tune in to transform your mindset and take your performance to the next level!
16 Sept 2024
Psychological Flexibility
In this episode of Hockey Headspace, we dive into the critical skill of psychological flexibility and how it can elevate your hockey performance. Psychological flexibility is your ability to adapt to changing situations, manage emotions, and stay focused under pressure. But how does this apply to the fast-paced world of hockey?
We’ll break down why flexibility in your mindset is just as important as physical strength and skill on the ice. Learn how to handle setbacks, maintain composure in high-stakes moments, and refocus when things don’t go as planned. Plus, get actionable strategies to strengthen your mental game and ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges of the season.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode will give you the tools you need to stay resilient, confident, and mentally sharp no matter what the game throws at you.
14 Sept 2024
Hockey Roadmap - Part 4
Welcome to the finale of our 'Mastering the Hockey Mind' series—Part 4: Right Performance. In this episode, we dive deep into the defining traits of elite players: resilience, compete-level, and grit. These characteristics often distinguish good players from legends. We explore how resilience allows players to bounce back stronger from setbacks, how a fierce compete-level drives players to excel under any circumstance, and how grit enables athletes to persevere through pain and adversity in pursuit of long-term goals. This discussion builds on the foundation of purpose, mindset, focus, and deliberate practice we've covered in earlier episodes, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest levels in hockey. Join us as we unpack these pivotal traits and provide insights on integrating them into your journey to becoming a complete player, not just on the ice but in all aspects of life. Remember, the path to becoming a legendary player is ongoing, and this roadmap is your guide to navigating it successfully. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and let's make greatness happen.
14 Sept 2024
Hockey Roadmap - Part 3
Welcome to Part 3 of our series, 'Mastering the Hockey Mind: Right Practice.' Having built a strong foundation with purpose, self-awareness, and mindset, we now turn our focus to transforming raw talent into refined skill through focus, motivation, and deliberate practice. In this episode, we dive into how elite players maintain sharp focus during high-pressure moments, harnessing techniques like visualization and deep breathing to stay present and effective on the ice. We also explore the driving force behind relentless training—motivation. Whether it's the pull of personal growth or the push of external rewards, understanding what fuels you can make all the difference. Lastly, we break down the concept of deliberate practice, a targeted approach that goes beyond routine training to significantly enhance skill and performance. Join us as we delve into how these three pillars—focus, drive, and deliberate practice—can elevate your game to elite levels and make your practice sessions count.
14 Sept 2024
Hockey Roadmap - Part 2
Dive into the core of what makes a hockey player truly exceptional in this episode of our series, focusing on RIGHT PREPARATION. Understand the pivotal roles of purpose, awareness, and mindset in reaching elite levels. We explore the foundational 'why' behind your drive—whether it’s the thrill of the game, the bond with your team, or the cheer of the crowd, your purpose fuels every stride on the ice. We also delve into self-awareness and situational awareness, crucial for customizing your training to maximize strengths and improve weaknesses. Plus, we'll dissect how a robust mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Every practice, every game, and every setback is a chance to advance your skills and resilience. Join us as we prepare you mentally for the rigorous demands of hockey, setting the stage for upcoming discussions on RIGHT PRACTICE and PERFORMANCE, where focus, motivation, and grit turn good players into great ones.
14 Sept 2024
Hockey Roadmap - Part 1
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the TCP Roadmap series: Unlocking the Power of the Hockey Mind. In this episode, we dive deep into the core mental skills essential for any player aiming to have their best season ever. While physical training is a given, the mental side of hockey often remains underexplored. Join us as we embark on a four-part journey through the Complete Player Mental Toughness Roadmap, designed to reignite, inspire, and motivate you to prioritize mental toughness in your hockey development. With over two decades of experience in the field, we'll explore how mastering the mental game is just as crucial as physical prowess in defining the journey of an elite hockey player. Don't miss out on this series opener where we lay the groundwork for becoming a complete player by focusing on the often overlooked, yet crucial, elements of skill and opportunity in your development journey.
14 Sept 2024
Hockey Headspace Trailer
Welcome to Hockey Headspace, the podcast where we dive deep into the mental side of hockey and help players, coaches, and parents unlock their full potential. Hosted by [Your Name], a seasoned expert in sport psychology and mental game training, Hockey Headspace brings you the tools and strategies you need to build mental toughness, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best—on and off the ice.
Each week, we tackle topics like:
How to stay confident under pressure
Strategies for overcoming adversity and bouncing back from losses
The power of mental resilience and why it's a game-changer for coaches and scouts
Managing fear of failure, stress, and expectations
Developing the mindset of a complete player
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete aiming for the next level, a coach looking to better lead your team, or a parent committed to supporting your player, Hockey Headspace is your go-to resource for mastering the mental game.
Subscribe now and start building the mental edge that separates the good from the great. Let’s elevate your game—one episode at a time.
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