Lance Pitlick on Building the Elite Athlete Mindset: From NHL Defenseman to Hockey Skills Coach

What does it really take to develop the mental game of a professional athlete?In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance expert Hans Skulstad sits down with former NHL defenseman and elite hockey skills coach Lance Pitlick to explore the mindset, routines, and mental toughness needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.Lance shares his journey from playing youth hockey in Blaine, MN, to skating for the Minnesota Gophers and ultimately playing in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers. Now the founder of Online Hockey Training, he mentors the next generation of athletes on mastering both their physical and mental game.This episode is packed with insight into:✅ Mental habits that shape elite athletes✅ Strategies for building confidence and mental resilience✅ How to navigate tough coaching relationships✅ The transition from professional athlete to transformational coach✅ The importance of self-awareness, consistency, and loving your inner athleteWhether you’re a coach, player, or parent looking to understand the psychology of performance in sports, this conversation delivers powerful lessons on developing mental strength, overcoming perfectionism, and thriving under pressure.🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:01:04 – Meet Lance Pitlick: From NHL Player to Skills Coach05:14 – The College Hockey Journey and Breaking into the NHL08:04 – Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Mentally Strong in Pro Hockey12:28 – Mentoring Young Athletes: Mindset First16:38 – Coaching Philosophy: Empowerment, Not Perfection21:19 – When Coaching Impacts Confidence – for Better or Worse25:01 – Daily Mental Habits That Drive Success26:02 – Why Mental Training is Essential in Modern Athletics30:40 – Managing Perfectionism and Pressure in Sports35:09 – Training Tools and How to Self-Correct37:56 – Embracing the Process and Loving Your Inner Athlete🎯 Learn more about Lance Pitlick and Online Hockey Training:https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/2024-about-me🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.💬 Follow Hans Skulstad and Center for Sports and the Mind:Facebook: Center for Sports and the MindTwitter/X: @2ChallengeMindInstagram: @centerforsportsandmindYouTube: Hans SkulstadWebsite: https://hansskulstad.com