“HO-HO-KUS, N.J. – The Atlantic Affiliate is thrilled to announce the appointment of Vince Malts as the new Director of Mindset & Performance for the USA Hockey Player Development Program in the footprint. Malts brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to the department, solidifying the affiliate’s commitment to enhancing player and coach development through comprehensive mentorship and leadership programs.

A pioneering mindset performance coach, Malts was the first of his kind to be hired in the NHL, setting a new standard for integrating mental performance into professional sports. Over the past 35 years, he has dedicated his life to playing and coaching at highly committed levels of competition. His journey began as a player in the Atlantic Affiliate, where he grew up and developed a passion for the game. He went on to play professionally for over a decade and has coached across youth, junior, and professional levels.

For the last 10 years, Malts’ coaching focus has been on mindset and performance development, helping athletes maximize their potential both on and off the ice. His expertise in this field is unparalleled, making him an invaluable asset to the Atlantic Affiliate’s player development initiatives.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Vince Malts to our team. His deep-rooted connection to the Atlantic District and his groundbreaking work in mindset performance coaching make him the perfect fit for this role,” said Atlantic Affiliate Director of Player Development John DiNorcia. “Vince’s unique approach will undoubtedly elevate our player development programs, providing our athletes and coaches with the mentorship and leadership skills they need to succeed. His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a holistic development environment.”

As the Director of Mindset & Performance, Malts will work closely with DiNorcia to implement innovative and evidence-based strategies to enhance players’ mental fortitude and high-performance capabilities throughout the Atlantic Affiliate. His role will involve creating tailored programs focusing on mental performance, leadership development, and overall well-being, ensuring that players and coaches have the tools they need to thrive in highly competitive hockey environments.

“I am honored to join the USA Hockey, Atlantic District team and to contribute to the development of the next generation of hockey players,” said Malts. “Having grown up in this district, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our players face. I look forward to working alongside John and the entire team to create a positive and impactful development experience for all.”

Adding Vince Malts to USA Hockey’s Atlantic Affiliate Player Development Program underscores the organization’s dedication to providing comprehensive support to its athletes. Malts’ expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hockey in the region, helping players achieve their full potential both on and off the ice.”

At Bloodline Hockey, we strive to empower athletes to achieve their ultimate potential through the power of mental performance. Today, we are excited to share the news of Noah Powell’s selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Drafted 148 overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, Noah’s journey from a young player to an NHL draftee is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Noah’s journey with Bloodline Hockey has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the years, we’ve watched him put in countless hours of hard work, both on and off the ice. His commitment to improving his mental game, alongside his physical skills, has truly set him apart.

Vince Malts, our founder and the Director of Mindset & Performance Development for USA Hockey, Atlantic District, couldn’t be more thrilled. “Noah has worked incredibly hard to get here. His dedication to mental conditioning and his relentless pursuit of excellence have been amazing to watch. We’re so excited to see him take this next step and can’t wait to see what he’ll achieve.”

Noah’s success is a shining example of what we’re all about at Bloodline Hockey. We believe that true excellence goes beyond just physical skills. Focusing on mental conditioning, we help our athletes build the resilience and strength they need to face challenges head-on and perform at their best.

This draft pick is a proud moment for all of us. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do – helping athletes reach their full potential through the power of mental conditioning. Congrats to Noah and his family! We’re excited to keep supporting him and watching him grow in his hockey career.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the Bloodline Hockey family. We’re all about nurturing the mental toughness that leads to extraordinary achievements on the ice.

Today, I want to share some thoughts on a trend I’ve noticed in youth sports, particularly hockey, and its potential long-term impacts on our players, their families, and the sport.

I recently watched the Brick Invitational Tournament, where the best 10-year-old hockey players from different regions compete. While it’s impressive to see such young talent on display, I’m increasingly concerned about the age at which we’re exposing these players to intense scrutiny and celebration on social media.

The Social Media Spotlight

In the past, advisors typically scouted players who were in their mid-teens. Nowadays, they’re looking at kids as young as 10. This shift means younger players are under the spotlight, with their best moves and highlights shared widely on social media. It’s not uncommon to see a viral clip of a 10-year-old pulling off an incredible play.

But what does this mean for the player development ecosystem? For every highlight reel superstar, countless other young athletes watch and compare themselves. This focus on exceptional individual plays can create unrealistic expectations and pressures, not just for the players but also for their parents and coaches.

A Broader Perspective on Development

Let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: why are we so fixated on showcasing only the best moves? Why don’t we highlight the hard work, the defense, the teamwork – the fundamental aspects of the game that are equally important?

By constantly celebrating only the standout moments, we risk sending a message that success in hockey (and life) is all about those flashy moves. This approach neglects the importance of holistic development. We should be teaching young players the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork – skills that are crucial both on and off the ice.

The Consequences of a Narrow Focus

Reflecting on my own experiences and the insights I’ve gained from mentors and books like “Filters Against Folly” by Nick Peterson, it’s clear that we need to apply a more thoughtful approach to how we use social media in sports. Peterson talks about three filters: numerate, literate, and ecolate. We often do well with the first two – sharing statistics and stories – but we fall short on the third: considering the long-term impact.

When young players see only the highlight-reel moments, they may start to believe that these are the only things that matter. This can lead to a lack of appreciation for the less glamorous, but equally critical, parts of the game. It’s like a child who sees their parent dieting intensely and develops unhealthy eating habits as a result.

A Call to Action

So, what can we do? As coaches, parents, and influencers in the hockey community, we need to broaden the narrative. Let’s celebrate the players who block shots, who backcheck tirelessly, and who support their teammates. Let’s share hard work and resilience stories, not just highlight-reel goals.

By doing this, we help young athletes understand that success is multifaceted. We teach them that every role is important and that true excellence comes from a balanced approach to the game and life.

In conclusion, let’s use our platforms responsibly. Think about the long-term impact of the content we share and strive to create a more balanced, inclusive, and supportive hockey community.

Just think about it.