Mental Development

Ottawa 67's AA Mental Performance Program

Dedicated Mental Performance Coach

Haley Foy serves as the Mental Health Coach for the Ottawa 67's program, utilizing her expertise in mental training to foster psychological resilience and enhance athletic performance. Recognizing the unique challenges that athletes face, Haley collaborates with the team on a weekly basis, focusing on essential aspects of mental preparation crucial for success in competitive sports.

About Haley Foy

Haley is currently a Master’s student at the University of Western States and is completing her mentorship hours. She earned a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa in 2023 and is on track to graduate with her Master’s in April 2026. With a strong foundation in athletics and coaching, Haley has experience working with varsity teams and at the Carleton Sports Medicine Clinic, where she supported a sports medicine doctor in the PRF injection clinic.

As a competitive athlete herself, Haley understands the pressures and demands of sports. Her experience as a competitive gymnast and diver informs her coaching philosophy and commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential.

Comprehensive Approach to Mental Training

Haley employs a multifaceted approach to mental training, which includes:

• Game Preparation Techniques: Equipping athletes with strategies to prepare mentally for competition.
• Positive Self-Talk: Teaching players how to encourage themselves and maintain a constructive mindset.
• Post-Game Reflection: Encouraging athletes to evaluate their performances to identify areas for growth.
• Building Confidence: Fostering a belief in their abilities to enhance overall performance.

Emphasizing mental fortitude, Haley works to equip players with the tools needed to enhance their focus and composure under pressure. For those seeking individualized support, personal one-on-one sessions are available, tailored specifically to manage mental health challenges and optimize performance.

Commitment to Player Development

The Ottawa 67's organization understands the integral role of mental training in developing well-rounded athletes. Haley's dedication to enhancing mental well-being directly aligns with the team’s mission to cultivate not just skilled hockey players but also resilient individuals who can thrive on and off the ice.

Program Structure by Age Group

U15 

• Focus: Introduction to performance concepts, basics of teamwork, and early game preparation strategies.
• Main educational priority: Introducing key skills to enhance their understanding of mental performance.

U18 

• Focus: Developing performance concepts and pressure management techniques, enhancing teamwork and game analysis skills.
• Blend of education, awareness, and applicable mental skills during training sessions.

U22 

• Focus: In-depth exploration of performance concepts, advanced teamwork strategies, and comprehensive preparation methods for competition.
• Emphasis on reflection of educational components, with priority given to applicable skills and addressing presenting concerns.

Season Schedule Overview

Summer

• Introductions, team building, motivation sessions, and goal setting.

Beginning of Season

• Finalizing individual and team goals, discussing various topics (thought education, self-talk, pre-game routines, emotional management), and fostering reflections on practices and games.

Middle of Season

• Targeting specific presenting concerns, refining mental skills, resetting techniques, and handling setbacks while re-evaluating goals and progress.

End of Season

• Reviewing goals and achievements and preparing athletes for the next season or their future steps in hockey.

Mental Performance Curriculum Highlights

1. Introduction to Mental Performance: Understanding mental performance and training methods.
2. Team Building: Trust development and positive communication among teammates.
3. Motivational Strategies: Identifying personal 'whys' and team motivators.
4. Goal Setting: Setting individual and team goals to drive focus.
5. Thought Education: Differentiating between automatic and intentional thoughts and understanding positive versus negative thinking.
6. Effective Self-Talk: Cultivating smart self-talk, including instructional and motivational aspects.
7. Pre-Game Routines: Establishing both mental and physical preparation strategies.
8. Resetting Techniques: Methods for mental and physical resets during games.
9. Imagery and Visualization: Utilizing imagery for preparation, resetting, and reflective practices.
10. Emotional Management: Skills for handling emotions and maintaining control during high-pressure situations.
11. Life Balance Skills: Fostering balance between hockey and personal aspects, including time and emotional management.
12. Transition Preparation: Strategies for moving up levels in hockey and preparing for life post-high school.