Understanding Self-Confidence in Professional Sports
By definition, self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment. It plays a crucial role in the performance of professional athletes, often making or breaking their game. This is particularly evident in the high-pressure position of a goaltender in the NHL, where mental toughness and resilience are as important as physical skills. New Jersey Devils netminder Nico Daws aptly summed up the importance of confidence when he told The Hockey News, "When you have confidence, the game is so easy. The second you lose it, it is so hard to get it back." At 24 years old, Daws is navigating the mental ups and downs that come with being a young goaltender, a journey his teammate Jake Allen understands all too well.
Nico Daws: A Return to the NHL
Daws was called up from the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League on February 1, 2024, and made his first NHL appearance of the season a few nights later against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 4. He secured a 3-2 shootout victory, marking his 20th career NHL win. This return to the League came after a challenging start with the Comets, who struggled as a team at the beginning of the 2024-25 season. Daws candidly shared his struggles, including a series of losses in October and a lower-body injury that kept him off the ice around the holidays. Despite these setbacks, his confidence grew as the year progressed. He focused on the mental aspects of the game, learning to let go of the past and stay present, a skill that is crucial for any athlete but especially for a goaltender.
Jake Allen: Navigating the Goaltending Gauntlet
Jake Allen, Daws’ goaltending partner, has already experienced the mental ebbs and flows of the position. At 34 years old, with a wealth of experience, Allen is a veteran who has seen it all. "Everyone goes through it," Allen said. "There are not many goalies that don’t go through it. If they don’t, then I would like to meet them. It is just part of the game. It is impossible in today’s world not to have bad games in this position. It is just the nature of the position." Allen’s words highlight the universal nature of the struggle and the importance of understanding that even the best goalies have off nights. This perspective can be invaluable for younger players like Daws, who may feel the weight of their performance more acutely.
The Self-Imposed Pressure of Young Goalies
One of the biggest challenges for young goalies is the pressure they put on themselves. "I have been in a lot of these young guy’s shoes," Allen noted. "A lot of times, they put their own pressure on themselves, more so than there actually is, and I think that is the realistic viewpoint." This self-imposed pressure can be overwhelming, especially when a player’s performance is often measured by statistics like save percentage and goals against average. However, Allen believes that focusing too much on these numbers can be detrimental. "I think the minute that you can accept your stats are your stats and not worry about them, the better off you are," he said. "Goaltending stats, to me, is a very conversational piece. I don’t really believe in it a ton. It gives you a baseline, but at the same time, it doesn’t really (paint the whole picture), especially in today’s game, where there are not many shots."
The Team Dynamic and Goaltending
Allen also emphasized the team aspect of hockey, explaining how individual performances are intertwined with the team’s success. "But also, at the same time, your team could be playing a great game, and you might not be playing a great game," he said. "It goes back and forth. It is the nature of the position. That is why it is a team sport. Sometimes you have their back, and sometimes they have yours." This mutual support and reliance are essential for a goalies’ mental health and performance. By recognizing that they are part of a team and not solely responsible for the outcome of every game, goalies can find a more balanced and sustainable approach to their role.
The Long Road to NHL Comfort
Becoming a comfortable NHL goaltender is a journey that takes years. When asked about the time it took him to feel at home in the league, Allen was candid. "It took me a while," he said. "I would probably say four or five or even six years after I started playing in the league. I think if you ask (Jacob Markstrom) too; it is probably around 30 years old when you really start figuring it out. It takes a long time." For Daws, who has 48 career NHL games and 86 AHL games under his belt, this is a valuable insight. He recognizes that he has a lot to learn and is taking significant steps toward his goal. "I think I am taking some big steps, and I am excited for the future," Daws said. With the support of veterans like Allen and continued focus on both physical and mental skills, Daws is on track to develop into a reliable NHL goaltender.
Resources and Support for Mental Health
The Devils organization recognizes the importance of mental health and provides resources to help their players navigate the pressures of professional sports. Mental skills coach Andy Swärd works closely with the players, including Daws and Allen, to build mental resilience and confidence. This support system is crucial for young players who may be facing the intense scrutiny of the NHL for the first time. By providing guidance and a safe space to discuss their mental health, the Devils are fostering an environment where players can grow and thrive both on and off the ice. For more insights and updates on the Devils’ goaltending situation and other team news, make sure to bookmark THN’s New Jersey Devils site.
