The Spirit of the Game: What Hockey Teaches Us About Connection
From Power Plays to Presence: Spiritual Insights on Ice
Ahoy Crew Members,
Welcome aboard to Issue #4 of SAILING THE DIVINE!
For our new crew members, here’s how it works: each week, we drop anchor together to reflect on a simple thought or idea, exploring ways to apply it to our daily lives.
Last week, we talked about the importance of filling our cups—restoring our energy so we can give to ourselves and others. For me, going to a hockey game with a friend was one way I filled my cup. The excitement of the crowd, the shared experience with my friend, and the energy of the game left me feeling renewed and connected.
But as we sat in the arena, something struck me: a hockey game is so much more than just the game on the ice. It’s a living, breathing example of connection on multiple levels—how we show up for ourselves, how we connect with those around us, and how we contribute to something greater than ourselves.
Let’s lace up and explore these three layers of connection: the player, the fans, and the arena itself. Each holds a unique lesson for our spiritual journey.
ANCHOR POINT
The Spirit of the Game: What Hockey Teaches Us About Connection
Layer 1: The Player — Stepping Into Your Arena
(Personal Spirituality)
Last Saturday, my friend and I made it to the arena just in time for the opening introductions. As each player skated onto the ice, the crowd erupted in cheers. But when Marie Philip Poulin was announced, the energy shifted—it wasn’t just excitement; it was pride and admiration. Known as Captain Clutch, she’s famous for delivering in high-pressure moments, and you could feel the anticipation. When she scored the winning goal in the shootout, the arena exploded in celebration, a testament to her unwavering focus and skill under pressure.
This moment reminded me of how each of us is a player in our own game of life. Every day, we’re faced with opportunities to step onto the “ice” and give our best effort. But being a player isn’t just about showing up for the big moments—it’s about how we prepare for them. Just like Poulin, who trains both her body and mind to stay sharp in the chaos of a game, we can train ourselves spiritually to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and presence.
Personal spirituality is about showing up for yourself with intention. It’s about finding practices—whether meditation, journaling, or moments of quiet reflection—that help you stay grounded and ready to face whatever comes your way. It’s also about trusting the preparation you’ve done and allowing it to guide you when the spotlight is on and decisions must be made.
Reflection
What does it mean to step into our own “arena”? Are we approaching our life with focus and intention, or are we skating aimlessly through the motions? Consider what practices can help us strengthen our personal connection to ourselves and show up with clarity, resilience, and grace when life’s challenges come our way.
Layer 2: The Fans — The Power of Shared Energy
(Interpersonal Spirituality)
The energy in the arena was electric, and it wasn’t just coming from the ice. It was the collective excitement of every fan, cheering, clapping, and waving their white towels in unison. Every goal brought the crowd to its feet, united in joy and celebration. And during those nail-biting moments—overtime, the shootout—there wasn’t a single person sitting. Together, we held our breath, leaned in, and shared every high and low.
This shared energy is the magic of being part of something bigger than yourself. As fans, we weren’t just observers; we were participants. Our cheers fuelled the players, and their efforts energized us in return. It was a constant exchange of energy, creating a bond that went far beyond the game itself.
In life, we experience this same kind of connection in our relationships. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to exchange energy, to uplift or drain, to create joy or tension. Just as a crowd can amplify the energy in an arena, the people around us reflect and magnify the energy we bring into our relationships. Whether it’s laughter with a friend, a kind word to a colleague, or a moment of support for a loved one, the energy we share has a ripple effect.
I laughed with my friend as we spun our towels wildly in the air, still unsure if I was hitting her head or if she was hitting her own. That moment of shared humour reminded me that relationships thrive on these small, joyful exchanges. We all have the power to uplift each other, to cheer someone on in their game of life.
Reflection
What energy are we bringing to the people around us? Are we lifting others up with our presence, or are we unintentionally draining their energy? Think about how we can contribute to the “crowd” in our life—whether through encouragement, shared joy, or simply being present in the moment.
Layer 3: The Arena — The Unity of the Collective
(Collective Spirituality)
As I sat in the arena, surrounded by 10,000 fans, I couldn’t help but feel the collective energy of the space. It was more than the individual cheers or the excitement of the game—it was the synergy of thousands of people coming together in a shared purpose. When our team scored, the arena erupted as one, the sound of joy echoing through the space. And when the victory song ‘Au Bal Masqué’ played after the game, the crowd sang together, united in celebration. For those few moments, we weren’t strangers—we were one.
This collective energy reminded me of the interconnectedness of life itself. Just as each fan in the arena contributes to the atmosphere, each of us contributes to the world around us. Our thoughts, words, and actions ripple outward, influencing the collective experience. When we come together with a shared intention—whether it’s cheering for a team or working toward a common goal—we create something far greater than what any of us could achieve alone.
The arena became a living symbol of how powerful unity can be. Sure, there may have been a few Ottawa fans scattered among the 10,000 Montreal faithful, but even they couldn’t deny the electric energy of the crowd. Despite our differences, we were all there for the same reason: to support our team. It’s a reminder that in life, we’re all part of a larger whole. When we align our energy with love, hope, and purpose, we elevate not only ourselves but everyone around us.
Reflection
Where in our life are we contributing to the “arena” of collective energy? Are we adding positivity and hope, or are we holding back? Consider how our energy impacts the greater whole. How can we align with others in love and purpose to create something extraordinary?
Raising the Anchor
Life is like a hockey game—it’s dynamic, full of energy, and constantly calling us to connect on multiple levels. As the player, we’re asked to step into our arena with focus and intention, showing up fully for the moments that matter. As the fan, we’re reminded of the power of shared energy and how our presence can uplift others. And as part of the arena, we’re invited to recognize our role in the collective whole, contributing our energy to something greater than yourself.
Each of these layers holds a lesson, but together, they reveal something deeper: that life is a team effort. Whether we’re scoring goals, cheering others on, or simply being part of the crowd, our energy matters. When we align with love, connection, and purpose, we create a ripple effect that elevates not only our experience but the experience of everyone around us.
Crew Challenge
This week, take time to reflect on the three layers of connection and how they show up in your life:
The Player: Identify one area of your life where you can show up more intentionally. Is there a “game” you’re playing that could use more focus or preparation? Commit to one action that will help you strengthen your personal connection and presence.
The Fans: Think about the energy you bring to your relationships. How are you cheering others on or uplifting the people around you? Choose one way to intentionally share positive energy with someone this week. It could be as simple as a kind word, a shared laugh, or a heartfelt “thank you.”
The Arena: Reflect on the collective spaces you’re part of—your workplace, family, or community. How can you contribute your energy to make those spaces more connected and supportive? Maybe it’s volunteering, offering encouragement, or simply being present in a group setting.
Until the next anchor point,
May your sails be steady and your energy connected,
Your Captain, Nicole