Wild playoff hockey, St. Cloud State’s Frozen Four run, 14 Minnesota Hockey State Tournaments, the Gopher women’s perfect season – what a year for hockey in Minnesota! Could 2014 be even better? We think so. Help ring in the New Year with these hockey resolutions to help make you a better player. What resolutions are you making? Tweet us at @MinnHockey.

10. Improve your grades. Okay, okay, this probably isn’t something you will find on your kids’ resolutions. School should always remain a top priority though. It’s nice to dream about the possibility of playing pro hockey one day, but that should never involve sacrificing a quality education. Encourage your kids to strive for improvement in the classroom as well as on the ice. A strong work ethic in hockey and school will set you up for success now and in the future.

9. Work on your backhand. Getting off a strong backhand shot gives players an extra weapon. Goalies struggle with backhands. But it doesn’t just help with shooting. Passing and receiving on your backhand is a critical skill that helps create opportunities and escape trouble. It can be a tough skill to master – and maybe an awkward one at first – but putting in the time will pay dividends down the line.

8. Volunteer. Volunteerism and community are the drivers of hockey in Minnesota so be sure to give back to your association. Offer to help out at fundraisers, team functions, concessions and other events. If you’re a Peewee or Bantam, offer to help out at clinics for younger kids and first-time skaters. The more players and parents help out, the less hockey costs for all families involved.

7. Shore up your defense. Want to score more goals and notch more assists? Play better defense. Put in extra effort and pay more attention during drills and small-area games at practice. You can’t score without the puck. A strong defensive team will have more puck possession, which should translate into more offense. When players get older into Bantams and beyond, coaches will reward reliable defensive players with more ice time in critical situations.

6. Try other positions. All players should try every position. Defensemen will develop a better understanding of the game by playing up as a forward. Wingers will get a different perspective by trying to play on the blue line. It all helps a player foster creativity and hockey sense. As players get older, the ability to play different positions offers versatility for coaches, which could result in more ice time.

5. Be a better friend and teammate. One of the many reasons hockey is fun is because of the friendships you develop with your teammates. Hockey is the ultimate team sport so supporting your teammates can make a huge difference. Don’t miss out on getting to know everyone away from the rink either. Invite players over, suggest a trip to the bowling alley or head to a high school, college or Wild game together. When hockey teams have a strong bond, they often play their best and have the most fun.

4. Focus on skating. Skating is the most important skill you can develop and it should always be worked on. Booming slapshots and slick stickhandling are useless if the player does not skate well. Here are some age-appropriate tips to get started.

3. Stick with your gut. Don’t cave into the pressure to play year round this spring.  If you want to play softball, baseball, tennis, soccer or water sports, do it! Taking a break to play other sports during the offseason won’t make you any less of a hockey player. In fact, it will likely help develop different skills and renew your passion for the game. Just remember to stay active because the best overall athletes make up the best hockey players.

2. Play outside. There’s nothing more fun or rewarding than lacing up the skates outside with your buddies, with family, with strangers – or just by yourself. Outdoor hockey is engrained into the fabric of Minnesota Hockey culture. We’re lucky to have such opportunities on our lakes, ponds, parks and backyards. Take advantage of these treasures. Aside from all the fun, unstructured hockey does wonders for skill development. It will show when you hit the ice with your team.

1. Respect the game. Celebrate with your teammates, listen to your coaches, thank your parents, clean up after yourself in the locker room and respect your opponents and the officials both on and off the ice. Don’t take these opportunities and people for granted. Be good to the game and it will be good to you.

Tweet us your New Year’s Resolutions at @MinnHockey.