Then they move to the main dressing room area to meet with Dr. Bradley Hack, a sports psychologist in his second season working with the team on performance psychology. Hack works with the team both as a group and individually, and covers all areas of mental wellness.
On this morning, they talk about strategies for dealing with the anxiety that accompanies the pressure of a stretch run, as the Hurricanes are in a pitched battle for a spot in the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
“It takes a toll on the player both mentally and physically,” Hack said.
There is give and take among the group on what strategies can be employed to rise above the adversity that presents itself during this critical period. “They all want to play better,” Hack explained. “And they know that the mental side of things is so important.”
After the meeting, head strength and conditioning coach Bill Burniston dims the lights and puts on quiet music as the players, most of whom are wearing heart monitors, find comfortable spots on the floor or against the wall to relax with a series of deep belly breathing exercises.