HOW NINO NIEDERREITER GETS AN EDGE
Development assisted by Swiss-based “mental coach”
9:30 pm: If Nino Niederreiter develops into the first line wing the Islanders project him to become, the player and the team will owe thanks to Rita Sutter.
Sutter is the 19-year-old’s “mental coach” (Niederreiter’s term of choice). Based in the player’s native Switzerland, Sutter helps Niederreiter in sessions over the phone, via email and in person with his focus, relaxation, confidence and competitive spirit. She is not a doctor, but a professional more commonly referred to in America as a life coach. The fine-tuning of mental skills famously worked for Oprah Winfrey; certainly it could increase the production of a talented teenage hockey player.
“Rita has been fantastic for me,” Niederreriter told Point Blank last season. “In the beginning, I really had no idea what a mental coach did or if there was any way she could help me. But Rita has been a big part of my success. I’m glad I took the recommendation to see her.”
Who did the recommendation come from?
“My mother,” said Niederreiter, who scored two goals tonight off assists by Ryan Strome in the Islanders’ 8-5 rookie game loss to the Bruins on Monday at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. “I didn’t think it was a good idea. I resisted. But Mom had heard about mental coaches and thought someone like Rita could be a big help to me as I tried to improve my hockey. I also had a lot ahead of me, like moving to the U.S. from Switzerland. Mom was right.”
Sutter provided guidance when the 6-2 wing relocated to Portland as a 17-year-old to start his education as a North American hockey player in the Western Hockey League. Niederreiter’s personal coach is there for him when he needs to break a scoring slump. She is someone to lend an ear, but Sutter also does a lot of talking when necessary.
Travis Green, the former Islanders center, played one season in Switzerland after 14 in the NHL and before taking the job as the assistant coach/assistant general manager of Niederreiter’s junior team in Portland. Green, who called his time in Switzerland “an incredible learning experience,” said the Swiss place a strong emphasis not just on skating and conditioning, but on the mental aspects of the game.
“Several of the Swiss and other European players had personal coaches,” said Green, entering his third season in Portland. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s important for players to have someone to talk to, maybe someone who’s not a teammate or a coach. Nino’s obviously come a long way in his teenage years, so it’s apparent the extra preparation has been important.”
Niederreiter believes in Sutter so much, he asked her to come to New York last summer for two weeks of sessions before the start of his first Islanders training camp. “It was a big help,” said Niederreiter. “I shouldn’t get into too many details. She got me prepared, focused, ready.” It worked. Niederreiter made a strong enough impression on the Islanders to entice management to put him on the NHL roster for the first nine games of 2010-11.
Many professional sports teams have psychologists on staff. The doctors are usually made available to players upon their request, or at the urging of the general manager or head coach when they believe intervention is required. Few NHLers have employed someone for the kind of one-on-one guidance like Sutter has provided to the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft.
The polite but aggressive, respectful but extroverted Niederreiter has developed as a man and athlete at a rate beyond his years. (He just turned 19 on Thursday). Naturally, the guidance of his parents has been paramount. But the results are also a testament to his mother’s advice to hire a personal coach. As Mike Johnston and Green did in Portland and Jack Capuano will soon with the Islanders, Rita Sutter has been instrumental in the maturation of a young man with a lot of potential.
Bruins 8 Islanders 5
It was a rookie game with players of hugely varying degrees of potential and experience, so – win or lose – it’s always a mistake to make too much of the contest. Besides Niederreiter’s two, the Islanders got goals by Calvin de Haan, Kirill Kabanov and John Persson. Mikko Koskinen had a rough night in goal, but this too shall pass.
Rhett Rakhshani left the game with a concussion after absorbing a big check and will be re-evaluated Tuesday.
Monday’s rookie game, as with all training camp workouts, was closed to the general public. However, the game on Tuesday at the Coliseum is open to fans for the cost of a $10 ticket. Proceeds go to the Islanders Children’s Foundation.
56 Responses to HOW NINO NIEDERREITER GETS AN EDGE
Development assisted by Swiss-based “mental coach”
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bergie says:
Can we hire Ms. Sutter for Kabanov, Bailey and DP?
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misterpink says:
Not sure what to make of a 19 year old who needs professional help in order to get motivated to play in the NHL .. Altho I must say it fits with how he looked at times last year after being sent back and how he looked earlier this summer in the rookie game in July.
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John says:
Watched most of the game on computer. You’re right about it being impossible to judge. Mikko was a joke. I’d rave about Nino and Strome but they weren’t going up against much Bruins talent except for Dougie. They did show some chemistry so that was good.
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KevinNyi says:
I’m amazed how you’re able to find out interesting things about the players and write such detailed stories when the bloggers with press passes don’t do anything except talk about cupcakes and troll the company line for Snow and Wang.
Great story.
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David in Lynbrook says:
I also don’t want to make too big a deal of the first game, but Calvin de Haan still doesn’t look like anything great two years after we took him 12th overall. I’m sure he’ll play in the NHL but I would keep expectations lower than what you’d expect for what we gave up to move down and take him.
Really good scoop on Nino.
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The new isles gm says:
2- you made me laugh. Nino played well tonight and Strome seemed to be looking for him every time he had the puck. It’s amazing what goes on behind the scenes. My fear is that we are rushing him and this life coach runs out of options. I still think he should go back to juniors for one more year. Will it really make or break us from getting in the playoffs?
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walter says:
Game is a non-story but excellent story on Nino. I think a young prospect with his potential should get as much help as he can.
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chyz says:
Maybe she doesn’t speak much English although for many Swiss its a second language. If Nino develops well the Isles should look into Sutter or someone like her. Like Greenie said, it’s the new wave in Europe and as a former player he knows how these docs or coaches can help.
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nyc dork says:
Grabner definitely needs a mental coach since he is a “slow starter”
Bailey need one as well since he was thrown to the wolves.
DP is DP. he will never learn not to make a mental mistake, even if snow paid him $2 a minute.
Already Concussion injuries? let the injuries begin! -
schultz says:
No one could match up with Nino tonight. Dougie H will soon Im sure. Nino will find it a little tougher going against Chara this season. Still it’s nice to see him get two goals and him and Strome show something.
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Drew says:
Loved the insight into Nino. That’s why I’m on this site every day. I don’t see anyone else writing stories on the team like this. Maybe the new guy at LI’s paper will. Looking forward to more like this.
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IMO – Cizikas was the most impressive all around tonight. LOVE THIS KID. KK was flying out there as well. Ulstrom looked great yet again. Hope Nino doesn’t think he’s got it locked up. Agree on CdH – I think he looked better 2 years ago than he does lately – wonder whats going on there.
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Josh says:
I’m afraid Koskinen doesn’t need a life coach, he needs an exorcist.
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Tom D in NJ says:
In this crazy, complicated and un-predictable world I think we all need a mental coach…. I’ll be looking for one Chris, thanks for this interesting post!
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a mental coach makes a lot of sense, its thinking different and out of the box and helps with confidence which is everything. you would hope wang would want a mental coach to help the other kids as well but unless ms. sutter wants to do it for free, it aint happening as they say. wang wouldnt do it because he wouldnt spend a dime more then he has to for the team. its a shame wang continues to do what ever he can to make sure the fans cant follow the team by closing tonights game to the public. one person you wont get info. on tonights game from newsday is katie strang. did she leave newsday for espn because it was a better deal or was it because as she tweated last week how wang and snow wouldnt talk to her regarding yashin skating on the ice when she asked about it. i think she had it with wangs and snows arragance and was fed up with the way wang and snow treat people like garbage if you dont agree with them. just my opinion, but interesting out of nowhere, the only newspaper beat writer that covers the isles,leaves after trying to talk to the arragant clowns wang and snow who continue to do what ever possible to analiate the fans and to make sure the fans get no coverage what so ever on the team like we lived in communist china.
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Staten Islander says:
A cuncussion already? Welcome to the 2011/2012 season
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PotvinRocks says:
I don’t care what age you are, if you have a goal you should use whatever means you have to help you achieve that goal. It shows Nino’s desire to make sure that he doesn’t undersell himself. I think doing this will make him a better player. If a player like PA got himself a life coach maybe he wouldnt have so many turnovers because mentally he’d picture the plays better.
The Rookies looked go. If I had to guess I’d say the Isles had control of the puck in more offensive situations than the Bruins. Civics, Strone and Nino all looked great. I have to guess that deHaan will start the season in Bridgeport. -
Ethan K says:
When you’re under a microscope as a teenager, across the world from your home and under stress of schoolwork and becoming a professional athlete who has to train all year round, there’s NO concern with him needing a mental coach. Considering some events that occured during this offseason, I only wonder why MORE players aren’t using mental coaches and talking to psychologists regularly.
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vic says:
Since the game was closed tonight I have a hunch Garth wanted Nilsson to play Tuesday when there will be 2-3,000 fans there. Understandable.
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Terry says:
I honestly wonder if the Islanders knew Nino used this lady as a coach behind the scenes. She’s sounds exactly like the out of the box thinking Wang loves to be connected with. Wouldn’t be surprised if they hire a team psychologist or someone like her.
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CC says:
You and the fans can spin this anyway you want CB. All I know is I’m tired of losing these games all the time, rookie and preseason. Always seems to set the tone for a bad start to the year.
The Bruins had Hamilton and thats about it for top prospects. We played two top 5 overall picks plus Koskinen, KK, Cizikas and CDH.
I’m not saying this cause we lost basically a scrimmage tonight. But someday our losing culture has to stop.
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Nick M says:
I think I know what the NYI should do. The biggest move they can possible do is give CB his team access back. He is the PR guy they lack. No other islanders blogger/reporter/insider has more information then CB even with team access. I say we start a petition and snow gets he’s man shoes on and do what’s right.
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Ed from Hempstead says:
Awesome feature on Nino. Love original stories like this. Keep ‘em coming.
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ledzep121212 says:
Once again CDH looked incredibly solid, I would not be shocked at all if he won that final D spot in camp.
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rpchief2 says:
They used the game as a thank you to season and partial plan holders. I stood behind the goal on the glass the entire game.with a free buffet right next to me. My son had an awesome time. High fived the players every period and got a bag of Islanders stuff. Thank you Islanders. Nino was great tonight and Kabanov looked very good.
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Mike says:
Nino absolutely should not go back to juniors but a year in bridgeport isn’t a bad option.
Mike: it’s not an option. Per the CBA, it’s the NHL or juniors only for Nino…CB
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John (2) I dont know if you are up to speed on the Bruins prospects, but saying we went up against no one except Hamilton is terribly ignorant. Ryan Spooner has scored over 7 points against us the last 2 years in these games and Jared Knight has also had terrific games against us. We had 3 first round players out there and besides Nino’s 2 goals, we looked like the ones who didn’t have much on the ice.
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IslesFan says:
22. I agree with you for the most part. CB and everyone can spin this loss all they want, but these games are not meaningless. Many Islander fans have inflated expectations about how improved the Islanders will be this upcoming season and how much young talent they have in the farm, but a game like this goes to show you that other teams have young talent too. Yes, the Islanders are moving in the right direction, but they have a considerable way to go. If you have the Islander rookies winning more of these games, you will likely have the Islanders doing better too.
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ray says:
Just having the smarts the hire a personal coach shows maturity in Nino. Good for him.
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Steve R says:
They made Nino looked good. We made a decent prospect like Ryan Spooner look great.
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THollinger says:
Switch the goalies and the Islanders win. It is that simple.
Top Prospects were Nino, Strome, Kabanov, Cizikas and Ullstrom..Lee and Nelson did not play…neither did top 1 & 2 goalie prospects Poulin and Nilsson. Story line? Isles have a lot of depth in the pool up front, need to improve the D and thank god they have two prospects better in goal than Koskinen.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Excellent story and game coverage. I like that Nino/ Strome chemestry… Thanks CB!
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Jeff says:
Koskinin looked like he will be fighting for a spot just to stay in the bridge. Ullstrom showed great potential with jt hands and moves down low. Look to see him challenge niño for a spot. Great info cb
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pete says:
Great story CB. I’m just excited to finally see live islanders hockey for the first time in months, rookies or not. Nino looked great with Strome and should be in the NHL this year. If the Bailey contract situation doesnt get resolved I can see Strome replacing him this season. Ullstrom and Cizikas also impressed me. Definitely need to improve the defensive prospect pool though…
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bingo says:
Koskinen stinks, and I mean BIG TIME.
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gary91922 says:
To #3… Are you for real? Do you have any idea how different pro sports are to any other level of play, and I mean from a mental aspect.
I have a friend who was an olympic track athlete as well as a friend in the nfl. Both were relatively succesful. The focus on a day to day basis is what keeps you at the top.
Yeah you should be motivated to play in the NHL but, distractions and human nature fight against you every step of the way. It got in my way and I lost the opportunity my physical gifts gave me. I wasn’t a wild out of control person, but I did let my wants (girls, fun, girls, friends) distract me just enough that made a difference between me and the others who also could throw in the low 90′s.
I wish I had a life coach in 1984.. I had the skill to make a run at the majors.
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coralspringsislefan says:
I happen to be a Life Coach and I always wondered if professional athletes utilized their services. Thanks for the input CB.
The mind is our biggest asset and when developed properly can achieve anything that you set your intention to. I hope his Life Coach has given Nino some insight into the law of attraction and has El Nino visualizing hoisting the stanley cup over his head this year.
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Bob E says:
seems to me that nino has everytthing excpet the mental part. when he matures he will be great. As will Kabonov.
Strome is the real deal already. ANother year in juniors will work wonders.
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BOSSYSOUTH says:
CB – Why do the Isles close TC and charge for Rookie games? I relocated to Miami a couple of years ago and the Florida Panthers’ organization make the Islanders look like riff-raff. All TC is free, at a beautiful complex (Saveology Iceplex), and the Panthers put on kid-centric Hockey Festivals (free – see Monday the 19th, free pre-season doubleheader). This type of promo is the root of fanbase building. Nickel and diming me for $10 is offensive and short-sighted. Always be an Islander fan, but there is some pull when I have SSE president & COO Michael Yormark giving me a free bagel, letting my kid skate free, and trying to convert me. I cannot see my son not being a Panther fan as he grows up here. It pains me, but without Gillies, Bossy, Trottier, Smith, Potvin (etc., etc.), where is the incentive to be an Islanders’ fan?
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
You can never go wrong with a Sutter!
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Jim Clark says: I need a life coach to deal with being a fan of this team, especially since Deb Placey is off the Islanders beat and covering the Devils.
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the bomber says:
arent they giving the ten bucks to charity??
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ed says:
I am happy Nino has a life coach. He is taking his profession seriously and understands how hard it is to make it at 19 years old. Good to hear
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Hock says:
#42 – “I need a life coach to deal with being a fan of this team…”
Thanks for the laugh…ain’t it the truth!
Anyway, I’m still hopeful that THIS YEAR will be different.
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Battfist says:
Thanks for the insight on Nino. Good for him. Life is a jungle.
As far as the game last night-
Nino- love the attitude and presence in front of the net.KK-has skills
Ullstrom stood out at times, he didnt mind getting a bit physical.
Pedan- once he learns to skate a little better, watch out.
Strome- he’ll make the team next season.
Cizikas- He showed some flashes last night.
Mikko- although he was “left to dry” on a few goals…he must play better.
Ill be there tonite!
Lets Go Islanders!
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UNH Steve says:
To CB and all else interested, there is a difference between a “life coach” and a sport psychologist. Sport psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology that focuses on the mental component of sport. Sport psychologists deal with performance related issues and, if they have a doctoral degree, clinical issues as well. Sport psychologists go by many names including “mental coach”, “sport psychology consultant”, and “performance coach”, just to name a few. The Association of Applied Sport Psychology is a governing body that awards certification for practicing consultants. While I am not aware of Nino’s coach’s background, I will say that mental coaches do not just work on mental “problems”. A large portion of the work that mental coaches perform is providing performance enhancement techniques for athletes to improve their game from good to great. As mentioned, several of the areas that can be addressed include motivation, confidence, focus, energy management, etc. These areas are worked on through effective, research based, techniques such as imagery, goal setting, biofeedback, self talk, and breathing exercises. I have my master’s degree in sport psychology and am very happy to see a young Islanders prospect that is willing to do everything he can to improve as a player. There certainly is a stigma around the term psychology as it relates to sport, however more and more there seems to be players embracing developing their “mental toughness.”
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jonj77 says:
Yes… the $10 for tonight’s game will go to charity.
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NYIfan says:
I love that the Isles can charge just $10 bucks for a game for the chance to see guys like Nino, Strome, CdH, Kirill Kabanaov etc. and people still complain about it. Sorry that you’re not getting as much free stuff as other teams give. Since when did we all become entitled to free stuff where ever we go? You’re being charged a measly ten spot to go sit and watch some of your favorite team’s future stars. OH! And your ten bucks isn’t even going to the team that could so desperately use every last cent it finds because its bleeding money, its going to charity. Get over it.
I don’t see anyone complaining about $10. Not sure what this is about…CB
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Seth says:
Another year in junior hockey certainly would not hurt neither Strome or Niederreiter but rushing a player can cause harm on the development. I hope the Islanders play it safe with both young and very skilled hockey players.
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BanGarth says:
23 Nick I agree. As readers of this blog we need to step up and go to bat for CB. Whatever it takes to get him reinstated. Any ideas are welcomed….
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Sean says:
Write letters to Wang to get cb reinstated or do a petition. I love your site cb keep us updated on everything. I just wish we had the arena situation done or know what’s next.
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For an organization dying to get fans, they should understand that “giving away” a $10 seat would help build the fan base. Opening up training camp would help to gain fans. I do not complain about the $10, I complain about the empty houses during the reg season, because of the lack of season ticket sales, etc. The $10 nonsense is nickel-and-diming me to death. If they get 16,236 people to pay $10, that is another story, but we are talking about numbers in the hundreds at $10, instead of maybe a thousand if free. Soda sales alone would outearn the $10 per. Bad business and insulting, especially when I can go first-class in Ft. Lauderdale! Yes, the pre-season, training camp is all free. I don;t rejoice at saving $10, but I am certainly more inclined to spend big on a regular season game. It is ridiculous that Florida has way more season ticket holders than us, but it is not hard to see why. Islanders back office org need an education in business. “give away” $10, make $1000. Pretty basic.
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Piper (in DC) says:
#53 (bossysouth) if the $10 they charge goes to charity then that is a plus. Nickel and diming people for charity is not a negatve thing, seeing how most people don’t donate.
The main thing is that people show up to events & games to support a team that they love and to give these kids (that will be the future) another reason to stay with this team. GO ISLES!!!! -
Glens says:
I agree a 100% with Bossysouth as why do the isles close training camp. It’s not about the ten bucks as a matter a fact I’m going to the game tonight. I just truly don’t understand this, I’m not saying every ice session but at least have 80% of them open to the public (not just season tix holders). As well as the regular season they use to be open all the time @ Icework’s, then they stopped around three years ago as per the GOGO i guess. I just don’t get it do you have any insught CB.
As ussual CB thanks for the site I go on it at least 15 time’s a day.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
Dadi says:
Give Nino 29 years old to teach him…about life…and he will fly on the ice
Great insight into Nino.