There is actually a big benefit to mental strength, and several ways to harness discipline, although one could argue many of those methods also require a certain form of physical training.  Gato for example finds that while strength and conditioning are seen as physical traits, you also need to push your mental limit during such drills in order to avoid plateaus and achieve the next step. Maintaining peak performance when heading into the third period of a game is just as important as lower body or core strength, and sometimes that requires a mental strength that lets you ignore physical limits or other distractions. Having the confidence in yourself to push past tougher obstacles is also key to being the best player out there on the ice, especially when you may at times be considered the under dog in a matchup.  Everytime you step out there you need to wake up that morning knowing you are going to win, and that is a special form of mental strength that has to be cultivated.

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