Interview with Alina Müller on redefining women's ice hockey

I have a very high hockey IQ and a strong compete level. My willingness to do whatever it takes to win and improve every day has brought me far. I am very disciplined and treat my body and mind as professionally as possible in any circumstance.

This can definitely be a challenge, but it gets easier as I gain more experience. Most importantly, I try to play with the same intensity and intention every time I’m on the ice, whether in practice or games. I also love watching hockey and studying other players as much as possible. Additionally, women’s hockey has become very physical across all leagues, especially internationally, which makes it easier for me to switch between leagues and teams.

Definitely Marie-Philip Poulin; she is the best player in the world. She’s the fastest, smartest, and strongest woman I’ve played against so far. If you lose track of her for even a second in the defensive zone, the puck ends up in the back of your net. She’s also incredibly strong and solid — winning a battle or a faceoff against her is very difficult. Overall, she makes everyone around her a better player because of the level of focus and intensity required when you’re on the ice against her.

I’m focusing on improving the details — the little things that will eventually come together automatically. For example, wall plays or net-front habits. For the past few years, I’ve also put a big emphasis on my shooting skills; my shot can always become harder, quicker, and more deceptive. I think we’re still very behind in that area in Switzerland, and it’s becoming increasingly important as the game continues to evolve. Players who shoot a lot and shoot well will score more — there’s no secret recipe for scoring goals.

I honestly never had the feeling of not wanting to go to practice. I don’t take a single day for granted, knowing I get to do what I love for a living. I’ve always believed that my hard work would eventually pay off, which has made it easy for me to stay motivated. 

That said, knowing when to take a break or add a recovery day — and listening to my body — is part of professional sports and doesn’t mean I’m not motivated to practice. What helps me maintain this mindset is taking plenty of time off the ice during the summer. 

I enjoy doing all kinds of outdoor sports and breaking the regular training routine after a season is very important to me. Additionally, having a great support system and a clear understanding of my goals — and why I do what I do — is essential. 

Again, being intentional with every practice and game helps ensure that the big games don’t feel any different. 

As an athlete, you want to be in those situations — Billie Jean King said it well: “Pressure is a privilege.” 😊 Leaning on teammates and staff members when needed is also essential; hockey is a team sport, and nobody can win a game alone. 

I’ve also been working with mental performance coaches to develop tools to refocus quickly when nerves come up, which is completely normal.

That’s a tough question; there’s definitely no single recipe that works every time. Having a tight-knit team makes it much easier to overcome challenges. Again, being proactive and talking with the whole team about scenarios that might happen — and how you want to respond — is key. 

When the momentum isn’t on our side, I like to focus on executing the little details well and celebrating small wins or successful actions, such as a blocked shot, a good stick check, a sharp pass, or a smart decision to chip the puck out of the zone. 

Lastly, it’s especially important to stick together in those moments and not try to fix things alone. Cheering on teammates a little extra and clearly communicating when someone does something right makes a big difference.

I have been working with a mental performance coach for a while and definitely tried a lot of „refocusing tools“, not every time the same tools work but the first and most important step is to recognize and being consciously aware when I am in a distracted state. In that way I am not letting the mind takeover and gaining that control over my emotions back. 

Breathing techniques as well as self talk help me a lot. 

Otherwise, I have a strict routine in when I eat my pregame meal and what my warm up on and off the ice looks like, it gives me security and confidence which will help me on the ice perform at my best.

It plays a huge role — probably even more unconsciously than consciously. I watch a lot of hockey, and during practice or between shifts on the bench, I follow the game closely, always reflecting on what I would have done in each situation while also learning from others and picking up new ideas. 

Before games, I always review the opponent’s game plan that we studied in the days before, and sometimes I look at good plays of my own from past games or practices. 

Additionally, I usually visualize one to three things I want to focus on during the game, which I can return to if things aren’t going my way. 

I usually get to the gym about 30 minutes before the team workout starts to prepare my body with what I need that day, in addition to the team warm-up. Then, I join the team for a workout, which typically includes a speed or explosive segment and some weight training.

Planning — lots of planning — and investing time to figure out what works best for me. I make the most of every available resource and take care of my body every day. 

A solid summer training program is probably the most important factor in preventing injuries and ensuring I can play a full season.

I don’t follow a strict nutrition plan, but it’s definitely something that can always be optimized. I do yearly testing to check for any deficiencies and take supplements accordingly. Otherwise, I try to eat fresh, healthy meals as much as possible and limit processed foods. I rarely drink anything other than water, and I don’t consume alcohol. My favorite pre-game meals are either pasta with chicken or ravioli.

I like to read or talk to family and friends on the phone to recharge mentally. 

I also enjoy cooking and eating tasty, healthy food. To recharge physically, I make sure to get plenty of sleep and receive treatments and massages.

No, nothing special.

The people at AYCANE are super fun to work with, and their commitment to the women’s side from the very beginning created an instant connection for me. 

I’m proud to be Swiss, and being able to help a Swiss company shape and influence women’s hockey and the hockey community worldwide really inspired me to be part of AYCANE. They give a voice to the players themselves, which is one of the reasons their products are loved by everyone who uses them. 

I simply love wearing the AYCANE baselayers because of the material, temperature regulation, fit, and comfort they provide. 

Good question… Definitely Roger Federer. Then probably … and my boyfriend.

Love what you do and work hard — there are no shortcuts. Always challenge yourself by going up against the best players, goalies, and competitors available!