Stu Skinner

Industry:

Professional Sports

NHL Team:

Edmonton Oilers

Position:

Goaltender

Contract Value:

$8M+

“It was absolutely crucial. I think it is one of the biggest things that has probably impacted my life. And I would also say that there's 0% chance that I am where I am today without this work. I'd say, this has completely changed my life, and it would be the best decision that you made and best investment that you could ever make for yourself.”

Stuart Skinner

NHL Starting

The Challenge: Talent Alone Wasn’t Enough

At 19, Stu Skinner had raw talent and ambition, but he was stuck. Traded to a new team with championship expectations, he struggled with consistency, pressure, and self-doubt. He believed he was hardworking, but quickly realized he was playing it safe, taking the easy path rather than pushing his limits.

He needed more than physical training. He needed the mental edge that separates great players from elite ones. Stu’s transformation wasn’t just about hockey. It was about shifting his mindset, work ethic, and leadership, on and off the ice.

The Results: From Potential to Peak Performance

Mental & Emotional Mastery

When he lost his starting job in the playoffs, Stu didn’t collapse–he stayed locked in and stepped up when called back, playing at an even better level.
Transformed from an emotionally reactive player to one known for resilience and composure under pressure.
Developed the ability to reframe setbacks, ensuring every challenge became a launchpad for growth.

Career Breakthroughs

Became the Edmonton Oilers’ starting goaltender ahead of schedule.
Finalist for the Calder Trophy (NHL’s Rookie of the Year).
Secured an $8M contract—his first ever multimillion-dollar deal.
Helped the Oilers force a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals– making them the first team to tie the final after falling behind 3-0 in the series, since the Detroit Red Wings in 1945.

Mindset Shift: From Good to Great

A focus shift from “Can I compete at this level?” to “How far can I push my potential?”
Built a reputation as a mentally tough, high-character player admired by teammates and coaches.
Trains, prepares, and plays with the mindset of a top-five goaltender in the league—because that’s exactly where he wants to be.

The Coaching Solution: Developing An Elite Athlete Mindset

What started as a single call with one of our Meta Performance™ executive sport coaches turned into a six-year journey of transformation. Breaking through the mental and emotional barriers that hold athletes back from peak performance, his coaching journey focused on:

Mental Resilience & Pressure Performance – Training his mind to handle high-pressure moments, reframing failures as opportunities, and staying locked in, no matter the stakes.

Accountability & Work Ethic – Identifying and eliminating hidden complacency—creating meta performing habits to improve consistency, preparation, and in-game execution.

Leadership & Team Impact – Learning how to be ruthlessly competitive while still being a great teammate; strengthening communication and emotional intelligence to navigate team dynamics at the highest level.

Developing a Vision for Long-Term Success – Shifting from short-term wins to building a career of sustained excellence—investing in his growth, training, and mindset like the world’s top athletes.

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