What happens when the game you’ve built your entire identity around suddenly ends? Former University of Minnesota defenseman Jake Parenteau knows that story intimately - and his journey from two Frozen Four appearances to post-hockey depression to becoming a mental performance coach offers powerful lessons for every athlete.
In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Jake to explore the mental side of high-level hockey, the dangerous trap of tying identity to performance, and the tools that transformed his approach to both athletics and life.
You’ll discover:
How Jake went from blaming others for lack of playing time to taking ownership and becoming a regular starter
The visualization techniques his father taught him that he now realizes were game-changers
Why his pregame routine never changed - even for national championship games
The depression that hit 3-4 years after his career ended and how therapy changed everything
How he uses breath work and mindfulness to help today’s athletes stay present under pressure
His approach to coaching that builds relationships first, performance second
Key Moments:
Early Career: From backyard pond hockey in Roseville to Alaska juniors to the U of M
Mental Struggles: The overwhelming transition to big-time college hockey and losing sight of who he was
Frozen Four Memories: That unforgettable North Dakota game with 0.06 seconds left on the clock
Identity Crisis: The years of depression after hockey ended and discovering he’d never learned to process emotions
Coaching Philosophy: Why relationships matter more than tactics, and how to push athletes without destroying confidence
Practical Takeaways:
The power of consistency in small daily habits for building inner belief
How to separate your worth from your performance on the ice
Why “if you’re good enough, you’re gonna get seen” - and how to keep the fun in the game
Breath work techniques that help athletes stay present during training and competition
Whether you’re a player struggling with pressure, a parent supporting a young athlete, or a coach looking to build deeper connections with your team, Jake’s insights on mental fitness, identity, and finding purpose beyond the game will resonate long after the final buzzer.
Connect with Jake: Best Shift Training, Plymouth, MN
Resources mentioned:
Shine the Light (Paul Martin’s organization)
Best Shift Training’s inclusive hockey culture
The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on building championship mindsets both on and off the ice.
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