Mental training driven by a winning mindset in the Chinese national ice hockey team: implications of medal-winning practices for the youth Ice hockey training system

Background Based on Miller's psychological model of ice hockey success, this study aims to develop a specialized and systematic mental training program for Chinese female 3v3 ice hockey athletes, providing empirical evidence for improving the competitive performance of China's ice hockey teams and the psychological development of reserve talents. Methods Twenty-two athletes from the Chinese National Women's 3v3 Ice Hockey Team were recruited as participants. According to the six core dimensions of the psychological model of ice hockey success, a systematic mental intervention program was constructed, including goal orientation, emotional regulation, positive self-talk, teamwork, and other modules.The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and competitive performance indicators were used to assess outcomes before and after the intervention. Paired-sample t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were applied to examine differences across measurement points. Results After the intervention, athletes’ occupational burnout decreased significantly.Scores for emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy dropped from 4.23 ± 1.25, 3.87 ± 1.12, 4.01 ± 1.18 to 3.12 ± 1.08, 2.95 ± 0.98, 3.05 ± 1.02, respectively.Paired-sample t-tests revealed highly significant differences for all subscales (t = 5.31–5.81, all p < 0.001). Highly significant improvements were also observed in perceived stress, decision-making accuracy under high pressure, tactical execution efficiency, and other core competitive indicators.Group×time interaction effects for perceived stress and decision-making accuracy were both highly significant (all p < 0.001). Conclusion The systematic mental training system based on Miller's psychological model of ice hockey success can significantly improve the mental health and performance-related psychological capacities of female 3v3 ice hockey athletes.Verified in the preparation practice of the national team, this program provides a replicable framework for mental training in youth ice hockey athletes, with core techniques including goal decomposition, mindful breathing, and positive self-talk.