We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Jarvis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.
Jeff , so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline really comes from two places, sports and family. Growing up playing hockey at a high level taught me early on that consistency, hard work, and showing up every day are what separate good players from great ones. That mindset carried over into every part of my life. And now, being a husband, a dad, and a coach, I hold myself accountable because I know others are counting on me. Discipline isn’t just about pushing yourself; it’s about setting the example for the people who look up to you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hockey has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played NCAA hockey in college, and those years taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, and what it takes to compete at a high level. Now, as co-owner of the Ventura Vikings, I get to take that experience and use it to help the next generation of players chase their own dreams.
What excites me most is that we’re heading into our second season in the USPHL. Our first year was about building a strong foundation, creating the culture, recruiting talent, and getting our community behind us. This year, we’re building on that momentum and giving our players even more opportunities to grow, both on and off the ice.
For me, it’s not just about hockey. I’ve spent years as both a coach and a special education teacher, so I know how important it is to develop character, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Those lessons stick with players long after the game.
The Ventura Vikings aren’t just a hockey team; we’re building a program that provides real opportunity for players around the world to make an impact in Southern California while also making an impact in the community. That’s what makes this so meaningful to me.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I think it’s both. Your strengths are what make you stand out, so you want to lean into them. But if you only focus on what you’re already good at and ignore the weaker parts of your game, eventually it will hold you back.
As a player, I always had things that came more naturally, but I knew I couldn’t just rely on those. I had to put in the extra work on the areas that weren’t as strong, whether that was conditioning, defensive play, or the little details away from the puck. That’s what helped me become a more complete player and made me more valuable to the team.
So my belief is: build your confidence through your strengths, but never stop working on the weaker parts of your game. The best players are the ones who keep growing and can step up in different ways when their team needs them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.venturavikings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturavikings/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VENTURAVIKINGSJRHOCKEY/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-jarvis-b71316191/
Image Credits
Robert Curtis Photography and Top Prospect Films
