The “Backbone” Elements of Hockey Development

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aurUNqgckVU We're diving into some "Coaching Philosophy" on this one... Anytime we get into philosophical discussions, I like to point out that there are many, many ways of doing things. So, as always, take this information and use it however makes sense with your players. You might decide it fits your coaching style, you might decide it's not for you... or maybe there's a nugget or two that you can plug in with your team... or maybe not! Also - some of the planning methodologies I mention in this video are talked about in more depth in our Season Planning Workshop. You can register free here: SEASON PLANNING WORKSHOP REGISTRATION Regardless... this stuff has been working well for me over the past 6 or 7 seasons, so I figured I'd…
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It’s Not a Race to the Puck… It’s a Race to the LANE to the Puck!

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy
https://youtu.be/_K8kbnDluUE Sometimes a slightly different way of explaining things can make a big difference in a youngster's mind... We often talk about winning races and winning battles, but when you ask a group of players what are they racing to, most of the time they say "TO THE PUCK!" While gaining puck possession is the goal, it's not entirely true that we're racing to the puck, or that we're battling for control of the puck. We're actually racing to the LANE to the puck, and battling for control of the LANE to the puck. Furthermore, we're not actually racing to the net... we're racing to the LANE to the net. Once you control the lane, you control the route to the destination, whether it be the puck of the net.…
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Developmental “Triage” in Hockey Coaching

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy
Developmental "Triage" in Hockey Coaching Hockey is a MASSIVE game. There is so much to learn that it can literally take a lifetime to master every element. And even then… the best players and coaches are always still looking for ways to improve. So what should you work on… and when? How do you decide what the next steps should be to keep your players moving forward at the optimal pace for them? This video discusses what I call Developmental “Triage.” It’s based around a recent conversation I had with a coach, who said to me “There’s so much to teach my team… where do I even start?” We had a great discussion about it, and it was one I thought would be useful for other coaches as well… so…
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Do Systems Rob from Skill Development?

Do Systems Rob from Skill Development?

Philosophy, Team Systems
Do Systems Rob from Skill Development? Sample Article from Hockey Development Magazine - Click Here to Download the App I was watching a conversation take place in my Facebook feed a few weeks ago. The topic centered around whether Mites should be taught "systems hockey." It all started with a coach who posted that every coach in the USA needs to get on board with the ADM: So people began going back and forth on this a bit, some coaches expressing their opinions more politely than others. Then one coach said something to the effect that ADM is garbage, and that the kids don't learn systems under ADM. His comment garnered a reply from this coach: Notice he says "positioning is a garbage concept" and that "skills dominate today's game." These…
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Hockey Equipment Tips for Kids

Hockey Equipment Tips for Kids

Coaches' Corner, Hockey Equipment
Hockey Equipment Tips for Kids Hockey is still a young sport here in Salt Lake City, which means we have many first-time hockey parents. While these parents all share a love of the game, and enthusiasm for their kids being involved, many of them are unfamiliar with the finer points of putting on hockey gear. Over the past few years, I've consistently seen equipment issues with improper sizing (sticks too long), improper wearing (skates too loose, elbow pads upside down, etc.), and even non-usage (no cup?!?). So I felt it could do some good, at the very least in my local organization, to put together a video detailing the key points of how to size and wear every piece of hockey gear, from start to finish. Obviously, this is a…
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