A Coach’s Notebook

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 66

By CoachC | August 31, 2025
Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 66

Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…

The Empty Net

By CoachC | August 29, 2025
The Empty Net

In hockey, there’s a moment that feels like time slows down. The goalie has left the crease, the net stands wide open, and every player on the ice knows what’s at stake. It’s called an empty net, and…

What is Mental Toughness?

By CoachC | August 25, 2025
What is Mental Toughness?

With mental toughness always being a key to solid hockey play, we’re thrilled to once again present Shawnee Harlee’s monthly insights into that area. And, in this entry video, she addresses the well worn question, “My bad! My Bad!”

Mastering Game Situations

By CoachC | August 22, 2025
Mastering Game Situations

In hockey, there is no shortage of speed, energy, and excitement. But the players who consistently stand out are the ones who know how to read and react to the game as it unfolds…

The 3 Fastest Ways to Improve First-Step Quickness in Hockey

By CoachC | August 20, 2025
The 3 Fastest Ways to Improve First-Step Quickness in Hockey

A player with great first-step quickness can beat opponents to loose pucks, create time and space in tight areas, and shut down scoring opportunities before they develop…

Winning Before the Puck Drops with Visualization

By CoachC | August 18, 2025
Winning Before the Puck Drops with Visualization

When most people think about hockey training, they picture players racing down the ice, practicing slap shots, or running drills to improve speed and endurance. While all of those things are important, the truth is that hockey is not only a physical game but also a mental one…

How Many Drills Should Be Used in a Skating Clinic Session?

By CoachC | August 16, 2025
How Many Drills Should Be Used in a Skating Clinic Session?

Just the other night, Professor B was asked by a site visitor, “How many power skating drills are needed to fill an hour?” However…

The Ultimate Stickhandling Challenge

By CoachC | August 14, 2025
The Ultimate Stickhandling Challenge

Stickhandling is one of those hockey skills that can separate a decent player from a truly great one. It’s not just about moving the puck from side to side, it’s about controlling the game, keeping defenders guessing, and making plays that create scoring chances…

Nutrition Myths (or What Hockey Players Really Need)

By CoachC | August 12, 2025
Nutrition Myths (or What Hockey Players Really Need)

A hockey player’s body is a finely tuned machine, and just like a high-performance car, it needs the right fuel to perform at its best. Understanding what’s real and what’s not about nutrition can mean the difference between playing at your peak or running out of gas when your team needs you most…

How to Motivate Without Over-Coaching

By CoachC | August 10, 2025
How to Motivate Without Over-Coaching

In hockey, the difference between a coach who inspires and a coach who frustrates often comes down to one thing — knowing when to speak and when to step back…