One of the most common challenges in youth hockey is teaching players to look up while handling the puck. Many young players become so focused on controlling the puck that they rarely notice what is happening around them. As a result, they miss open teammates, skate into pressure, and struggle to make smart decisions during games. Coaches often tell players to “keep your head up,” but for many kids, that instruction alone is not enough. Learning to scan the ice is a skill, and like every other hockey skill, it can be taught, practiced, and improved over time.
It happens all the time between the ages of 11 and 14. A player who was scoring goals, making teams, and gaining confidence can suddenly seem stuck. Their skating may stop improving as quickly. Their puck skills may look the same year after year. Their confidence may even begin to slip. Parents start wondering what happened. Coaches become concerned. Players often become discouraged. The truth is that this hockey development plateau is incredibly common, and understanding why it happens can help players continue growing instead of becoming frustrated.
In this episode, we’re taking a fresh look at something every hockey player depends on but few measure correctly — stick length. Instead of guessing or using outdated height charts, we’ll explore a simple, functional method that matches the way players actually skate and handle the puck. If you’ve ever wondered whether your stick helps or hurts your game, this short lesson will give you a clearer, more reliable way to find the perfect fit.
Every summer, hockey players across North America sign up for hockey skills camps with the goal of becoming better players before the next season begins. Parents invest time and money into skating camps, stickhandling clinics, shooting programs, and specialized development sessions because they want to help their players improve. Coaches often encourage athletes to use the off-season wisely and continue developing their game. The big question, however…
With mental toughness always being a key to solid hockey play, we’re thrilled to once again present Shawnee Harle’s monthly insights into that area. And, in this video, she addresses an obvious concern with “Negative Self-talk”!
Follow along with Dave as he shows you how to use bands to train your body for more strength and endurance…
If you are a hockey parent, it can sometimes feel like there is a new form, certification, or league requirement waiting around every corner. Between registering for teams, arranging transportation, buying equipment, and supporting your young player, it is easy to overlook important requirements such as Respect in Sport training, coaching certifications, and league rules. However…
In today’s hockey world, it can feel like everything revolves around results. Players are judged by goals, points, rankings, and team records almost everywhere they go. Parents sometimes compare ice time, coaches feel pressure to win tournaments, and young hockey players can start believing that success only comes from being the top scorer or making the elite team right away. The problem is that hockey development rarely works in a straight line. Some players grow early, some develop confidence later, and many successful athletes spend years quietly improving before anyone notices.
Summer hockey has become a major part of youth hockey culture, especially for competitive players who dream about making higher-level teams, junior hockey, college hockey, or beyond. There are certainly benefits to summer training, but there are also hidden costs that many players, parents, and even coaches do not fully recognize until they are deep into the process…
Hockey players hear it all the time: “Have your stick on the ice.” But that alone doesn’t guarantee you’ll control a pass. In fact, most bobbled pucks happen even when the blade is down — because the blade isn’t turned to the correct angle. The real key to clean puck reception is simple, but almost…