A Coach’s Notebook

The Stick‑Length Debate: What Coaches Worldwide Are Arguing About

By CoachC | June 9, 2026

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 Instead of guessing or using outdated height charts, we’ll explore a simple, functional method that matches the way players actually skate and handle the puck.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.

Summer Skills Camps: What Actually Transfers to Real Games?

By CoachC | June 3, 2026

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…

Block Out the Tone

By CoachC | May 31, 2026

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”!

Keys to Building USABLE STRENGTH with Bands

By CoachC | May 30, 2026

Follow along with Dave as he shows you how to use bands to train your body for more strength and endurance…

Respect in Sport, Certifications & League Rules — What Parents Need to Know

By CoachC | May 29, 2026

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…

How to Build a Development‑First Mindset in a Results‑Driven Hockey Culture

By CoachC | May 27, 2026

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: The Hidden Costs No One Talks About

By CoachC | May 21, 2026

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…

Stick Blade Angle on Incoming Passes

By PantherPride | May 18, 2026

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…

Coaching Turnover: What It Means for Player Development

By CoachC | May 13, 2026

Few things change the direction of a hockey season faster than coaching turnover. One year a team may have a coach who focuses heavily on skill development, puck possession, and confidence-building, while the next year a completely different coaching style suddenly appears. For hockey players, parents, and even assistant coaches, these changes can create excitement, confusion, stress, or new opportunities depending on the situation.

Hockey School, Clinic & Team Gear Available

By CoachC | May 10, 2026

After years of running hockey schools, clinics, and team sessions, I’ve accumulated a lot of training gear — the kind of equipment that keeps players moving, learning, and improving without wasting time in long lines. And I’m now making the remaining pieces available to anyone who can put them to good use…