A Coach’s Notebook

High School Hockey Periodization Guide

By CoachC | November 3, 2025

High school hockey is one of the most demanding levels of the game, balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth all at once. Periodization is a science-based approach to training that organizes the year into manageable phases. It ensures players are performing their best when it matters most, such as during playoffs, while still staying healthy and motivated throughout the year…

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 68

By CoachC | November 1, 2025

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

Breaking the Pressure Cycle and Resetting After a Mistake

By CoachC | October 30, 2025

Every hockey player, no matter how talented or experienced, has made a mistake that felt like the end of the world in the middle of a game. Maybe it was a turnover that led to a goal, a missed open net, or a bad penalty that gave the other team momentum. What often happens next is what really matters…

Low Slot Attack Strategies

By CoachC | October 27, 2025

In hockey, few places on the ice are as dangerous — or as rewarding — as the low slot. It’s the area directly in front of the net, where goals are most often scored and where defenders fight the hardest to protect their territory. Mastering how to attack from this zone is one of the surest ways to elevate offensive play, and understanding the strategies that make it work can help any player or coach turn scoring opportunities into consistent results…

Mastering the “Quiet Shift

By CoachC | October 24, 2025

Mastering what’s called the “quiet shift” separates those who play the game from those who understand it. A quiet shift isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing everything with intention, precision, and balance. It’s the ability to influence the flow of a game without needing to stand out on every play.

Voice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice

By CoachC | October 22, 2025

From the bench to the ice, the sounds of players calling for passes, coaches shouting adjustments, and teammates cheering one another create the rhythm of a game. That communication can be the difference between a team that reacts late and one that anticipates every play. The best teams sound alive, connected, and focused, with everyone sharing one goal: staying organized and confident even under pressure. When the pace picks up and decisions must be made in fractions of a second, communication becomes more than noise — it becomes the heartbeat of success…

Courage vs Confidence

By PantherPride | October 20, 2025

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!”

A Hockey Strong Sandwich

By CoachC | October 18, 2025

We’re diving into the world of hockey nutrition here, with Kimberly Smith Lukehard monthly sharing essential tips on fueling for performance, and ensuring you’re at your best, both on and off the ice.
For this month, she’s providing us advice on “A Hockey Strong Sandwich”…

A Band Assisted Lunge Series

By PantherPride | October 16, 2025

Do you struggle doing lunges due to knee or hip pain? Using a horizontal hip attached band setup allows you to do lunges that reduce ground contact forces on your knees and hips. Scale starting band resistance to make lunges work for you. This is also a great way to work on stride mobility…

The Role of Micro-Habits in Hockey

By CoachC | October 13, 2025

Hockey is often seen as a game of speed, skill, and strength, but what truly separates the good from the great are the little things players do when no one is watching. These small, consistent actions—known as micro-habits—can be the secret ingredient behind long-term success. Micro-habits are the simple routines that shape who you become on and off the ice…