A Coach’s Notebook

The Rituals of Warmups That Actually Work

By CoachC | September 13, 2025
The Rituals of Warmups That Actually Work

The main purpose of a warmup is simple but powerful: get your body and mind ready to perform at your best…

Fan-Invented Traditions

By CoachC | September 11, 2025
Fan-Invented Traditions

While players compete on the ice and coaches strategize behind the bench, fans in the stands or watching from home add something special that can’t be measured on a scoreboard. Beyond jerseys and cheering, fans create their own identity through traditions that often become just as famous as the games themselves…

The Language of the Locker Room

By CoachC | September 9, 2025
The Language of the Locker Room

The locker room is more than just a place where hockey players lace up their skates or take off their gear after a tough game. It’s the heartbeat of the team, the place where bonds are formed, and where words can inspire or destroy confidence…

Developing Deception Through Visual Misdirection

By CoachC | September 7, 2025
Developing Deception Through Visual Misdirection

In hockey, deception isn’t just a flashy move or a clever pass — it’s a mindset. It’s the ability to make an opponent believe one thing while preparing to do another….

The Geometry of Great Plays

By CoachC | September 5, 2025
The Geometry of Great Plays

Hockey is a sport of speed, strength, and creativity, but at its core, it is also a game of geometry. While it might not seem obvious during the chaos of a shift, the best plays are built on angles, spacing, and positioning.

Hockey in the Wild and Nature-Inspired Training

By CoachC | September 3, 2025
Hockey in the Wild and Nature-Inspired Training

Nature has a way of throwing curveballs — whether it’s an uneven trail, a steep hill, or the simple challenge of training in unpredictable conditions…

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…