A Coach’s Notebook

Improving Off-Puck Positioning for More Scoring Chances

By CoachC | September 27, 2025

Off-puck positioning starts with awareness. Too many young players get caught staring at the puck, following it around like it has a magnet attached. That habit leaves you out of position and easy to defend. Instead, the best players are constantly scanning the ice…

Fake it or Face it!

By CoachC | September 25, 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!”

Eating For Peak Performance

By CoachC | September 22, 2025

Kim’s passion is showing youth ice hockey parents how to create simple and easy meals to help their skater’s increase their speed and stamina on the ice.

Stats That Coaches Should Actually Use

By CoachC | September 20, 2025

Hockey has always been a sport filled with numbers, and coaches at every level often look to statistics for guidance. The problem is that not all stats are created equal. Some numbers look impressive on paper but…

The Emotional Timeline of a Game

By CoachC | September 19, 2025

Understanding this emotional timeline can help players keep their focus, manage pressure, and perform at their best no matter the situation. From the moment athletes step into the locker room to the final buzzer, emotions rise and fall in waves that can either fuel success or create unnecessary mistakes if not handled properly…

Equipment Managers and Their Magic

By CoachC | September 17, 2025

When people think of hockey, they usually picture the players skating at high speeds, firing pucks, and celebrating big goals. What often goes unnoticed is the team behind the team, especially the equipment managers…

How Skate Design Affects Decision-Making

By CoachC | September 16, 2025

Skates are the foundation of every stride, stop, and turn, and the way they’re built can have a direct impact on the decisions a player makes during a game…

The Coach’s Sketchbook and Drawing Plays That Stick

By CoachC | September 15, 2025

A simple drawing can transform a jumble of instructions into a clear visual that sticks in the minds of players. Whether you’re coaching at the youth level or working with seasoned athletes, the ability to sketch plays that players can instantly understand is one of the most valuable tools you can have…

The Rituals of Warmups That Actually Work

By CoachC | September 13, 2025

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

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…