Posts by CoachC
Coming… May 2026
Long‑time hockey friends should know that I create this page each month as a courtesy to my members and potential members, trying to give everyone a sense of what’s “coming” within the next month. (As always, I’ve purposely saved a couple of slots for this coming month, so please keep an eye out for those postings.)
Read MoreJohn Garrett: A broadcasting legend and a legendary human
John Garrett, marvelous entertainer, fine hockey player and all around good human, died Monday at 74 of what are believed to be natural causes. He had been in Utah to cover the Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights playoff series. Sportsnet announced his passing on Tuesday morning… More…
Read MoreMYTH #11: “Hockey IQ can’t be taught.”
REALITY: It absolutely can. EXPLANATION: IQ grows through repetition, video, guided questions, and learning patterns — just like any other skill.
Read MoreWhy So Many Players Struggle With Gap Control — Even at Older Ages
Gap control is one of the most important defensive skills in hockey, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood and underdeveloped, even at the high school level and beyond. Many players can skate well, understand basic positioning, and compete hard, but still struggle when it comes to managing space against an attacking opponent…
Read MoreMan in the Arena
Every once in a while, a message from the past lands with surprising force on today’s athletes, parents, and coaches. That’s exactly why I decided to revisit one of the most quoted passages in sports culture — The Man in the Arena — and record a short podcast episode to go with it.
Read MoreThe New Goalie Question: Should Kids Be Learning RVH This Early?
Before we even get into the pros and cons, it helps to understand exactly what the RVH is. RVH stands for “Reverse Vertical‑Horizontal,” and it’s a modern post‑integration technique used by goalies when the puck is near the goal line or in tight around the corners. Instead of standing upright or using the old-school VH…
Read MoreFormer Oilers Star Dies at 28 After Beiпg Shot iп Bar Fight
The hockey world is iп moυrпiпg followiпg the devastatiпg death of a former Edmoпtoп Oilers player, who tragically passed away at the age of 28 after beiпg shot while tryiпg to break υp a fight at a bar. His υпtimely death has seпt shockwaves throυgh the NHL commυпity, leaviпg teammates, faпs, aпd loved oпes grappliпg with aп overwhelmiпg seпse of loss.
Read MoreMYTH #10: “Dekes win games.”
A deke is just one option — and often not the best one. Smart players choose the highest‑percentage play…
Read MoreWhy Players Lose Speed in Games (But Not in Practice)
One of the most frustrating things for hockey players and coaches to watch is a player who looks fast and confident in practice but suddenly seems slower and less effective during games. This is a common issue in youth hockey, and it often leaves players wondering what went wrong…
Read MoreHockey Drills Must Evolve
This might be the second most important teaching principle any hockey coach, parent, or player could ever know. But, let me take you back for a moment. Years ago, one of my old Physical Education professors warned us about a trap that coaches still fall into today. He’d say: “If you keep running the same drill over and over, you’re not teaching anymore — you’re just killing the clock.”
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