Posts by CoachC
Top Carb & Protein Fuel Before Hockey
Hockey is a fast, intense, highly demanding sport that requires quick bursts of speed, sharp decision-making, strong skating, and the ability to repeat those efforts over and over again. Because of that, what a player eats before stepping on the ice affects their energy level, focus, endurance, and recovery. Understanding the best combination of carbohydrates and protein before a game is important for any player who wants to feel strong, stay quick, and avoid running out of gas halfway through a period.
Read MoreUnlocking Better Gap Control
When defensemen master gap control, they force opponents into bad decisions, limit dangerous scoring chances, and make the game feel slower and easier. When gap control is weak, even slower forwards suddenly look fast, and even simple rushes can feel overwhelming. Learning to manage that space effectively can completely change the way a defenseman plays in the neutral zone and inside the defensive zone.
Read MoreWhy Players Lose Edges in Games
The truth is that losing an edge almost never comes from just one cause. Instead, it’s nearly always a combination of how the skates were sharpened, the player’s own technique, and the ice conditions they’re skating on. Understanding how all of these factors work together helps you guide players toward real solutions while also building trust and credibility in your shop.
Read MoreHandling the Puck in Heavy Traffic
Handling the puck in heavy traffic is one of the toughest skills a hockey player can develop, and it’s also one of the most important. The modern game moves faster than ever, and players are expected to make quick decisions while surrounded by opponents, sticks, and constant pressure. In every zone — whether along the boards, in front of the net, or through the neutral zone — traffic is part of hockey, and learning how to stay calm, protect the puck, and execute under that pressure can completely change a player’s effectiveness…
Read MoreImproving Hockey Reaction Speed
Hockey moves too fast for anyone to rely on instinct alone. Players must be able to see what is happening, process the information quickly, and respond in a way that supports their team. This is one of the biggest separators between average players and impact players. Reaction speed isn’t only about how fast someone can skate; it’s about reading plays, adjusting on the fly, and making confident decisions in a split second.
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 69
Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…
Read MoreOff Ice HIIT for Game Pace
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is one of the most effective ways to build conditioning that matches the fast, explosive, stop-and-go nature of hockey. Instead of long, steady cardio sessions that don’t reflect how hockey is actually played, HIIT uses short bursts of intense movement followed by controlled recovery periods, giving players a way to mimic real shifts and prepare their bodies for the constant changes in intensity that happen during a game.
Read MoreComing… December 2025
Folks should know I create this page as sort of a courtesy, trying to give visitors a sense of what’s “coming” within the next month…
Read MoreSafe Plyometrics for Skating Power
Safe plyometrics are becoming one of the most valuable tools for hockey players who want to build stronger skating power, quicker acceleration, and more explosive movement patterns on the ice. Many young athletes hear the word “plyometrics” and immediately think of high box jumps or difficult drills they see on social media, but real plyometric training doesn’t start with extreme exercises. It starts with learning how to jump and land safely, because the goal is to build power, not create injuries…
Read MoreMulti Sport Balance for Hockey Families
Understanding how multi-sport balance supports long-term growth can help families create a smarter approach that protects their young athlete’s passion, motivation, and physical safety. When families find the right balance, kids often perform better in hockey and enjoy their training more throughout the year.
Read More