Posts by CoachC
Tryout Communication for Families and Coaches
Tryouts are one of the most stressful times in the hockey year, not only for players but also for parents and coaches. The tension doesn’t come just from competing for a spot, but from the uncertainty that surrounds the process. Families want clarity, players want fairness, and coaches want a smooth evaluation period where athletes can perform their best. A huge part of making that happen is strong communication.
Read MoreSleep and Recovery for Teen Athletes
Most teens already know sleep is important, but many don’t realize just how closely sleep is connected to their strength, reaction time, mood, learning ability, and long-term athletic development. For hockey players who balance school, practices, games, training sessions, and travel, sleep isn’t just something nice to have — it is one of the biggest competitive advantages available…
Read MoreInclusive Locker Room Culture Tips
Creating an inclusive locker room culture in hockey is one of the most powerful ways to improve team chemistry, individual confidence, and overall performance. A locker room should never feel like a place of stress, worry, or judgment…
Read MoreConcussion Return Steps for Parents
In a sport where toughness and resilience are valued, it can be tempting for players to shrug off a hit to the head or try to get back on the ice before they’re truly ready. But concussions are brain injuries, and unlike a sore shoulder or a bruised knee, they need careful time and attention to heal properly. Understanding how to safely return after a concussion isn’t just about protecting a season—it’s about protecting the player’s long-term health and future in the game…
Read MoreManaging Goalie Workload in Youth Hockey
Managing goalie workload in youth hockey is one of the most overlooked aspects of player development, yet it may be the most important when it comes to long-term success and overall enjoyment of the game. Goaltending requires a combination of explosive movement, sharp focus, and emotional resilience that few other positions in sports demand. The physical and mental pressures that come with being the last line of defense make it crucial for coaches, parents, and goalies themselves to understand how to manage workload properly. Without balance, even the most talented young goalie can experience fatigue, frustration, and eventually, burnout…
Read MoreDecision Making Under Fatigue Drills
Decision-making under fatigue is a skill that doesn’t come from reading playbooks or sitting in the locker room; it’s built on the ice through well-designed drills that challenge both the body and mind. The ability to think clearly after a hard shift or at the end of a game can make the difference between winning and losing, and that’s why learning to train under fatigue is so important for serious players who want to elevate their game…
Read MoreLate Bloomers in Hockey Training
In the world of hockey, players often develop at very different speeds. Some seem to dominate early, skating faster, shooting harder, and standing taller than everyone else. Others, though, might take a little longer to grow into their game. These are the late bloomers, the players who might not catch everyone’s attention at age twelve…
Read MoreHigh School Hockey Periodization Guide
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…
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 68
Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…
Read MoreBreaking the Pressure Cycle and Resetting After a Mistake
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…
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