A Coach’s Notebook
Improving 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 MoreBand Strength Training with Unilateral Movements
Do you struggle doing lunges due to knee or hip pain? Using a horizontal hip attached band setup allows you to do lunges that reduce ground contact forces on your knees and hips. Scale starting band resistance to make lunges work for you. This is also a great way to work on stride mobility…
Read MoreGet Out of Your Head
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!”
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 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 MoreTryout 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…
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