A Coach’s Notebook
Stick Blade Angle on Incoming Passes
Hockey players hear it all the time: “Have your stick on the ice.” But that alone doesn’t guarantee you’ll control a pass. In fact, most bobbled pucks happen even when the blade is down — because the blade isn’t turned to the correct angle. The real key to clean puck reception is simple, but almost…
Read MoreCoaching Turnover: What It Means for Player Development
Few things change the direction of a hockey season faster than coaching turnover. One year a team may have a coach who focuses heavily on skill development, puck possession, and confidence-building, while the next year a completely different coaching style suddenly appears. For hockey players, parents, and even assistant coaches, these changes can create excitement, confusion, stress, or new opportunities depending on the situation.
Read MoreHockey School, Clinic & Team Gear Available
After years of running hockey schools, clinics, and team sessions, I’ve accumulated a lot of training gear — the kind of equipment that keeps players moving, learning, and improving without wasting time in long lines. And I’m now making the remaining pieces available to anyone who can put them to good use…
Read MoreThe Talent Pyramid Problem — Why Kids Are Being Sorted Too Early
In youth hockey, one of the biggest challenges facing players, parents, and coaches today is something many people call the “talent pyramid problem.” It happens when young hockey players are identified as elite prospects too early while other players are pushed lower in the system before they have fully developed…
Read MoreThe Tryout Trap — How to Stay Sane During Team Selection Season
Every hockey season brings excitement, fresh goals, and new opportunities, but there is one part of the year that can create huge stress for players, parents, and coaches alike: hockey tryouts. Team selection season can feel like a pressure cooker. Players worry about making the top team, parents anxiously watch every drill from the stands, and coaches try to evaluate dozens of athletes fairly in only a few ice sessions. The truth is that hockey tryouts are emotional for almost everyone involved.
Read MoreThe AAA Mirage — Why Higher Level Doesn’t Always Mean Better Development
For many families, making a AAA team feels like the ultimate goal. It is often viewed as proof that a player is elite, serious about the game, and on the right path toward junior hockey, college hockey, or even beyond. Because of this reputation, many players and parents automatically assume that a higher level always means better development.
Read MoreThe Real Reason Parents & Coaches Clash — And How to Fix It
One of the biggest challenges in youth hockey is not always what happens on the ice. Sometimes the hardest part of the game happens behind the bench, in the stands, or in the parking lot after practice. Parents and coaches often want the same thing — helping young players grow, improve, and enjoy hockey — but even with good intentions, conflict can develop surprisingly quickly. Miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, and emotional reactions can turn small disagreements into ongoing tension.
Read MoreThe Equipment Rabbit Hole — How to Stop Overthinking Sticks, Skates & Sharpenings
It can feel like every small detail in hockey equipment is the reason for success or failure. This is what many people call the “equipment rabbit hole,” and it is easy to fall into. Players start to believe that the next stick or a different sharpening will suddenly fix their game. The truth is, while hockey equipment does matter, overthinking it can actually slow down development and take focus away from what really improves performance.
Read MoreHow to Build a Player Who Can Play Center and Wing
Learning how to play both center and wing is one of the most valuable skills a hockey player can develop, especially at the youth and high school level. Coaches are always looking for versatile players who can adapt to different roles, and players who understand both positions often have a higher hockey IQ and more opportunities to contribute.
Read More2 Voices: Fear and Courage
With mental toughness always being a key to solid hockey play, we’re thrilled to once again present Shawnee Harle’s monthly insights into that area. And, in this video, she addresses an obvious concern with “Negative Self-talk”!
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