Managing Goalie Workload in Youth Hockey

Managing 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…

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Decision Making Under Fatigue Drills

Decision 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…

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Low Slot Attack Strategies

Low Slot Attack Strategies

In hockey, few places on the ice are as dangerous — or as rewarding — as the low slot. It’s the area directly in front of the net, where goals are most often scored and where defenders fight the hardest to protect their territory. Mastering how to attack from this zone is one of the surest ways to elevate offensive play, and understanding the strategies that make it work can help any player or coach turn scoring opportunities into consistent results…

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Voice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice

Voice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice

From the bench to the ice, the sounds of players calling for passes, coaches shouting adjustments, and teammates cheering one another create the rhythm of a game. That communication can be the difference between a team that reacts late and one that anticipates every play. The best teams sound alive, connected, and focused, with everyone sharing one goal: staying organized and confident even under pressure. When the pace picks up and decisions must be made in fractions of a second, communication becomes more than noise — it becomes the heartbeat of success…

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A Band Assisted Lunge Series

5-Minute Shoulder Mobility Flow to Try Out

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…

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How to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink

How to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink

The speed of the game isn’t just about skating fast; it’s about thinking fast, reacting fast, and staying physically and mentally sharp from the first puck drop to the final whistle. When players can’t train on ice every day, finding ways to simulate those demands off the rink becomes essential for maintaining game readiness and improving overall performance…

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Mental Toughness in the Third Period

Mental Toughness in the Third Period

The third period of a hockey game is where legends are made and where games are often decided. Players who have prepared mentally as well as physically are the ones who rise above fatigue, pressure, and momentum swings. It is easy to play with energy in the first period when legs are fresh and the score is even, but…

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