Athleticism First

Drill Creation

Hockey players often look for complicated ways to get better, but the truth is that real improvement usually starts with simple, foundational work…

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Drill Creation

Drill Creation

Every coach collects drills — books, videos, binders full of them. I’ve got hundreds myself. But no drill library is ever enough, because every team is different and players’ needs change quickly. That’s why the best coaches don’t just use drills… they create them…

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Band-Dumbbell Home Leg Workout

Band-Dumbbell Home Leg Workout

Resistance bands, with their lightweight, flexible design and variable resistance, allow for joint-friendly, multi-plane strength training that promotes ageless strength without the drawbacks of free weights.

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My Coach Plays Head Games

Fake it or Face it!

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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The Truth About Off‑Ice Training for Young Players — What Works Now

The Truth About Off‑Ice Training for Young Players — What Works Now

Modern off-ice training has changed a lot over the last decade, and many parents, coaches, and players are still trying to figure out what actually works. The good news is that effective hockey off-ice training is often much simpler than many people think. The goal is not to turn a young player into a professional athlete overnight.

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Using Video to Improve Your Game

The Stick‑Length Debate: What Coaches Worldwide Are Arguing About

Long before video became common in youth hockey, I discovered how slowing plays down, freezing frames, and studying movement could reveal things the naked eye simply can’t catch in real time.

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The Stick‑Length Debate: What Coaches Worldwide Are Arguing About

The Stick‑Length Debate: What Coaches Worldwide Are Arguing About

In this episode, we’re taking a fresh look at something every hockey player depends on but few measure correctly — stick length. Instead of guessing or using outdated height charts, we’ll explore a simple, functional method that matches the way players actually skate and handle the puck. If you’ve ever wondered whether your stick helps or hurts your game, this short lesson will give you a clearer, more reliable way to find the perfect fit.

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Summer Skills Camps: What Actually Transfers to Real Games?

Summer Skills Camps: What Actually Transfers to Real Games?

Every summer, hockey players across North America sign up for hockey skills camps with the goal of becoming better players before the next season begins. Parents invest time and money into skating camps, stickhandling clinics, shooting programs, and specialized development sessions because they want to help their players improve. Coaches often encourage athletes to use the off-season wisely and continue developing their game. The big question, however…

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Block Out the Tone

Fake it or Face it!

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”!

Read More