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The 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”!
Read More12 Band Pull Apart Variations
Follow along with Dave as he shows you how to use these bands to train your body for more strength and endurance…
Read MoreHow to Teach Players to Read Stick Positioning (A Missing Modern Skill)
One of the most overlooked skills in modern hockey is the ability to read stick positioning. While players spend countless hours working on skating speed, shooting accuracy, and puck control, far fewer are taught how to recognize what defenders are doing with their sticks or how to use their own stick effectively. This is a key part of hockey IQ, and it often separates average players from those who consistently make smart, effective plays…
Read MoreDeveloping One World‑Class Skill — Part 1
Most players try to get better at everything all at once, and that’s exactly why so many of them never break through. In this episode, we look at the power of developing one world‑class skill — the kind of ability that changes how coaches see you, how teammates rely on you, and how opponents react to you.
Read MoreMyth #6: “Stickhandling is about fast hands.”
REALITY: It’s about controlling the puck with your body, not your wrists.
Read MoreOur New Website Updates
Over the past few days, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes at CoachChic.com, and I want to take a moment to walk you through what’s new, why we made these changes, and how they’ll help you get even more out of your hockey development journey. Whether you’re a player trying to sharpen your skills, a parent looking for reliable guidance, or a coach searching for deeper teaching tools, these updates were made with you in mind. Hockey is always evolving, and a good hockey website should evolve right along with it.
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