Timely Advice
Tryout 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…
Read MoreConcussion Return Steps for Parents
In a sport where toughness and resilience are valued, it can be tempting for players to shrug off a hit to the head or try to get back on the ice before they’re truly ready. But concussions are brain injuries, and unlike a sore shoulder or a bruised knee, they need careful time and attention to heal properly. Understanding how to safely return after a concussion isn’t just about protecting a season—it’s about protecting the player’s long-term health and future in the game…
Read MoreLate Bloomers in Hockey Training
In the world of hockey, players often develop at very different speeds. Some seem to dominate early, skating faster, shooting harder, and standing taller than everyone else. Others, though, might take a little longer to grow into their game. These are the late bloomers, the players who might not catch everyone’s attention at age twelve…
Read MoreHigh School Hockey Periodization Guide
High school hockey is one of the most demanding levels of the game, balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth all at once. Periodization is a science-based approach to training that organizes the year into manageable phases. It ensures players are performing their best when it matters most, such as during playoffs, while still staying healthy and motivated throughout the year…
Read MoreComing… November 2025
Folks should know I create this page as sort of a courtesy, trying to give visitors a sense of what’s “coming” within the next month…
Read MoreMastering the “Quiet Shift
Mastering what’s called the “quiet shift” separates those who play the game from those who understand it. A quiet shift isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing everything with intention, precision, and balance. It’s the ability to influence the flow of a game without needing to stand out on every play.
Read MoreVoice 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…
Read MoreCourage vs Confidence
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 More