GENERAL SKILLS ADVICE

Predicting Hockey Stardom

By | October 8, 2023
Predicting Hockey Stardom

To begin, my feeling was that the cute little guy featured in that piece is awesome.  And I mean that in many ways — from his poise on camera to the way he seemingly handles himself on the ice…

First Things First in Hockey Skills Work

By | October 7, 2023
First Things First in Hockey Skills Work

As I reflect back on the hundreds of outstanding players I’ve had through the years, I’ve always found they had a few things in common.  Oh, I’m not talking about great genetics here; actually, I think most of my best players overcame some shortcomings to achieve what they did…

Starting Your Hockey Year Off Right!

By | October 4, 2023
Starting Your Hockey Year Off Right!

It isn’t often that I’ll ask skaters to take a look at a goalie training segment.  Naw, you guys and gals USUALLY have enough on your minds without worrying about another position.  This time, however, what I’m about to suggest to you might just make all the difference in the world as you approach a new year…

Borrowing From Our Hockey Strengths

By | October 2, 2023
Borrowing From Our Hockey Strengths

As you’ll soon see, there’s a good reason why I’m holding the following from public view.  Ya, this is definitely for my members only!

5 More Hurdles Facing Adult Hockey Playing Newbies

By | September 30, 2023
5 More Hurdles Facing Adult Hockey Playing Newbies

The first time you lace up those skates as a grownup, they may feel like medieval instruments of torture. Your ankles wobble like a newborn foal’s. Each time you reach for the puck, you face-plant on the ice. Frustration mounts as fast as new bruises on your ego…

3 Must-Have Virtues For Hockey Parents

By | September 29, 2023
3 Must-Have Virtues For Hockey Parents

The puck drops and your mini Gretzky glides across the ice. Your heart swells with hope and pride. Will this be their breakout game? Their moment of glory?

Coming… October 2023

By | September 29, 2023
Coming… October 2023

Please know I do this as a courtesy to members and potential members, trying to give them a sense of what’s “coming” within the next month…

What We Can Learn from Hockey Penalties

By | September 28, 2023
What We Can Learn from Hockey Penalties

I’m guessing it was sometime in the early 1980’s when the subject of this post first crossed my mind. I know it was during one of my first seasons as a college head coach, and I can even remember the two players who caused me to think there was a connection between penalties and some other playing difficulties…

5 Hurdles Facing Adult Hockey Playing Newbies

By | September 22, 2023
5 Hurdles Facing Adult Hockey Playing Newbies

Starting hockey as an adult recreational player can seem intimidating, but overcoming the common obstacles faced by mature rookies will make crossing that frozen threshold well worth it…

Top Tasks for New Hockey Coaches: Teaching Skills and Earning Respect

By | September 13, 2023
Top Tasks for New Hockey Coaches:  Teaching Skills and Earning Respect

The exhilarating moment has arrived. You’ve just been named a youth hockey coach, and now find yourself standing at center ice before your very first practice…