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…
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…
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!
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…
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?
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…
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…
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…
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…
A united, cohesive squad will get the most out of practices and games while forming friendships that last beyond the season. With that, here are some tips for youth coaches to promote bonding and inclusion for the benefit of both individual players and the team as a whole…