It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved member writer, Andrej Pierow, who peacefully departed from this world just days ago in Sweden. He leaves behind a legacy of hockey knowledge, teaching brilliance and a profound impact on our game.

Andrej Pierow was more than just a coach and advisor, but also a beacon of creativity and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Andrej leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his words will continue to resonate, reminding us of an enduring spirit for the game.

We extend our deepest condolences to Andrej Pierow’s family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

*

This PS from Dennis C… From our several rather brief back and forth correspondences, I knew that Andrej wasn’t feeling well. However, as I explained to his wife when she alerted me of his passing, we old coaches talk a lot about our aches and pains, but never take each other very seriously. Yes, I wish I had listened a little better.

As Mrs Pierow and I wrote over recent days, I let her know that I still have one last article from Andrej that I hadn’t yet posted. I was truly thankful — as I hope our readers are — when she said she’d like for me to post it.

God bless her and our good friend, Andrej, for that. I know I’ll be smiling as I so often do when I read the advice of such a passionate teacher…

Learn “Goalie Science” Fundamentals

By Andrej Pierow

Mentoring players and young coaches, one does get to see a lot of games and practices. This season, I got to see about 3,500 to 4.000 players (all pre-season games, all pre-season cups, regular
season and beginning of playoffs).

Groups I plan to follow this season are U16 AAA, U18 Elite, U20 Elite and U20 Super Elite in Sweden —
although during the pre-season, teams from Norway, Finland and North America were involved, as
well.

I have many observations, but today I wish to share only one: “Shooting or Scoring?” — everybody can shoot, while so few shoot to score…

Before I got ill, I had been dealing with exactly the same topic in U15, U16, U18 and U20 teams where I was the Head Coach.

Coming in at the start of a season, there was a 5% shot:score ratio (at best), later ending with (at least) 20%.

It really is not “rocket science”!

1. Learn “goalie-science” fundamentals and pass it on to players
2. Restructure side effects of “high passing culture”

By “learn ‘goalie-science’ fundamentals”, I mean literally: LEARN — or get their educational
program materials, get a goalie coach friend to “play ball” with, participate in goalie-only practices,
etc.

Young coaches should pay attention to this topic. It is so easy to address, and it is the point of the game.

The skill-set of shooting to score? If anyone of you would like to “dive deeper”, you are welcome to reach out to Dennis by commenting below.