Pleasing the Scouts

From Amateur to Pro

By CoachC | May 19, 2025
From Amateur to Pro

For many, the journey to the pros doesn’t begin under bright arena lights or in front of scouts — it begins at a local rink, tying up skates for the very first time.

How much is too much?

By CoachC | April 25, 2025
How much is too much?

We’re thrilled to present Shawnee Harlee’s insights as she addresses the well worn hockey question, “How much is too much?”

Coach Has Favourites

By CoachC | March 10, 2025

We’re thrilled to present Shawnee Harlee’s insights as she addresses the well worn player complaint, that their Coach Has Favourites…

Is Negative Self-Talk a Learned Behaviour?

By CoachC | February 26, 2025
Is Negative Self-Talk a Learned Behaviour?

Oh, man, has Shawnee hit the nail on the head once again… Okay, I need to tell you a story from about 20-plus years ago. As so often happened with me back then, I spent my winter Saturdays hopping from rink to rink around Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. And on this one day,…

With All Due Respect For Fixing Hockey Problems…

By CoachC | January 24, 2025
With All Due Respect For Fixing Hockey Problems…

In the world of NHL scouting, talent evaluation, and player development, the age-old debate on whether to focus on fixing hockey shortcomings or nurturing unique strengths continues to be a hot topic. After countless seasons in the hockey wars, one undeniable truth emerges: while no player wants glaring weaknesses, it’s the presence of one HUGE…

How do parents model MT?

By CoachC | January 21, 2025

Shawnee Harle suggests that mental toughness is a game-changer in sports (and don’t we all?), helping athletes push through challenges, stay focused under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks. With that, Shawnee is back to help members, with an awesome post on how parents can model mental toughness. And, take it from old Coach Chic,…

How Mental Toughness Helps Us Overcome Adversity

By CoachC | December 7, 2024

Shawnee Harle suggests that mental toughness is a game-changer in sports, helping athletes push through challenges, stay focused under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks. Consequently, in this video, she’ll explore why mental toughness matters, how it impacts performance, and why it’s just as crucial as physical training for achieving success… If you like Shawnee’s…

The Hockey Book Lab

By CoachC | November 22, 2024
The Hockey Book Lab

Your Ideas, Our Next Book! We’re excited to announce a brand-new feature here at CoachChic — the Hockey Book Lab! This is your chance to shape the future of hockey literature. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, we know you have unique insights into what’s needed in the world of hockey training, strategy, or…

Help Your Kids With Mental Toughness

By CoachC | November 20, 2024

Of course, mental toughness is super-important in hockey, and that’s why we’re always thrilled to have Shawnee Harle present her insights in this area, this time suggesting members should “Help Your Kids With Mental Toughness”. If you like Shawnee’s presentation — or if you have any questions for her, please comment below.

Hockey Smarts = Ice Time!

By CoachC | November 9, 2024
Hockey Smarts = Ice Time!

As many of you might know by now, I once ran 2-teams under the New England Hockey Institute banner.  The high school guys were with me from late-May until Thanksgiving (when the local school teams began), and my junior high school aged kids were with me for almost 11-months. For sure, I did a lot…