Strengthen Team Chemistry
I’m thankful for another hockey friend for submitting the following to our Ask The Coach tool. I’ve always said that I can only get better as an advisor if I’m being challenged in some way. So, thanks, Coach Helen, for this one.
~ Dennis C
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Hey Coach Helen, thanks a ton for reaching out with your question. I’ve always had a soft spot for coaches who care deeply about more than just wins and losses, and I can tell you’re one of those special ones. Coaching a high school girls’ hockey team in Arizona is already a unique challenge — between growing the sport in a warmer climate and building a competitive program. But the fact that you’re putting an emphasis on team chemistry tells me you’re doing things the right way. So, let’s dig into this together and figure out how you can create strong team bonds right from day one, and keep those relationships thriving all season long…
Team chemistry doesn’t just happen. It takes time, intention, and the kind of leadership you’re already thinking about. One of the best places to start is before the first puck drop. Pre-season team building is where the magic starts, especially when you can get the girls together outside of the rink. Whether it’s a one-day retreat, a local hike, or even a fun scavenger hunt, the idea is to let the players connect as people first and teammates second. I’ve seen even the shyest players start opening up when they’re laughing, solving problems together, and forgetting they’re technically “training.”
Once the season is rolling, regular team meetings are worth their weight in gold. And I’m not just talking about dry chalk talk sessions. I mean real sit-downs where players feel comfortable sharing what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re feeling about the team environment. This helps develop trust and keeps communication channels open. Let the players help set short-term goals for the week and long-term goals for the season — it gets them invested and makes them feel like part of the process. The more included they feel, the more committed they’ll be to each other.
On the ice, build chemistry through communication-based drills. For example, make players call each other’s names in passing drills, or run small-area games that demand constant talking and awareness. It’s amazing how much more cohesive a team becomes when they’re used to hearing each other’s voices and thinking together in tight situations. These drills translate directly to better game play, where communication can be the difference between a turnover and a goal.
One of my favorite strategies is pairing newer players with returning veterans in a mentorship setup. This gives your rookies someone to look up to and your experienced players a sense of responsibility. When a young player knows someone’s looking out for her, her confidence grows. And when a veteran steps into a leadership role, the whole team benefits. I always recommend giving these pairs a chance to check in off the ice too, not just during practice.
Social events outside of hockey help too. Team dinners, pizza nights, or even volunteer work as a group can help the girls connect on a different level. And if you can get parents involved here and there, that community feeling grows even stronger. These off-ice moments create the kind of memories that last beyond the final buzzer.
Consistent feedback is another big piece. Players want to feel seen. So when you’re reviewing games or practices, don’t just focus on individual skill. Point out good communication, support plays, and unselfish efforts. And when someone shows great teamwork or leadership, highlight it in front of the group. That kind of positive reinforcement encourages others to do the same.
Finally, make time to reinforce your team values. Talk about what respect looks like on and off the ice. Discuss what it means to work hard even when nobody’s watching. Use role-playing or short scenarios to bring those values to life. The more your players talk about those ideals, the more they’ll live them.
By weaving all these elements together — pre-season bonding, strong communication drills, mentorship, feedback, and shared values — you’ll be shaping more than just a hockey team. You’ll be building a family. That’s the kind of chemistry that wins games and creates memories. And hey, if you ever want a deeper dive into one of these ideas, or want help customizing a plan for your squad, don’t hesitate to reach back out — Coach Chic is always in your corner.
