Thinking the Game – as a Goaltender

Managing Goalie Workload in Youth Hockey

By CoachC | November 9, 2025
Managing Goalie Workload in Youth Hockey

Managing goalie workload in youth hockey is one of the most overlooked aspects of player development, yet it may be the most important when it comes to long-term success and overall enjoyment of the game. Goaltending requires a combination of explosive movement, sharp focus, and emotional resilience that few other positions in sports demand. The physical and mental pressures that come with being the last line of defense make it crucial for coaches, parents, and goalies themselves to understand how to manage workload properly. Without balance, even the most talented young goalie can experience fatigue, frustration, and eventually, burnout…

Late Bloomers in Hockey Training

By CoachC | November 5, 2025
Late Bloomers in Hockey Training

In the world of hockey, players often develop at very different speeds. Some seem to dominate early, skating faster, shooting harder, and standing taller than everyone else. Others, though, might take a little longer to grow into their game. These are the late bloomers, the players who might not catch everyone’s attention at age twelve…

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 68

By CoachC | November 1, 2025
Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 66

Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…

Breaking the Pressure Cycle and Resetting After a Mistake

By CoachC | October 30, 2025
Breaking the Pressure Cycle and Resetting After a Mistake

Every hockey player, no matter how talented or experienced, has made a mistake that felt like the end of the world in the middle of a game. Maybe it was a turnover that led to a goal, a missed open net, or a bad penalty that gave the other team momentum. What often happens next is what really matters…

Voice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice

By CoachC | October 22, 2025
Voice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice

From the bench to the ice, the sounds of players calling for passes, coaches shouting adjustments, and teammates cheering one another create the rhythm of a game. That communication can be the difference between a team that reacts late and one that anticipates every play. The best teams sound alive, connected, and focused, with everyone sharing one goal: staying organized and confident even under pressure. When the pace picks up and decisions must be made in fractions of a second, communication becomes more than noise — it becomes the heartbeat of success…

The Role of Micro-Habits in Hockey

By CoachC | October 13, 2025
The Role of Micro-Habits in Hockey

Hockey is often seen as a game of speed, skill, and strength, but what truly separates the good from the great are the little things players do when no one is watching. These small, consistent actions—known as micro-habits—can be the secret ingredient behind long-term success. Micro-habits are the simple routines that shape who you become on and off the ice…

Goalie Mindset in Reading Shooters and Choosing Your Save

By CoachC | October 12, 2025
Goalie Mindset in Reading Shooters and Choosing Your Save

Every great goalie knows that goaltending is about far more than quick reflexes or flashy saves. It’s about mindset — the mental discipline to stay calm, read the play, and make the right decision in a fraction of a second. The best goalies in the game have learned how to study shooters, recognize their tendencies, and choose the right save for the moment…

How to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink

By CoachC | October 9, 2025
How to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink

The speed of the game isn’t just about skating fast; it’s about thinking fast, reacting fast, and staying physically and mentally sharp from the first puck drop to the final whistle. When players can’t train on ice every day, finding ways to simulate those demands off the rink becomes essential for maintaining game readiness and improving overall performance…

Mental Toughness in the Third Period

By CoachC | October 4, 2025
Mental Toughness in the Third Period

The third period of a hockey game is where legends are made and where games are often decided. Players who have prepared mentally as well as physically are the ones who rise above fatigue, pressure, and momentum swings. It is easy to play with energy in the first period when legs are fresh and the score is even, but…

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 67

By CoachC | September 30, 2025
Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 66

Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…