Thinking the Game – as a Goaltender

How to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink

By CoachC | October 9, 2025

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

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

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

Stats That Coaches Should Actually Use

By CoachC | September 20, 2025

Hockey has always been a sport filled with numbers, and coaches at every level often look to statistics for guidance. The problem is that not all stats are created equal. Some numbers look impressive on paper but…

The Emotional Timeline of a Game

By CoachC | September 19, 2025

Understanding this emotional timeline can help players keep their focus, manage pressure, and perform at their best no matter the situation. From the moment athletes step into the locker room to the final buzzer, emotions rise and fall in waves that can either fuel success or create unnecessary mistakes if not handled properly…

The Coach’s Sketchbook and Drawing Plays That Stick

By CoachC | September 15, 2025

A simple drawing can transform a jumble of instructions into a clear visual that sticks in the minds of players. Whether you’re coaching at the youth level or working with seasoned athletes, the ability to sketch plays that players can instantly understand is one of the most valuable tools you can have…

Developing Deception Through Visual Misdirection

By CoachC | September 7, 2025

In hockey, deception isn’t just a flashy move or a clever pass — it’s a mindset. It’s the ability to make an opponent believe one thing while preparing to do another….

The Geometry of Great Plays

By CoachC | September 5, 2025

Hockey is a sport of speed, strength, and creativity, but at its core, it is also a game of geometry. While it might not seem obvious during the chaos of a shift, the best plays are built on angles, spacing, and positioning.

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 66

By CoachC | August 31, 2025

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

Mastering Game Situations

By CoachC | August 22, 2025

In hockey, there is no shortage of speed, energy, and excitement. But the players who consistently stand out are the ones who know how to read and react to the game as it unfolds…