Thinking the Game – Defensively

The Emotional Timeline of a Game

By CoachC | September 19, 2025
The Emotional Timeline of a Game

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
The Coach’s Sketchbook and Drawing Plays That Stick

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
Developing Deception Through Visual Misdirection

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
The Geometry of Great Plays

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
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…

The Empty Net

By CoachC | August 29, 2025
The Empty Net

In hockey, there’s a moment that feels like time slows down. The goalie has left the crease, the net stands wide open, and every player on the ice knows what’s at stake. It’s called an empty net, and…

Mastering Game Situations

By CoachC | August 22, 2025
Mastering Game Situations

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…

Winning Before the Puck Drops with Visualization

By CoachC | August 18, 2025
Winning Before the Puck Drops with Visualization

When most people think about hockey training, they picture players racing down the ice, practicing slap shots, or running drills to improve speed and endurance. While all of those things are important, the truth is that hockey is not only a physical game but also a mental one…

How to See the Ice Like a Pro

By CoachC | August 3, 2025
How to See the Ice Like a Pro

Whether you’re a forward looking to create plays, a defenseman reading a breakout, or a goalie anticipating the next pass, your ability to scan and read the ice can be your secret weapon…

Coach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 65

By CoachC | August 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…