Thinking the Game – Offensively

Techniques for Shielding the Puck

By CoachC | October 2, 2025

Shielding the puck, or learning how to keep it safe from defenders, is a foundational skill that every great hockey player develops early. Teaching this concept to young players is less about complicating things and more about making the process fun, engaging, and repeatable so that it becomes second nature as they grow in the game…

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…

Improving Off-Puck Positioning for More Scoring Chances

By CoachC | September 27, 2025

Off-puck positioning starts with awareness. Too many young players get caught staring at the puck, following it around like it has a magnet attached. That habit leaves you out of position and easy to defend. Instead, the best players are constantly scanning the ice…

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…

The Empty Net

By CoachC | August 29, 2025

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…