Tryouts are one of the most stressful times in the hockey year, not only for players but also for parents and coaches. The tension doesnât come just from competing for a spot, but from the uncertainty that surrounds the process. Families want clarity, players want fairness, and coaches want a smooth evaluation period where athletes can perform their best. A huge part of making that happen is strong communication.
Most teens already know sleep is important, but many donât realize just how closely sleep is connected to their strength, reaction time, mood, learning ability, and long-term athletic development. For hockey players who balance school, practices, games, training sessions, and travel, sleep isnât just something nice to have — it is one of the biggest competitive advantages available…
Creating an inclusive locker room culture in hockey is one of the most powerful ways to improve team chemistry, individual confidence, and overall performance. A locker room should never feel like a place of stress, worry, or judgment…
In a sport where toughness and resilience are valued, it can be tempting for players to shrug off a hit to the head or try to get back on the ice before theyâre truly ready. But concussions are brain injuries, and unlike a sore shoulder or a bruised knee, they need careful time and attention to heal properly. Understanding how to safely return after a concussion isnât just about protecting a seasonâitâs about protecting the playerâs long-term health and future in the game…
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 everyoneâs attention at age twelve…
High school hockey is one of the most demanding levels of the game, balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth all at once. Periodization is a science-based approach to training that organizes the year into manageable phases. It ensures players are performing their best when it matters most, such as during playoffs, while still staying healthy and motivated throughout the year…
Folks should know I create this page as sort of a courtesy, trying to give visitors a sense of what’s “coming” within the next month…
Mastering whatâs called the âquiet shiftâ separates those who play the game from those who understand it. A quiet shift isnât about doing less; itâs about doing everything with intention, precision, and balance. Itâs the ability to influence the flow of a game without needing to stand out on every play.
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 â it becomes the heartbeat of success…
With mental toughness always being a key to solid hockey play, we’re thrilled to once again present Shawnee Harlee’s monthly insights into that area. And, in this entry video, she addresses the well worn question, “My bad! My Bad!”