Curry Hockey – TJ Manastersky

Are You a Player’s Coach?

If you are not a “player’s coach,” then who are you coaching? It is the coach’s responsibility to create an environment that is positive and committed to the development of each individual on the team. Like a rising tide lifts all boats, if we help a player make improvements in their physical, psychological, technical, orContinue reading “Are You a Player’s Coach?”

Talent that Whispers

There are two types of talent. Talent that shouts and talent that whispers. Talent that shouts is the the type of talent that is hard to miss… it’s the shiny object that everyone notices as unique and special. Talent that whispers is less obvious. It’s the undervalued talent that is hard to identify. The problemContinue reading “Talent that Whispers”

Board Play, Changing Speed, and Scoring Goals

When looking at every goal the Curry College hockey team scored in 2019/20 it was interesting to see how many goals happened after successfully taking the puck off the boards. If I categorize our goals by the original zone that the scoring play started, the percentage of goals originating with successful board play is asContinue reading “Board Play, Changing Speed, and Scoring Goals”

There is an ‘I’ in Team

There is an ‘I’ in Team. Every team is built with a group of individuals who have personal beliefs, values, struggles, strengths, etc. The key is to remember we are coaching people, not a sport. Understanding this is a competitive advantage. The player development process cannot be a “cookie cutter” or one-sized fits all approach.Continue reading “There is an ‘I’ in Team”

Team Defense: Take Away Space, Pressure the Puck

Playing defense is about getting the puck back. The best teams are attacking without the puck in order gain possession as quickly as possible. In defensive possession moments such as defensive zone coverage, many forecheck situations, and faceoff losses, the goal is to eliminate space and isolate the puck carrier from their options. In defensiveContinue reading “Team Defense: Take Away Space, Pressure the Puck”

Red Wing 2v1

I found this drill a few years ago while watching a clip of the Detroit Red Wings Development Camp. This is a terrific way to practice execution at full speed. The backchecker provides pressure from behind, forcing the attacking players into a realistic game situation. A common problem with many 2 v 1 drills isContinue reading “Red Wing 2v1”