Tag Archives: ice hockey

What is a Coach?

Kocs is a small Hungarian village that is known for building horse drawn carts, called “kosci”. These carts transported people between Budapest and Vienna in the 15th century. The word “coach” comes from the Hungarian word, “kocsi”. Kosci were designed to transport people from where they are to where they want to go. It’s aContinue reading “What is a Coach?”

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?”

Waterfall

The waterfall game is terrific for passing, deception, shooting off the pass and creativity on offense. On defense the players are challenged to use their stick and body position to take away passing lanes and influence the puck. It’s also fun! Players love it. Description: 4v2 in the zone until puck is scored, frozen, clearedContinue reading “Waterfall”

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”

Podcast – Leadership in Coaching with Ryan Warsofsky, Head Coach, Charlotte Checkers

Ryan Warsofsky was hired by the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League in the summer of 2019 as the youngest Head Coach in professional hockey. I catch up with Ryan Warsofsky to talk about the lessons in leadership he has gained through his unique and quick rise in the coaching ranks.

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”