I don't have analytics to back this up, but I believe 2on2 situations are the most common game state in the sport of hockey. No matter where you go on the ice, two players are competing against two opponents for the puck. Down low corner battles? 2on2. Doesn't matter which zone. If you're in defensive zone coverage you're probably sending two players into the corner to prevent two attackers from getting to the net. Most board battles start with a puck carrier and someone in support, which means two players are going to engage in order to defend. Clearly there are situations where a third player joins an attack - if two players are cycling the puck, they're looking for an F3 or a low to high pass to the point, but that's only because two players are defending. The same can be said for attacking off the rush. One player carries the puck into the zone with possession, they have a close option, and then a second option. The puck carrier and the first option are either covered well or you've got a 2 on 1 developing. A 2 on 1 is a better chance to score than a 2 on 2 of course, but you're only getting those opportunities when the other team has a break down. They're just not as common. 

So if you're looking to drive the pace in practice with something that will inevitably translate directly into a game, here are three 2 on 2 drills you can run with your team. 

2 on 2 Continuous

A classic. I run this drill way too much every season, but I love it. It demands creativity from the forwards, tight gaps from the defenders, and it inevitably ends up a wee bit chaotic, which is nothing but good.

• 2 forwards attack 2 defencemen
• Once forwards skate through neutral zone two forwards and two D from the other team step out
• Original D try to retrieve puck and pass to next two forwards, who play full ice 2on2 vs next two D
• Back and forth, no whistles required
• Be sure to split the team properly according to colours - you're always passing to your own team

NZ Faceoff Start 2on2

Just like the name suggests, this is a 2on2 that starts with a neutral zone faceoff. I'm a big believer in starting as many drills as possible with faceoffs. Gives more players the opportunity to practice draws aside from the centres, and it starts with controlled chaos. The routes after the draw aren't predetermined, so the players need to solve the problem of entering or exiting the zone. 

• Two forwards face off, whoever wins the draw gets possession of puck and teams play out 2on2
• If defending teams wins draw they have to exit zone with possession and then return on offence
• Add second puck after initial puck, D have to stall and squeeze

2on2 No Pass

Simple, chaotic, intense; another name for this drill is the tooth chipper. Teams play 2on2 and aren't allowed to pass the puck. It's counter-intuitive to everything we've ever taught, but it forces players to make plays under extreme pressure. It also encourages the players without the puck to go to the net for rebounds or tips. There will be more goals than you think - maybe even a goalie goal if you're lucky!