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The Key Tools to Improving Hockey IQ with John Becanic

The Key Tools to Improving Hockey IQ with John Becanic

Glass and Out Podcast Photo
Glass and Out Podcast
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In episode 331 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome an old friend back in Utah Grizzlies Head Coach John Becanic.

He was a contributor for The Coaches Site pre-COVID and also presented twice at TCS Live. You can check out his presentations on developing hcokey IQ and defending a 5 on 6 situation now on The Coaches Site.

Becanic has over 40 years of coaching experience, with time spent in the OHL, WHL, NAHL, and now ECHL. The longest tenure with a team was from 2003-2009 with the WHL's Everett Silvertips, where he coached with the legendary Kevin Constantine.

As you'll hear he has a ton of hockey knowledge to share, with a focus on improving and developing a player's habits and hockey IQ.

Listen as he shares why hockey IQ is about transitional skating and thinking, the two keys to playing defensive hockey, and why everthing goes back to a player's habits.

Video Timestamps:

  • 0:00 Start of practice and hockey IQ
  • 3:35 Key habits and defending
  • 8:10 Selling players on play without the puck
  • 14:20 Adjustments for Team Canada/Olympic impact
  • 21:40 Creating offensive success
  • 34:30 Making plays in the defensive zone
  • 37:20 Designing drills for stops and starts
  • 44:55 Coaching in the ECHL
  • 54:40 Building trust and influences growing up





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