“Every day we do small area games at the NHL level.”

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In episode #255 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Sébastien Bordeleau, a former NHL player and the current Skill Development Coach for the Nashville Predators.

Coming up in Junior hockey, Bordeleau possessed a ton of offensive skill, which led to him being drafted by his hometown Montreal Canadiens in the 3rd round. However, as his pro career unfolded, he had the foresight to develop a new set of skills that would serve him as a bottom six, penalty killing checker.

It's this experience that has served him well in his current role, both in terms of how he relates to the players he works with, but also in recognizing the importance of equipping players with a wide range of tools.

Check out Bordeleau's TCS Live on-ice presentation on Rim Recoveries and Puck Protection.

Listen as he discusses why instinct is the hardest skill to develop in hockey, utilizing small area games at the NHL level, and the success of hockey in Nashville.

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 Tips on flying
• 2:40 Role of skills coach with Nashville
• 9:10 Knowing when to share your opinion
• 13:00 Working with elite players like Roman Josi
• 18:20 Providing feedback with players
• 22:05 How we’re feeding players info
• 25:30 Game habits vs skills vs tactic
• 28:30 Developing instinct
• 32:15 Utilizing small area games
• 34:50 Being drafted by Montreal/ advice from dad
• 38:30 Value of having a skills coach
• 40:00 Hockey in Nashville
• 43:05 Predators culture
• 45:50 Playing career as a penalty killer
• 50:00 Being adaptable
• 52:30 improving PK skills
• 57:25 Knowing when to use creativity