In this clip, Kevin Bieksa and Brenden Dillon describe Jaccob Slavin as one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL right now. He is a tall, rangy defenseman who may not deliver many hits, but he is difficult for offensive players to get around.

Brenden Dillon explains that offensive hockey IQ for defensemen involves finding lanes for breakout passes or positioning oneself at the offensive blue line for shots on net. However, there is also defensive hockey IQ. Jaccob Slavin’s defensive IQ is second to none; he always maintains a great gap. The "gap" is the distance between the defender and the offensive player. Defensemen must establish a "tight" gap and, when the opportunity arises, close that gap. By closing the gap, the defensive player reduces the time and space available to the offensive player.

The primary objective of defensemen is to prevent the offensive team from getting shots on net and scoring, and to regain possession of the puck. Effective stick positioning is an essential component of defensive hockey IQ. Slavin consistently has his stick in the right position. Knowing how to disguise your stick and when to switch from using two hands to one hand is key. In some clips, when Slavin shifts from one hand to two, he extends his stick, gaining an extra foot of reach to eliminate passing lanes. Using one hand on the stick can extend a defender’s reach and take away additional passing lanes, effectively making the defender appear bigger.

A few other key points to note:

In these clips, observe how Slavin and Dillon keep their sticks on the ice. Defensive players need to mirror the puck with their stick blade when it's on the offensive player's stick. This positioning prevents the offensive player from making passes or taking a shot. With their sticks on the ice and mirroring the puck, defensive players can seize the right opportunity to "jab" or "poke" at the puck, stripping it away from the offensive player and regaining possession.

A key point for defensive players is to avoid being "puck-focused." When you concentrate too much on the puck, the offensive player can easily maneuver around you. I teach defensive players to use their peripheral vision. Just as we instruct players to handle the puck while keeping their heads up, defenders should also keep their eyes on the offensive player's chest while monitoring the puck. If they miss when attempting to poke or jab the puck away, they should position themselves in front of the offensive player to block their path.

Elite defenders like Jaccob Slavin consistently demonstrate that defensive excellence is built on positioning, anticipation, stick detail, and patience rather than simply physicality. Study this clip closely and watch it repeatedly. Each time, you will pick up on key points that will help you acquire the defensive IQ that Jaccob Slavin and Brenden Dillon possess.

Attend our Defensemen Camp this summer to improve your defensive skills!

Enio Sacilotto is the President of International Hockey Camps and runs the Mental Edge High-Performance Training. With 44 years of coaching experience—including professional hockey in Europe and with the Victoria Royals (WHL)—Enio currently coaches at the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy, the Serbian U18 men’s National hockey team, and is the Head Coach of the Burnaby Steelers. For questions or inquiries about his services, contact Enio at enio@coachenio.com or call 604-255-4747. Visit our website at www.coachenio.com.