This comprehensive off-season program from Evan Brownrigg, CEO & Director of Player Development of Next Generation HKY, focuses on puck skills, featuring daily stickhandling and shooting drills you can practice at home. Each workout consists of two stickhandling drills, two technical shooting drills, and one game application drill—everything you need to improve your game!
There’s even some rest days built right in. It is the summer after all!
Every drill set comes with detailed instructional videos showing you the techniques needed to become an elite stickhandler and shooter. These videos remain accessible as reference materials, providing key teaching points while you progress through your daily drills. You can always return to them in the future as well. As hockey coaches we understand that what separates good players from great ones isn't just what happens during team practices or games—it's the commitment to improvement during the off-season, particularly in the comfort of their own homes. The development of fundamental skills like shooting and stickhandling requires consistent, focused repetition that simply cannot be achieved through team practices alone.
That's why Brownrigg created this course. He has been a driving force behind Next Generation HKY since its inception, helping grow the program from its 2008 beginnings to serving 6,500 athletes. As the primary facilitator for on-and off-ice development, Brownrigg also works with the Belleville Senators (AHL), Ottawa Charge (PWHL), and Ottawa 67’s (OHL) in player development. Passionate about tailoring coaching to each athlete’s unique needs, Brownrigg continually evolves his approach, mentors coaches, and pushes the boundaries of player development. His energy, communication skills, and commitment to excellence make him a pivotal part of NGH’s success. And now he can be part of your success too!
Check out Brownrigg's At-Home Puck Skills course now!
Character and determination are measured when no one is looking. When players dedicate time to practicing shooting and stickhandling at home during the off-season, they're building natural pathways that transform conscious movements into unconscious abilities. Deep practice in the summer sets players up for tangible skill development when the season starts in the fall. This is the foundation of what we call "hockey sense"—the ability to execute skills automatically while focusing on the dynamic aspects of the game.
Here are examples of what players will work on in Brownrigg's at-home hockey skills course:
Stickhandling Drills
- FAKES, THE WAND: Deceptive puck handling using wand-like movements to create false impressions for defenders. Focus on quick hand movements while maintaining proper stick position to sell convincing fakes.
- ONE HANDED, WIDE: Players develop single-handed control with wide puck movements. This drill builds independent hand strength and improves puck protection skills when defenders are closing in.
- TWO STICKS (FLIPS): Using two sticks, players practice controlled flipping motions to enhance hand-eye coordination and quick transitions. This drill develops the ability to quickly change puck direction under pressure.
- EXCHANGE (SINGLE/DOUBLE): Quick puck exchanges from one side to another, focusing on clean transitions and maintaining control. The double exchange adds complexity by requiring multiple directional changes in succession.
Shooting Drills
- PULL & ELEVATE BACKHAND: Players develop the critical skill of pulling the puck across their body before elevating a backhand shot. Focus on proper weight transfer and wrist snap to generate lift and accuracy.
- SKATER STRIDE, STRIDE SHOT: Combining skating momentum with shooting mechanics, players learn to release powerful shots while in stride. This simulates game situations where players must shoot without stopping.
- FEET STAGGERED (INSIDE/OUTSIDE LEG): Players practice shooting with feet in staggered positions, learning how foot placement affects shot power and accuracy. This develops versatility for shooting from different body positions.
Game Application Drills
- CROSSOVER SHOT BASIC: Integrating crossover skating with shooting mechanics, simulating game scenarios where quick direction changes lead to shooting opportunities. Focus on maintaining proper form throughout the movement.
- DRAG & FIRE (FEET STAGGERED): Players practice dragging the puck laterally before quickly releasing a shot, replicating how to create shooting lanes against defenders. Emphasis on quick hands and rapid release.
- NET FRONT EXCHANGE: Close-quarter puck handling and shooting skills for battles near the crease. Focus on quick exchanges and accurate finishing in tight spaces where goalies are most vulnerable.
Here's a preview from Stickhandling Fakes: The Wand.
This course, At-Home Puck Skills, allows for high-volume repetition, crucial for muscle memory and technique. Players can take 100+ shots or get thousands of stickhandling touches, developing puck feel and control. Without team practice constraints, they can refine mechanics in a pressure-free setting, making skill transfer to game situations more seamless.
Coaches quickly recognize players who put in offseason work—their confidence, shot velocity, and creativity stand out. Self-motivation shows dedication, and the best players treat every day as a chance to improve. Just 15-20 minutes of daily shooting and stickhandling adds up, making a noticeable impact when they return to the ice. And it should be fun!
