"He's not looking for any sort of contact, this kid is 6'4", 220 pounds."

Mitch Love's presentation at TCS Live 2024 busted any and all myths that the modern game requires a modern approach. The first example in the selection I chose in this video see Anthony Mantha, who is a legitimate monster, get in on the forecheck with an active stick, lose his player, reload hard above the puck through the defensive zone and finally strip the defenceman with an active stick. 

There's a time and a place for finishing your checks, no question. I preach it constantly, but Coach Love's presentation confirms the fact that the point of checking is to get the puck back. You can smash a defenceman through the end boards but if they still make an outlet pass then all you're doing is making some loud nouses for the old school scouts in the nosebleeds to pat themselves on the back with. It's nonsense. 

Love's next batch of clips include Tom Wilson, the modern Milan Lucic and one of the most feared conmpetitors in the game, taking a penalty because his stick isn't on the ice. Love includes several examples of initially losing battles, which I think is so important. Young players can get discouraged when stick on puck doesn't work immediately. We need to teach them that the other players are being taught the same thing in practice - they know you're checking with your stick, so they're taught evasive manouvres and escapes. Keep your feet moving, stick with it, and get your stick at the puck!

Check out this snippet from Love's presentation and view the full video here a membership to The Coaches Site.