The key is to move and think quickly when playing on the rush. A successful rush requires four essential principles.

1. Speed – Play Fast

• Quick Transition: Move fast from defence to offence. A quick shift catches the other team off guard.

• Changing Pace: Know when to speed up, slow down, or change direction. This helps create situations where you have more attackers than defenders.

• Creating Mismatches: A fast, well-timed move can lead to odd-man rushes, giving you a better chance to score.

2. Make Reads

• Staying Aware: Keep your eyes up, scan the ice and stay alert. Watch where everyone is on the ice.

• Understanding the Defence: Notice where the defensive players are playing.  Are they committing too much in one direction? This insight helps you decide your next move.

• Decision Making: Choose whether to take a shot, skate toward the net with the puck, pause to protect it, or pass it to a teammate on the outside. Good reads lead to smarter choices.

3. Courage

• Taking Risks: Carrying the puck up the middle of the ice is bold because it usually means facing more contact. It may be risky, but it can also open great scoring chances.

• Winning Wall Battles: Focus on winning battles along the boards. Strong body positioning and good balance help you win these key moments, keeping possession and enabling your attack.

• Moving Without the Puck: Even without the puck, moving toward the net creates openings and forces the other team to adjust. It shows commitment and can lead to rebounds or quick passes.

4. Patience

• Team Communication: Talk and signal to your teammates constantly. Clear communication keeps the attack organized.

• Supporting Each Other: A fast break works best when everyone plays a part—even if some players are just waiting in the right spot. Patience and teamwork make the rush more dangerous for the opponent.

Triple Drive and 4-Man Attack

This method uses smart movement and positioning to overload the defence:

• Puck Carried Wide: Start by moving the puck toward the side, stretching out the defence. This creates more space in the middle.

• Middle Lane Drive (Without the Puck): One player makes a bold run down the center, even without the puck. This move distracts and pulls defenders away from their positions.

• Dot Drive: Another player positions near the net, ready to receive a pass or grab a rebound. Keeping the stick on the ice helps secure quick plays.

• The Fourth Man: The fourth player sprints into the scoring area at the right moment. Their presence forces the defence to react even faster.

• Switching Roles: In this strategy, forwards and defensemen can swap positions. This flexibility means that every player can help support the attack as needed.

Enio Sacilotto is the President of International Hockey Camps and operates the Mental Edge High-Performance Training. Enio has 43 years of coaching experience (professional hockey in Europe and the Victoria Royals (WHL)). Currently, he coaches at the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy, is the Croatian National Men’s hockey team coach and is the Head Coach with the Grandview Steelers. If you have questions or are interested in his services, contact Enio at enio@coachenio.com or call 604 255 4747. Website: www.coachenio.com.