Spring hockey season is upon us and everyone is so happy that they got to go franchise mode in NHL 23. If the kids are having fun and the parents are enjoying some exotic locales like Kelowna and Winnipeg then that's all that matters. The point is still the game, so let's make sure we're maximizing our ice time and teaching skills the players can use when the games start for real. 

And no I don't know why it's called Cam Neeley.

At this point in the regular season this is a progression I can announce by name and watch the players run themselves.

All About Habits

• D have to shoulder check before retrieving the puck on the breakout
• forwards have to scan the ice, get low, and open up
• everyone should be calling for the puck
• forwards kick the puck out, middle drive, warmup shot off the pillows
• pick up second puck, low to high, D get off wall and second shot

One thing I tell my teams is to play out the rebound. Go unti the whistle blows. There isn't an early shot in this drill so there can be some carryover. Keep the goalies honest and put the puck in the back of the net if it's open. You'll see some huge saves!

Progression 1

Drill happens out of both ends at the same time, these descriptions just show one side at a time.

Progression 2

This looks crazy but it's really not, I promise. On the first breakout pass, the D passes up the strong side to the forward from the previous rep. they move it up the wall and then we get a slash support breakout from the weak side. 

Progression 3

Same start, but now the forward who enters the offensive zone is pulling up to hit the trailing D with a perfect pass, one-timer to follow, seeing-eye tip in front and the goalies are mad already. Beautiful!