Without habits, even the most skilled player on a team is doomed.

Maybe that's dramatic, but talent can only take you so far. The most talented players in the best hockey league in the world are often the hardest-working as well, and there is no habit more important than work ethic. The helpful thing about instilling this habit in your players is that it's universal as well. Take it from University of Maine Head Coach Ben Barr, who presented at TCS Live at St. Andrew's College in September - everybody can work hard. 

The list of universal off-ice habits is long and vital. Everyone can be on time, everyone can bring a positive demeanour, everyone can support their teammates. 

What stands out from Barr's presentation is the emphasis on on-ice habits, to which every player on the team can commit: line changes, faceoff readiness, understanding of systems. 

"You're always in the game. You're always enjoying, you're always growing."

It's as simple as adding five pushups to the last player who changes in a small area game. It's not a punishment, it's a condition of the game. Another defensive habit for the University of Maine is not allowing players to skate through the gate behind the net in the defensive zone. How can you instill that habit or something similar? Positioning is key in small area games for Barr because it's key during games. 

"Stop the drill, talk about it, and instill the muscle memory. You'll know you're making a difference."

The key to your team's on-ice habits is to be selective. Find a short list of what matters to you. What will make your team perform when it counts? Make it measurable. 45 second shifts? Zero shots from the point in the defensive zone? Barr encourages coaches to involve their team in the creation of those habits too. The small habits add up big-time in the end, so use them to your advantage. 

Noteworthy Timestamps:

• 0:00 Creating habits
• 3:55 Universal habits/coaching tips
• 7:15 Penalties
• 9:35 Edges
• 14:35 Checking/angling
• 17:30 Routes/pucks to the back post
• 23:30 Transferring to game situations