Every new coach starts with questions.
How do I run a good practice?
How do I teach skills?
How do I manage a team?
How do I handle the expectations that come with coaching?
To find out what advice experienced coaches would give someone stepping behind the bench for the first time, we asked a simple question as part of our The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 survey:
“If you could give one piece of advice to a new coach, what would it be?”
The responses came from coaches across all levels of youth hockey, and while their backgrounds and experiences varied, the message was remarkably consistent.
Great coaching is not about having the most complicated drills, winning the most games, or making every decision perfectly. It is about building relationships, creating the right environment, continuing to learn, and always keeping the focus on the player.
Here are five pieces of advice coaches shared for every stage of development.
U6-U8: Build the Love of the Game
At the youngest ages, coaching is not about creating perfect hockey players. It is about creating kids who cannot wait to come back.
For many players, this is their first experience being part of a team. The coach has an opportunity to shape how they view hockey for years to come.
The advice from coaches was clear: make the rink a place where players feel excited, supported, and valued.
“Make hockey fun so kids want to stay with the game.”
“Pass on your love of the game.”
“Keep it simple and fun.”
“The kids don’t care if they win.”
“Don’t forget that the majority of kids are playing hockey for the fun of it and to be with their friends.”
At this age, success isn't measured by the scoreboard. It's measured by the number of players who leave the rink smiling and return next season with the same excitement.
U9-U11: Develop Skills, Confidence, and Connection
As players get older, the focus naturally shifts toward development.
This is where coaches can sometimes feel pressure to chase results. Standings become more visible. Winning becomes easier to measure. But experienced coaches reminded us that this stage is about building the foundation players will rely on later.
The message was simple: develop the player, not just the team.
“Focus on skating and skills. Don’t worry about winning or systems.”
“Skills, skills, skills. Skating, puck control, and passing are the foundations of any system.”
“Build relationships with players before worrying about systems.”
“Every player will develop at their own pace.”
“Trust the process. Development is a long-term plan, not instant gratification.”
The best coaches understand that progress does not always show up on the scoreboard.
Sometimes it shows up when a player tries something they were afraid to attempt a month earlier.
U13-U15: Create Culture and Establish Standards
The middle years bring a new set of challenges.
Players become more independent. Team dynamics become more complex. Parents become more invested. Coaches are asked to balance development, competition, and expectations.
This is where culture becomes a coach’s greatest tool.
Before building a system, build the environment.
“Create a team culture before anything else.”
“Set the standard on Day 1. Share expectations with players and parents at the same time.”
“Communication is most important.”
“Build your team before you worry about building skills.”
“Players can handle hard standards and tough conversations if they know you care, you’re prepared, and the standard doesn’t change.”
Great teams are not built overnight. They are built through consistent actions, clear expectations, and trust.
U16-U18: Develop the Person Behind the Player
At the older levels, the pressure increases.
Players are thinking about opportunities beyond minor hockey. Coaches are navigating bigger goals, stronger competition, and higher expectations.
But the best coaches understand one thing: the person always comes before the player.
“Hockey is a tool to teach other things. The most important things have nothing to do with hockey.”
“Focus on developing the person first, player second.”
“Don’t let competitiveness undermine your values.”
“Invest in genuine relationships with every player.”
“Players won’t remember every drill. They will remember how you made them feel.”
The best coaches at this level know that development is not just about preparing players for the next team. It's about preparing them for life.
Junior, Elite, and High Performance: Build Something Bigger
At advanced levels, talent is everywhere.
The difference is often found in leadership, character, and culture.
Coaches at this stage have a responsibility that extends beyond the rink. They influence how players handle adversity, work with others, and carry themselves.
“Build a culture players want to be part of.”
“Stay committed to development, even when winning becomes important.”
“Lead with your moral compass.”
“Be consistent in your standards and expectations.”
“Your legacy is measured by the people you help, not the trophies you win.”
Winning matters, but the impact of a coach lasts much longer than a season.
The Advice That Connected Every Coach
Across every age group, one message appeared again and again:
Put the player first.
Not the standings. Not the outside pressure. Not the opinions from the stands. The player.
The coaches who make the biggest difference are the ones who continue learning, seek out mentors, ask questions, and remember why they started coaching in the first place. Because years from now, players will not remember every practice drill or game score, but they will remember the coach who believed in them, supported them, and helped them become better people.
That is the true impact of coaching.
Discover what hundreds of coaches had to say about the challenges, opportunities, and future of youth hockey.
