At TCS Live 2022, Paul McFarland - the newly named Assistant Coach of the Edmonton Oilers - delivered one of the weekend’s most talked-about presentations: The Importance of Entries and Attacking Off The Rush. Known for his ability to teach modern, up-tempo offensive systems, McFarland offered an inside look at how today’s best teams generate high-quality scoring chances through smart zone entries, fast-paced transition play, and structured support.

For minor hockey, junior, and young pro coaches, understanding how to teach and structure offense off the rush is essential in today’s game. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on in-zone cycle play, teams at all levels must learn to attack with pace, purpose, and timing when transitioning from defense to offense.

Why the Rush Matters More Than Ever

The modern game is built on speed and space. With defensive systems getting tighter in the defensive zone, many of the most dangerous scoring opportunities now come before a team is even fully set up—off the rush, after a turnover, or on a clean, well-timed zone entry.

McFarland’s session emphasized the importance of:

• Creating speed through the neutral zone with layered support and proper spacing.

• Recognizing numerical advantages and attacking them with confidence.

• Teaching habits like the middle-lane drive, delay options, and second-wave support.

• Empowering players to read and react based on puck position, pressure, and spacing.

These concepts aren't exclusive to the NHL—they’re completely teachable at the minor hockey, junior, and pro development levels. As McFarland explained, the foundation for a strong rush offense is built in practice: clear roles, consistent habits, and the confidence to make plays at speed.

Building Structure into Chaos

Coaches often describe the rush as “organized chaos.” McFarland broke it down into teachable components—starting with zone exits, through the neutral zone, and into the offensive zone. He emphasized how great rush teams support the puck carrier with smart routes, make themselves available in dangerous areas, and stay connected as a five-man unit.

For young teams, this means practicing controlled entries with multiple options, teaching F2 and F3 where to go depending on where the puck enters the zone, and reinforcing habits like driving wide, delaying to find trailers, and hitting the second wave.

If your players are constantly chipping pucks in and giving up possession—or worse, turning it over at the blue line—this is a session you’ll want to revisit.

Who Is Paul McFarland?

Before joining the Oilers for the 2025-26 season, McFarland spent a year as head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, helping guide and develop some of Western Canada’s top young talent. He’s previously held assistant coaching roles in the NHL with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Seattle Kraken, bringing with him a reputation for leading top power plays and helping stars thrive in open ice.

His development roots run deep. A former captain at Acadia University, McFarland was so respected that the school created the Paul McFarland Captain in the Community Award in his name. He’s coached internationally with Hockey Canada and had two successful stints with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, including one season where his team set a franchise record for points and won the Eastern Conference.

A Coach Coaches Want to Learn From

McFarland’s ability to explain high-level tactics in a way that resonates at every level of the game is what makes his sessions so valuable for coaches looking to grow. He connects the dots between NHL structure and the details you can implement tomorrow with your U15, U18, junior, or pro team.

If you want your players to play fast and smart, making clean entries, attacking with numbers, and creating dangerous chances before the opponent can get set, then Paul McFarland’s insights on attacking off the rush are exactly what you need in your coaching toolkit.

Noteworthy Timestamps:

• 1:00 Keep your eye on the puck
• 1:50 The why
• 4:15 Where do rushes start?
• 8:00 2x1 execution and purpose
• 11:13 Rush fundamentals
• 13:20 Attack nose to nose
• 15:10 Drive off the D heels
• 17:35 Finish at the net
• 18:15 Rush execution
• 21:30 Rush Delay into F3
• 23:55 Things to think about