Last spring, I was coaching a development team for Hockey Manitoba; this group of players was exceptionally skilled. After a few practices, we went into our first game together. I find that initial game is always crucial when working with a new team. It gives a coach real insight into the team’s capabilities. While many things stood out during the game, one specific issue caught my attention: unnecessary D to D passes. I clearly remember saying during the game, “Why are we going D to D? Move the puck north!” The assistant coach, who had worked with these players since they were little, turned to me and admitted, “That’s my fault.” These kids, now 14 years old, have been practicing no pressured regroup drills, with a set routine (D to D, winger to swing support) since they were 9 and 10 years old.
Traditional D to D plays often sacrifice speed for control, with defensemen passing laterally rather than advancing the puck quickly. This can disrupt offensive flow, as it fails to capitalize on opportunities to catch opponents out of position. Without the urgency of forward motion, these plays allow the opposing team to get in their structure, making it harder to gain the offensive zone effectively. If a team's ability to generate quick transitions is limited, this typically leaves forwards stationary on their regroup, reducing the chances of creating high-quality scoring opportunities.
Quick Neutral Zone Regroups can allow teams to exploit gaps in the opposing defense by maintaining momentum with constant movement. This creates opportunities for quick, high-quality scoring chances. By moving the puck, teams can disrupt the opposition’s structure and force them into mistakes. Playing fast also allows teams to control the tempo, allowing for sustained offensive pressure and reducing the time spent defending in their own zone.
When To Use D to D Passes
This screenshot highlights Toronto’s forechecker closing in on the puck carrier. The Winnipeg defenseman doesn’t have the time to turn and face up ice. Despite this, Morrissey shifts his body to read the situation before his partner even starts to think about passing D-to-D. Here, a single pass takes the Leafs’ forechecker out of the play, with Morrissey already anticipating the next move before he receives the puck.
D Escape to Quick Up Drill;
- Goes one side at a time.
- On the whistle, the forward (F1) and defenseman (D1) on the same side of the ice jump out to the inside of the ice.
- After a few strides, F1 passes to D1.
- F1 gets on a long timing route while D1 escapes towards the wall to set up for a good angle to pass to F2.
- While this is going on, F2 keeps their head up and times their route to go up the boards and to be full speed in the middle of the ice while D1 is finishing their escape.
- D1 passes to F2. F2 enters the zone and curls looking for F1.
- F1 takes a quick pass on net. After F1 shoots, they pick up another puck in the corner and looks to hit D1 or F2 for a second shot.
Key Points
- Players need to keep their heads up and focus on timing instead of going at 100% speed the whole drill.
- Keep sticks on the ice to let your teammates know where you want the pass.
- Communicate with your teammates to let them know where you are and that you are open
