Strong transition defence relies on a collective effort from all five players to stay connected, aggressive, and compact to eliminate quick-strike threats before they materialize 

❶ Reapply pressure at the puck → Hunt 

❷ Recover to the defensive side → Reload above the puck 

❸ Close down middle ice first → D squeeze the middle 

     ⦿ D stay connected and work together to close down middle ice with strong gaps and active sticks. 

     ⦿ Don’t surrender the blue line easily—use it as “D3.” 

     ⦿ Strong gaps and sticks AT the blue force more difficult kickouts and less dangerous entries. 

     ⦿ Delay the rush to allow support to arrive and put the most dangerous threats “on pause.”