This drill is called the Russel Hustle, dedicated to a Vancouver Minor Hockey Association legend, U15 A1 head coach, Jim Russel.
I have seen this drill done with U18, U15 and U13 age groups, making it extremely versatile. The drill is a bagger for the defense - enjoy!
Description
- On the whistle, a fwd leaves with a puck and attacks the net as quickly as possible. D leaves at the same time, with the goal of keeping the forward to the outside of the ice.
- After a shot/chance is taken, forward curls up the opposite side of the ice and receives a pass from the coach. Fwd sprints up the ice for a full ice 1 vs 1
D turns back up the ice and gaps up for the opposing side fwd coming down the ice.
Key Points
- The initial rush is meant to be quick - forwards cannot cut back. Use speed and puck protection to create offense off the rush.
- This is not an easy drill for the D, encourage quick feet and proper gap control. We often sub forwards in to give the D a break.
