Essential habits are vital to safe and effective play. In this highlight style video these skills are highlighted.

Global Presence: Recruitment and Retention

In this episode, Coach Kim talks about the 3 biggest differences between coaching boys and girls hockey.
She focuses on how we must view those differences as strengths and amplify them to take our game to the next level.

Creating fast hockey players requires the right things at the right time. This article highlights cutting edge methods to add to your coaching and instruction.

Coaches and team leaders who recognize the importance of a positive resilient growth-minded and supportive team culture will have success.

Actively build this type of culture systematically, progressively and using a well-structured and planned method. 

You will see greater levels of enjoyment; and buy-in. A process or task orientation to getting better.

To develop this type of success and a team-first and task-focused culture try the following procedures with your team:

Positive Habits Record Keeping and Postings and/or Effort and Dedication Goals Incentives/Awards

To do this meet with your leadership group and discuss the difference between outcome and effort goals for the team. Work collaboratively, with them to identify items that every teammate can control and potentially achieve. For example, identifying things like effort, attention and focus level (engagement) are good place to start. 

Next, discuss how this type of engagement will benefit the team finding examples of how these "intangibles" can be recognized and supported by the team. 

For example, players who are present (not just showing up) and are connected mentally, physically and emotionally are the type of teammates we all want. Reward this!

As a team set effort and/or add-value-type goals for all games and practices. And define an acceptable process to record, track and present these team goals. As a coach commit to your group that these subjective process-oriented goals are valued by assigning an Assistant Coach to capture, record and post these. Also, identify that these behaviours are valued as much as the traditional outcome-type performance measures. Discuss the various ways and means that the team will reward the behaviours, perhaps quarterly. 

Once underway remind everyone that effort, dedication, discipline and consistency (and any other value that you select) may seem like small things, but despite this small things, stacked together, have big consequences. 

Shake the Mistake Ritual

Fear of failing and of making mistakes negatively impact the performance ability of players. Fear can be such a powerful demotivator that it can even limit performance before it begins. 

Players who fear mistakes "get into their heads" so often that they don't want to try new skills, tactics or strategies. In games, a negative focus prevents the selection and quick recall of appropriate tactics leading to error. This is especially true, with complex skills and tactics with many constraints. 

It is the way coaches deal with players’ mistakes in and around games and practices that is most important. The way a coach deals with mistakes is what players hear, see and remember. Because of this identifying, adopting and using a team ritual for players to use to get past mistakes is vital. 

Mistake rituals build a team growth mindset and team resilience. When used well mistakes are put aside and focus is immediately redirected to the next play. This is a powerful strategy for any good team culture. 

Use a gesture, a movement or a rehearsed affirming phrase. 

Collaborate with players on what the ritual is and when it is appropriate to use it. Some players may like a “brush it off,” ritual signified by pretending to dust off their shoulder when they are back on the bench. A shake-the-mistake type action acts to remind players that mistakes are inevitable in the game, and the most important thing is how players react right after mistakes are made. 

Post-Game Intangible Awards

All behaviour that repeats is rewarded in some way. Get a hold of player (positive and negative) behaviours by rewarding desired actions, and attitude. This is powerfully achieved by using symbols or insignia. Symbols and insignia act to represent and value preferred behaviour. 

For example, hard work, unsung and under-seen actions, sportsmanship, heart, and respect can and should be recognized so they are regular and expected outcomes. 

By attaching symbols or insignia like sweater bars, dressing room stall banners, or other emblem behaviours and actions can be positively reinforced as desirable. For example, a helmet sticker system of reward could be used for defending properly keeping composure and playing between the whistles... or "raising up" a teammate after a difficult shift. 

Keep these awards symbolic and figurative. Game puck, hard hat, and green suit jacket awards are some other ideas that are fun and speak volumes about team culture. Make whatever you choose unique to your team. Keep it light and let the last winner of the award present to the next recipient. 

"It’s a reminder on why we do have equipment – it’s a collision sport."

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Hockey parents want their child to be safe when they are on the ice having fun, and know the amount of equipment that comes with participating in the sport.

Unfortunately, there can be a tragic incident that reminds us all how important it is wear all of the proper equipment while playing our great game. These can serve as a valuable message to all hockey participants about the importance of wearing the mandated equipment.

Each piece of equipment plays a role in helping to protect a specific area of the body, which is why it’s vital to have gear that fits properly now, not something that your child will grow into. It should have a snug (not tight) fit and not shift when in motion. If gear is too large it will shift around on the body, restricting movement on the ice and not fully protect the body as it’s supposed to.

While injuries can be a part of any physical activity for participants of any age, wearing the required equipment in the correct manner can reduce your risk for getting hurt. Equipment like neck guards and face masks can be unique to hockey. For goalies, the Throat Protector, sometimes known as the ‘floppy’, ‘dangler’ or ‘billy goat’, must be fastened at all times.

“Let’s make sure people are wearing them properly. Let’s make sure coaches and trainers are making sure they are being worn at practice, not just games. It’s a reminder on why we do have equipment – it’s a collision sport,” said Ian Taylor on Breakaway, the Minor Hockey Podcast.

These safety measures serve as evergreen reminders, and they aren’t limited to just the players. Any on-ice participant is required to wear a fastened helmet, including the coaching staff. All it takes is one slip and fall to cause a serious accident, and it may not even be your own fault. A tumbling skater may crash into an unsuspecting participant and cause them to hit the ice.

We may approach situations thinking ‘this happens to other people, it could never happen to me’. Until it does. 

“Nobody cares about the statistics until it happens to you or your kid,” said Aaron Wilbur, co-host of the podcast.

These incidents remind us why these equipment regulations exist in the first place and why they are there to protect players and create the safest environment possible. While the use of helmets didn’t always exist in hockey, wearing them as part of the mandatory gear wouldn’t even be questioned today.

On-ice Officials have the ability to issue penalties to teams or players who refuse to follow equipment safety measures.

Choosing the right Captains for a team is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the overall performance and dynamics of the group. Player leadership is a key factor in the success of any team, and the role of a Captain goes beyond just on-field performance. They are responsible for motivating and uniting their teammates, making strategic decisions, and representing the team as a whole.

The Importance of Strong Leadership in a Team

Strong leadership is an essential component of any successful team. It sets the tone for the entire group and can greatly impact the team’s performance and dynamics. A team without strong leadership may lack direction, motivation, and cohesion, leading to a decline in overall effectiveness.

One of the key roles of a leader is to motivate and inspire their teammates. A strong leader has the ability to instill confidence in their team, encouraging them to perform at their best and push through challenges. They set high standards and hold their teammates accountable, ensuring everyone is striving for excellence.

In addition to motivation, a strong leader is also responsible for making strategic decisions. They possess a deep understanding of the game and can analyze situations quickly and effectively. This allows them to make informed choices that can greatly impact the outcome of a game.

Furthermore, a leader represents the team as a whole. They act as a spokesperson and advocate for the group, both on and off the field. This means they must possess strong communication skills and be able to articulate the team’s goals and values to others.

Overall, strong leadership is crucial for the success of any team. It sets the foundation for teamwork, communication, and performance. Without a strong leader, a team may lack direction, unity, and motivation, ultimately hindering their ability to achieve their goals. Therefore, selecting the right captain is of utmost importance, as it can make or break a team.

Selecting the Right Captain: Things to Consider

When it comes to selecting the right captain for your team, there are several important factors to consider. The first and perhaps most obvious consideration is skill and performance on the field. A captain should be someone who consistently demonstrates strong athletic abilities and leads by example. They should be skilled at their position and have a deep understanding of the game.

However, being a captain is not just about on-field performance. It also requires strong leadership qualities and the ability to communicate effectively. A captain should be able to motivate and inspire their teammates, bringing out the best in everyone. They should be able to communicate the team’s goals and values clearly, and be able to listen to and address any concerns or issues that arise.

Another important consideration is the captain’s ability to make strategic decisions. They should have a solid understanding of the game and be able to analyze situations quickly and effectively. They should be able to think critically and make informed choices that benefit the team as a whole.

Lastly, it is important to consider the captain’s personality and how they interact with their teammates. A captain should be someone who is respected and trusted by their teammates, and who can create a positive and inclusive team culture. They should be able to handle conflicts and challenges with maturity and grace, and be able to bring the team together during tough times.

The Impact of Leadership on Team Performance

Strong leadership within a team has a significant impact on its overall performance. When a team is led by an effective and inspiring captain, it creates a sense of unity, motivation, and direction. This, in turn, leads to improved communication, teamwork, and overall success.

A captain’s leadership directly influences the mindset and behavior of their teammates. Their ability to motivate and inspire can elevate the performance of the entire team. When players see their captain working hard, leading by example, and pushing themselves to be their best, it encourages them to do the same. This creates a positive and competitive environment where everyone strives for excellence.

Furthermore, a strong leader is crucial in making strategic decisions during games. Their understanding of the game, coupled with their ability to analyze situations quickly, allows them to make informed choices that can greatly impact the outcome of a match. They provide guidance and direction to their teammates, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

Additionally, strong leadership fosters effective communication within the team. A captain who can effectively articulate the team’s goals and values helps create a shared understanding among players. This promotes a cohesive and supportive team culture where everyone is working together towards a common objective.

On the other hand, a team without strong leadership may lack direction, motivation, and cohesion. Without someone to guide and inspire them, players may become disorganized, lose focus, and struggle to perform at their best.

Handling the Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Leader

One of the biggest risks in selecting a captain is choosing the wrong leader. The consequences of this decision can have a significant impact on your team’s performance and dynamics. When a captain is ineffective or does not possess the necessary leadership qualities, it can create division, lack of motivation, and even hostility within the team.

Choosing the wrong leader can lead to a lack of direction and cohesion within the team. Without a captain who can effectively motivate and inspire their teammates, players may become disengaged and lose focus. This can result in a decline in performance, as players may not be giving their all or working towards a common goal.

Furthermore, a captain who lacks strong communication skills may struggle to effectively represent the team. They may not be able to effectively articulate the team’s goals and values, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. This can hinder teamwork and lead to a breakdown in communication among teammates.

The consequences of choosing the wrong leader can also extend off the field. A captain who lacks strong leadership skills may struggle to handle conflicts and challenges within the team. This can create a toxic team culture, where players do not feel supported or heard. It can lead to frustration and resentment, which can have long-lasting effects on team dynamics.

Ultimately, choosing the wrong leader can have a detrimental impact on the overall success of your team. It is essential to carefully consider the qualities and abilities of potential captains and ensure they possess the necessary leadership skills to motivate, unite, and represent the team effectively.

In this drill we are working on cut backs, driving the seam, and changing the angle on the shot.

“I don’t think you can win a championship with a team that cheats.”

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In episode #241 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Dan Ceman, Head Coach of HC Košice, the reigning Champions of the Slovakian Extraliga. 

His coaching journey, which began in 2010, has seen championships follow him at essentially every stop; he's won four as a Head Coach, and two as a player. If your goal is to be a career coach, there is a lot you can take away from how Ceman has approached his career. Ultimately, it seems that a big part of his focus is creating a supportive environment for his players.

Listen as Ceman shares why you can't win a champonship with cheating, why body language is just as important as what you say, and how to create a positive environment for players.

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 John Brophy story
• 4:05 Winning an ECHL championship in Hampton
• 5:55 Championship celebration in Kosice
• 10:00 Philosophy with systems in Europe
• 12:55 Strategy to create offence in the middle of the ice
• 15:00 First system he implants with a new team
• 20:10 Helping improve a player’s decision making
• 23:45 What he’s learned from coaching in Slovakia
• 29:20 Having difficult conversations with veteran players
• 32:00 Coaching turnover in Europe and Slovakia
• 43:10 How character influences winning
• 47:40 Importance of good body language
• 52:10 Evaluating when adjustments are needed
• 55:35 Making decisions through a players lens
• 1:00:05 Dynamics of dressing room
• 1:04:30 Not making promises to players you can’t keep
• 1:08:20 Playing career and journey to a career in coaching
• 1:14:05 Learning from playing for Peter Laviolette
• 1:16:05 Being a player-coach
• 1:30:00 Advice for coaches on what brings success
• 1:34:30 How he defines culture

Forecheck vs D-man stopping behind the Net

• F1 sealing Net front
• F2 smart pressure on top
• On area chip into NZ - D-man pulling back Forecheck to create ice
• Indirect Pass around NZ pressure
• Support Underneath to Offensive Blue Line Post up
• Inside Drive to the Net