Great sequence from FLA42 executing a surf with excellent stick position, he then jumps in front of his forechecker to give his forward time to collect the puck. He then activates on the weak side of the ice to be an option on the break out!

Hello hockey coaches,

I wanted to share a sports fiction story called Was It Worth It. It follows the journey of a young hockey player, from the minor ranks all the way up to the point where he has the chance to get drafted. Along the way, it outlines the key milestones and levels that shape an elite hockey player, from winter season hockey to spring AAA, from getting bumped up a level to moving away and living with a billet family. 

The story dives deep into the highs and lows of the sport, the sacrifices families make, the pressure that comes with being a top player, and the challenges that arise when a hockey parent takes things too far. It sheds light on the emotional side of the game that often goes unseen, showing how ambition and love for the sport can sometimes blur into obsession. 

More than just a story about hockey, it’s a reminder that the journey to playing pro sports, whatever the sport, should be a fun and memorable experience for both the players and their families. It puts a lot of things into perspective about ambition, passion, and the importance of enjoying the ride. 

If that resonates with you, here’s the link to check it out: 👉 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069784109

This season has been a little different for me. My son was named captain of his hockey team, and while I’m on the coaching staff, I’m not there as often because of my other teams. It’s been a learning experience for both of us.

It’s a unique situation: being a parent who coaches, but not the coach who’s always present. I’ve had to learn to step back, trust the staff, and let my son find his own way as a leader. It hasn’t always been easy because he is my son, after all, and part of me wants to guide every decision. But I’ve realized that true growth comes when he’s allowed to lead independently and navigate situations on his own.

What I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t taught in a single moment; it’s shaped through everyday actions—how you treat teammates, respond to challenges, and carry yourself when things don’t go your way. Leadership is seen in the small moments by encouraging a teammate after a mistake, keeping composure during a tough game, or taking responsibility when things go wrong. Those are the lessons that stick.

As a dad, I’m proud. 

As a coach, I’m reminded that sometimes the best lesson we can give our kids is to let them lead without holding their hand, but staying close enough to support them when needed. Watching him navigate this role has been a lesson for me too, but sometimes the most important thing I can do is step back, observe, and quietly cheer him on.

Leadership is messy, challenging, and deeply rewarding—both on the ice and off. In the end, letting our kids lead while being a supportive presence is one of the most powerful ways we help them grow into the people, and the leader, they’re meant to be.

This is generally directed towards younger players first beginning to play on full ice and learning the art of breakouts and moving the puck up and out of their zone.  However, its never bad to revert to the basics and remind everyone how we do it.

While this changes under circumstances and as skills grow, there is a tried and true rule, do NOT PASS in front of your own goal in the defensive zone.  There is too much at risk for the other team to pick the puck up and get a quick shot.

From down low, the Defensive players can skate the puck out, pass along the boards, or any combination.

Once they are approaching the top of the slot, the end of the "red zone" then they can pass across or make other moves, which will allow the forwards the opportunity to move in various different different directions.

This is a half ice skating drill that emphasizes quick feet and quick changes of direction.

SET IT UP:

Have the players line up in the middle of the ice on the blue line facing the net. The players will go in groups of two or three.

RUN IT:

The players skate to the bottom of the circle and around the circle back to the middle and to the inside of the cone then back outside around the top of the next circle.  Switch directions each time.

• Players should never stop moving their feet.
• Make sure players are skating hard all the way through the blue line.
• When skating around the circle player should stay low and get a strong push from the cross-under.
• Rotate the chest towards the middle of the circle.

Jack Eichel, one of the best natural goal scorers/shooters in the NHL showing his ability to score in different ways. The key to this goal is his ability to drive the defender wide and take the puck to the far post, forcing the goalie to have to deal with his speed and power. 

This video is the first in our Sunday night series prepping us for Monday night skills sessions! Our first week we will focus on angling & d stick position.

It's week 3 of Monday Night Skills at WYHA and we will be focusing on rocking the backhand!

We visit some OZ cycling concepts this week!

We take a look at D retrievals and breakout options this week!