We again re-visit body contact themes this week!

We’ve been in a tough stretch — five losses in a row — and lately, I’ve been questioning myself more than the kids. It’s easy to look at the mistakes on the ice, but what about the ones behind the bench?

Last week we ran a simple 2-on-1 drill. Both sides were going at each other and the kids couldn’t figure out spacing. I stopped it, explained it, and it still didn’t click. My frustration built up, and instead of slowing things down again, I cut the drill short.

Afterward, I knew I handled it wrong. In U Sports, we had four-hour practices and film sessions to correct everything. Here, I have fifty minutes and nine-year-olds. It’s not the same. I can’t expect U Sports execution from kids still learning to tie their skates tight.

Parents often treat their kids like they’re playing high-level hockey with the same pressure and structure. But these are nine-year-olds. They’re supposed to be learning, making mistakes, and growing at their pace. Sometimes I forget that.

Teaching accountability has also been a battle. I don’t want to punish kids or take away the fun, but I do want them to understand that effort and focus matter.

At this level, mistakes usually come from effort, not talent — and effort is something we can control. I tell them, “We win together, we lose together. But we all have to be accountable together.” Whether they fully get it yet, I’m not sure.

Film has helped. Slowing down moments and showing them what actually happened instead of what they think happened. It’s also been a reminder for me to stay positive on the bench — to find the good shifts, the small improvements, and the teachable moments without making kids fear mistakes.

Some days I look at their faces — the frustration, the nervous glances — and I wonder if I’m being too hard. Other days, I wonder if we’ve created an environment where kids aren’t used to being challenged. Finding that line is the hardest part of coaching youth hockey.

This group has taught me a lot about patience, about the importance of those early coaches who teach the basics before kids reach Rep hockey. The more skill-specific training grows, the more I realize hockey IQ and compete level still need to be taught.

After our fourth straight loss, we had a game with zero effort. I told the kids to look in the mirror and ask if they gave their best. Then I did the same thing. I wasn’t happy with how I coached — with my tone, my expectations, or my patience. I told them that, too. If I want them to be accountable, I have to be as well.

Losing streaks force reflection. And sometimes, the biggest coaching adjustments aren’t tactical — they’re personal.

About the Author:
Jesse Candela is a Regional Scout with the Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) and Head Coach of the Hespeler U10 A team. His writing focuses on the lessons, challenges, and reflections that come with coaching at the grassroots level.

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Maybe I Need a Mentor: What I’m Learning About Accountability

Accountability at the U Sports level isn’t optional. You’ve got 100 players fighting for 55 spots, and every practice, every film session, every rep in the gym matters. It’s always about the next player up and doing what’s best for the team.

At nine years old, though, accountability means something totally different. Most kids don’t know what that word even means yet — and if it takes away from fun, what are we really accomplishing? But there are simple forms of accountability that matter: when we ask for two minutes of focus before or after a game, staying still, showing respect, and listening — that’s where it starts.

After another loss this weekend, we battled hard but fell short again. We missed chances that could’ve flipped the game. And when I watched the film, the same mistakes we’ve been talking about — positioning, moving the puck, working together — were all still there. The good news? Our second film session landed better. The kids were more engaged, and we used three positives from that session to build into our next game. But seeing those same breakdowns on film again… it hit me that something still isn’t connecting.

During this stretch, I’ve realized something: this is my first time coaching this level of hockey. After Saturday’s loss, I found myself thinking about how much value a coaching mentor would bring. Someone who’s been here before — who’s coached through the ups and downs, who knows what works at this age. Because there are moments where I genuinely wonder, are they listening to me? Have I lost them? Should I push harder, or ease off and just let them play?

Sunday night, I brought the team together at centre ice. I stood in the middle of the circle and asked them a simple question: do you want to win games, or do you just want to have fun? I told them there’s no wrong answer. If it’s about fun, we can dial it back — have a good time and see what happens. But if they want to win, that means listening, learning, and doing the things we ask, because those details are what lead to winning. They all chose winning. And you know what? That practice was one of our best of the season. In our 3v2 and 5v5 sessions, passes were connecting, positioning was improving, and there was real energy. This group has the potential to be a great team — we just have to keep growing and learning together.

I know most people read these articles for new drills or skills, but this one’s about reality. Thousands of coaches out there are dealing with the same thing, whether they talk about it or not. If we’re not asking how can I be better, or how can I get through to my players, then we’re missing the point. Accountability isn’t just for kids — it’s for us too.

Finding a mentor, taking ownership, and being honest about where you can improve doesn’t make you weak as a coach — it makes you stronger. We can’t keep putting blame on the kids, the parents, or the politics. That’s a cop-out.

Ask yourself: what can I do to help these kids learn the game, and love being part of a team? That’s where accountability really starts.

About the Author
Jesse Candela is currently coaching in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and scouting in the OJHL. After coaching at the U Sports level, he’s now focused on player development and leadership at the grassroots level. His writing on The Coaches Site shares lessons learned through his journey — from high-performance hockey to teaching the fundamentals of the game to young athletes.

I feel like people being excited about spring Hockey and thinking ahead to the off-season of Hockey, it’s a good time to talk about things to consider with other sports.

Almost every high-level coach agrees on this: playing multiple sports and developing the complete athlete is one of the best things young hockey players can do. It builds athleticism, coordination, and competitiveness in ways that year-round hockey alone never could. But let’s be honest — that’s easier said than done these days. Every sport has expanded its season, practices run longer, and weekend tournaments are endless. For many families, it feels impossible to play more than one sport without burning out or breaking the calendar.

Hopefully, I can provide some clarity on how to navigate that.

Here’s the first thing to remember: your child doesn’t need to play elite-level other sports to benefit from them. If your son or daughter is already playing high-level hockey, it’s unrealistic in many cases to also commit to elite baseball, soccer, or basketball schedules that run six days a week. The goal isn’t to compete in everything — it’s to keep playing and to move their body in different ways.

For example:

• The top baseball team might practice five or six times a week — likely too much if you’re also focused on training for hockey.

• But a recreational baseball league that plays two or three times a week could fit perfectly.

• Or, if your child loves the sport but the schedule doesn’t work, grab a glove and play catch in the yard, head to the batting cages, or organize a casual game with friends.

It’s not about the level, it’s about the movement. Baseball builds hand-eye coordination, rotational strength, and throwing mechanics — all of which transfer to hockey. The same goes for soccer (footwork, spacing, vision), basketball (decision-making, agility, body control), and even individual sports like tennis, golf, or martial arts that develop balance, discipline, and coordination.

One thing we’ve lost over time is unstructured play. You don’t see kids heading to the park as much anymore to organize games on their own. But that’s one of the best environments for real development. One of the many benefits of our program is you are around other like-minded athletes with similar Hockey schedules. If your hockey team practices with their team on Tuesdays and Thursdays, that leaves multiple days during the week where they can meet up with teammates to play a game of flag football, baseball, soccer, or basketball. Let them take the lead — figuring out teams, keeping score, learning how to compete and communicate without adult structure. Those moments are where creativity, problem-solving, and leadership grow.

There are also tons of low-commitment opportunities out there that parents can take advantage of. Most community centers offer open gym nights or drop-in sports like basketball, volleyball, or pickleball. They may not be elite, but that’s not the point — the point is movement, coordination, and fun. These sessions cost little to nothing and keep kids active while learning new movement patterns.

And then there are the individual options where kids can fully control their own schedule:

• Golf – work on patience, rhythm, striking, body sequencing and precision.

• Tennis or pickleball – build coordination, quick reactions, and quick footwork.

• Martial arts – develop body awareness, strength, and discipline.

Finally, remember: there’s no rule that says kids can’t do both — structured hockey and self-directed play. On their “days off” from organized training, they can still go in the basement, garage, or backyard to shoot pucks, stickhandle, or do age-appropriate strength work. That’s still athletic development — and it helps them take ownership of their own progress and you can schedule that in on your own time, that works for you and your family.

The bottom line: multi-sport development doesn’t mean multi-elite commitments. It means giving your child opportunities to move, play, and learn in different ways. That’s what builds durable, adaptable, and confident athletes — and ultimately, better hockey players.

When people talk about “hockey IQ,” it can sound like a buzzword.
But coaches know it when they see it.

Hockey sense isn’t just about making plays. It’s about reading the game, understanding what’s happening around you, and knowing how to make the right play at the right time — even if it’s not the flashiest one.

So what actually makes a smart hockey player?

1. They Scan the Ice

Smart players aren’t surprised.
They check their shoulders before they get the puck.
They know where their teammates are.
They see pressure coming early — and make faster, better decisions because of it.

If you want to be smarter, start looking around more — not just when you have the puck, but before you get it. That habit alone can change your whole game.

2. They Read Time & Space

Smart players don’t force plays that aren’t there. They recognize space, use it, or create it.

They know when to hold onto the puck.
They know when to chip it in and go win a race.
They know when to slow the game down and when to speed it up.

And the best part? You can develop this skill through game reps, small-area games, and by watching high-level hockey.

3. They Play Without the Puck

This is a big one.

Smart players don’t just float around waiting for a pass. They find soft spots. They support the puck. They time their movement. They talk.

A lot of players don’t realize how much of the game happens without the puck. The smart ones do.

4. They Learn From Mistakes

Hockey IQ isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build.

Smart players watch video. They ask questions. They want to understand what went wrong — not to get in trouble, but to get better.

They take feedback seriously. They’re curious. And they don’t take things personally when a coach challenges them.

5. They Make Simple Plays at the Right Time

Being smart isn’t about making highlight-reel plays.
It’s about making the right play over and over again.

Smart players make their linemates better. They make their D partner’s life easier. They’re reliable — and coaches trust them.

Final Thought:

If you want to improve your hockey IQ, start by watching the game with purpose.
Ask yourself:

• What would I do here?

• What made that play work?

• How did that player find space?

It’s not about playing “perfect” hockey.
It’s about understanding the game a little better every time you step on the ice.

That’s what separates the good from the great.

 

Here are a handful of drills that you can do in practice or on your own to work on your multi directional agility skating. 

Here's a 2 for 1 practice to game transfer. Give it a try and let me know what you think!