Connecting skills to game situations for each individual player is our goal in every skills session. Small groups allow us to create simplified situations those players often see in games. The goal is to create a situation where the answer is not provided, but guided. We are challenging them by changing space, time, numbers, constraints and areas of the ice. This means we are often working through failure and frustration. Players must be comfortable and free to experiment, make mistakes and try new things. When mistakes happen we are able to simplify, demonstrate, and make technical corrections if necessary. It’s not clean or pretty from the stands but connecting these situations to games provides meaning and value while helping them develop real transferable skills.