All that should matter is the individual development of the player. And if you do that, the team will get better.
“First and foremost, focus on the development of their players first.”
Brock Sheahan, former Head Coach of the USHL’s Chicago Steel who was promoted to Chicago Wolves Head Coach in August, knows it takes a team to win in hockey, but his priority is helping players be the best they can be individually.
His USHL Championship two seasons ago proves the 38-year-old is on to something.
Sheahan, currently in his first season with the AHL’s Wolves, presented at TCS Live on Designing a Minor Hockey Practice Focused on Player Development because he believes that regardless of level, individuals come first. That is especially paramount at the lower levels when hockey is supposed to be fun and about learning, but continually becomes results oriented.
“My main focus for our players in Chicago is the same as any youth program, to get better everyday. Get better in their skill, get better in their compete and I believe players can get better with their sense.”
Sheahan’s 25-minute talk is a masterclass for anyone involved in minor hockey. He shares practice plans and drills galore throughout a presentation you’ll watch time and time again.
First things first, practice goals.
- Drills that promote problem solving
- Reading time & space
- Improving awareness (processing and taking in information)
- Reading off teammates and defenders
- Manipulating and controlling opponent (instead of consistency being reactive)
- Play off the puck – support
- Have themes for practice
Do yourself a favour and bookmark this story. It’s one you’ll be coming back to.
More on Sheahan:
- In their first full season under Sheahan, the Steel captured the Clark Cup as league champions.
- He played four seasons at the University of Notre Dame and following his pro career, returned to South Bend as a volunteer coach.
- Prior to joining the Steel he was an Associate Coach with the College of Holy Cross.
