Ryan Huska has the distinction of winning four Memorial Cups as both a player and coach. Prior to making the jump to the Calgary Flames AHL affiliate in 2014, he racked up an average of 92 points over seven seasons as the Head Coach of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. At TCS Live in 2014, Huska shared not only the principles he implemented on the penalty kill in Kelowna, but also the way in which they taught the fundamentals and identified players to play on the PK.

In this insightful presentation Huska (then Head Coach of the AHL’s Adirondack Flames and now bench boss of the NHL’s Calgary Flames) dives deep into the principles behind an effective penalty kill at all levels of the game.

With a focus on teaching, adaptability, and clarity, Huska shares foundational philosophies and practical details every coach should consider when building a PK unit. From choosing the right personnel (skilled players vs. depth players) to tailoring your approach (passive or aggressive), and enforcing critical rules like no backhand clears, no big hits, and efficient changes—this talk is packed with the kind of wisdom that comes from years behind the bench at elite levels.

Whether you're coaching minor hockey, high school, or junior, this presentation offers ideas to borrow, adapt, and apply in your own program. It’s a strong reminder that learning from others is essential, but the real value lies in using that knowledge to grow your players and elevate their experience in the game.

Noteworthy Timestamps:

• 0:10 PK overview
• 2:55 PK Philosophy
• 8:20 Aggressive vs passive PK
• 9:35 Fundamentals - Key skills/characteristics
• 13:05 PK preparation
• 16:30 PK forecheck
• 27:20 PK defensive zone
• 37:45 3v5 vs Box Plus 1
• 39:00 PK face-off win/loss
• 41:00 Never trust a Dman