TCS Live 2025 on-ice presenter Dan Ceman drops in to share a d-zone coverage drill that runs like a small area game.

Description

• 3 defensive players start on the goal line, 2 at the top of the circle
• two chasers or offensive players try to retrieve the puck from the defensive players
• defensive players play keepaway
• if the two chasers steal the puck they go on offence and play keepaway, original 5 players try to retrieve puck in D-zone coverage
• When coach blows whistle, defensive players break out with middle exit
• Progression: add rush chance and second puck in far end

Key Points

• defensive players with possession need to make quick, direct passes
• let the puck do the work
• defenders need stops and starts, quick sticks