Player Development

Introduction Coaching is more than drawing up systems and running drills—it’s about leadership, accountability, and making tough calls...

Introduction As a hockey coach, you are constantly making decisions that impact not only the game but also your players’ development,...

Introduction Every hockey coach, at some point in their career, will face ethical dilemmas that challenge their values, decision-making...

Elite defenders do more than block shots—they dictate the game’s tempo, disrupt opponents’ best scorers, and spark transition plays. Building shutdown defensemen requires comprehensive training in positioning, stick work, body leverage, and game sense. When your blue line is anchored by rock-solid defenders, the entire team gains confidence.

A championship-level team isn’t just about the top line or star defense pair. The “weakest” player on your bench matters, too. Elevating everyone’s skill—especially those who might see limited minutes—creates depth, fosters unity, and can produce unexpected heroes when injuries or fatigue strike.

Introduction Coaching hockey is as much about decision-making off the ice as it is about strategy on it. Every season presents new...

The Erie Otters’ 2017 OHL Championship run was the culmination of years of careful team building, strong coaching, and player...

Introduction In Part One, we explored some of the toughest ethical dilemmas hockey coaches face. But coaching is a never-ending series of...

In youth sports today, the pressure to specialize early is higher than ever. Many young hockey players are urged—sometimes by their parents, sometimes by their coaches, and sometimes by their own internal drive—to dedicate themselves exclusively to the game at a young age. The argument is usually the same: If you don’t specialize early, you’ll fall behind.

In 2011, the Owen Sound Attack made history by capturing their first-ever Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship, securing the J. Ross...

Curtis Sanford’s journey to professional hockey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic. Unlike...

It was my last year of minor hockey. You know that time—when you’re not quite an adult but definitely no longer a kid. Hormones (testosterone especially) are running high, pride is practically stitched into your gear, and you’ve convinced yourself that every single game matters more than anything else in life.

When I was 17 years old, I made a decision I’ve spent years trying to make sense of—and, sometimes, wishing I could get in a time machine to go back in time and redo.

There are moments in life that never leave you. Not because they’re glorious or triumphant—but because they hit you like a punch to the gut. They mark you. And no matter how far you’ve come since, they still echo.

I started writing this article in February 2025. In March 2025, an underdog in the League I've been involved in for 13 years beat a very...

This past weekend, standing up in the stands rather than in my usual spot alone down on the glass in the corner (partly to sit with my...

One of the most damaging mindsets in hockey today is the phrase: “It’s only AA,” “They just play B,” or “It’s only house league.”  These...

Preparation Meets Opportunity: My 2020 Coaching Interview Experience

In 2013, I watched the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on Western Michigan at Joe Louis Arena. While their mirror-like gold...

In hockey, coaching is as much about learning as it is about teaching. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting, there will always be moments when you see another team do something intriguing—an effective forecheck, a creative breakout, a unique power play setup, or even a well-structured practice drill. When you come across something that sparks your curiosity, one of the best ways to learn more is to reach out to the coach who implemented it.