Player Development

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

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...

Like anyone who has played sports, my coaching philosophy has been shaped by a mix of positive and negative influences. I've learned from coaches across different sports, age groups, and personalities—some through great leadership, others by showing me exactly what not to do.

Disclosure: I wrote this article in February 2025, when I as a 'free agent', and before I joined a team as General Manager.

Youth hockey is not just a pastime; it's a vital platform for developing essential life skills. Coaches play a crucial role in shaping both the technical abilities of young athletes and their character. In this post, we will look at how coaches impact youth hockey players and highlight the importance of character development alongside athletic training.

Introduction Hockey coaches face ethical dilemmas constantly—whether it’s deciding how to handle ice time, managing conflicts with...

One of the hardest parts of being a hockey coach is delivering bad news—especially to a player who has put in the effort, showed up with enthusiasm, and given their best shot during tryouts. Telling a player they didn’t make the team can be an emotional moment for both the player and the coach, and how you handle this conversation can have a lasting impact on the player's confidence, development, and love for the game.

Jon Cooper’s career is one of the most remarkable coaching success stories in hockey. Unlike many NHL coaches who climbed the ranks as former professional players, Cooper took an unconventional path, transitioning from a career in law to coaching. His journey from coaching high school hockey to leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 offers invaluable lessons for coaches, players, and parents.

The NHL 4 Nations Face Off was more than just an international hockey tournament—it was a showcase of the highest levels of skill,...

For defensemen, getting the puck to the net is a crucial skill, but too often, blue-liners focus on power over effectiveness. The common...

Ice hockey is more than just a sport; it's a community. For many young players, the experience extends beyond the rink, fostering friendships that shape their development into young adults. These connections play an instrumental role in building life skills and emotional resilience.

Success in hockey, as in life, is never a guarantee of job security. I learned this the hard way.

March 10, 2020—my daughter was born. Three days later, on March 13, the world shut down. Along with it, our season came to an abrupt and...

Brandon Hagel’s journey to the NHL and Team Canada is one of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. For players, parents,...

The St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory was one of the most improbable championship runs in NHL history. At the start of January...

The OHF/OHL U16 Program of Excellence was a development experience designed to educate and inform players and parents. The goals of the...

Every coach, player, and parent who has been part of a championship-caliber hockey team knows the emotional investment that comes with a...

March break hockey tournaments are an exciting time for players, parents, and coaches. With multiple games in a short period, these...