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Player Development


The Archives - OHL/OHF U15 Program of Excellence Practice Plans 2019
The OHF/OHL U15 Program of Excellence is a development experience designed to educate and inform players and parents. The goals of the...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


Bondra Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Execution: Initial Pass & Neutral Zone Movement: 1....

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Barons Shooting Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Description: X1 and O1 start skating backward at the...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Nords Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all blue lines. Drill Description: Player O1 skates backwards towards...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Scrambler Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines.. Drill Description: Player X1 starts with the puck at the...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Quick Pass Flow Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Execution: Both sides start at the same time. X1...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Stevie Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Opposite lines go at the same time and mirror each other (...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Lanny Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all blue lines. Drill Description: O1 steps out toward the middle and...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Cell Phones and Their Impact on Hockey Performance at Different Age Levels
Technology is ingrained in our daily lives, and for young athletes, cell phones are an ever-present part of their world. Whether for social media, gaming, texting, or watching videos, cell phones provide constant stimulation and connection. But in the world of hockey, where focus, discipline, and teamwork are essential, cell phones can both affect and effect performance—depending on how they are used.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Why You Should Have Several Coaching Mentors (Including a Couple That Are Younger or Less Experienced Than You)
Coaching hockey is a never-ending learning process. No matter how many years you’ve been behind the bench, the game continues to evolve,...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


How to Convince a Teenager to ‘Trust the Process’ in Hockey
For many young hockey players, the idea of “trusting the process” is difficult to grasp.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Why "Club Hopping" Isn’t Always a Good Idea in Hockey
In today’s competitive hockey landscape, players and parents are always looking for the best opportunities for development, exposure, and advancement. It’s natural to want the best possible environment—strong coaching, a competitive team, and a clear path to the next level. But in the pursuit of the "perfect" situation, many players fall into the trap of club hopping—switching teams frequently in search of better opportunities.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers Gets Right About Hockey
For decades, The Mighty Ducks franchise has been a beloved part of hockey culture. The original 1990s films introduced a generation to...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What Dan Snyder’s Career Can Teach Us About Hockey
Hockey is a sport built on hard work, resilience, and character. While skill and talent play significant roles in success, the game often...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Changing Landscape of Hockey IQ: Why Youth Players No Longer Learn the Game Like Previous Generations
For decades, young hockey players across North America would gather around their televisions every Saturday night, captivated by the...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Important Skill Coaches Don’t Spend Enough Time Practicing: Winning Faceoffs as a Unit
Faceoffs are one of the most under-coached yet critical aspects of hockey. Every game features anywhere from 50 to 75 faceoffs, and each one presents a potential possession opportunity or momentum swing. Despite this, many teams treat faceoffs as an afterthought, focusing only on individual technique rather than a full-unit strategy.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


What Ted Lasso Can Teach Us About How We Approach Hockey as Players, Coaches, and Parents
When Ted Lasso first aired, many assumed it was just another lighthearted sports comedy. Instead, it became a cultural phenomenon, offering profound lessons on leadership, resilience, and human connection. While Ted’s world revolves around soccer, the principles he embodies translate seamlessly to hockey. His approach to coaching, team culture, and personal development provides valuable insights for hockey coaches, players, and parents alike.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Unsung Heroes: Why Everybody Loves Players Who Make Simple, Effective Plays
In hockey, the highlight-reel players often get the most attention. Fans love the dazzling goals, end-to-end rushes, and flashy...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


Handling Coaches, Teammates, and Criticism
One of the hardest parts of hockey is dealing with coaches, teammates, and criticism. Learning how to handle tough coaching, conflicts,...

Edward Garinger
2 min read
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