Coach Development

Making the leap from being a player to a coach in youth hockey can be exciting yet overwhelming. It offers a chance to give back to the sport you love while facing the challenge of guiding the next generation of athletes. To transition effectively, you need more than game knowledge—it's about changing your mindset and expanding your skill set. Here’s how you can navigate this rewarding shift.

When I look back on my minor hockey days, a few moments stand out vividly—but one above all: the night I scored four goals against my former team—the same team that had cut me from their rep roster just a year earlier. That single game taught me lessons that have stayed with me for life: perseverance, redemption, and the pure satisfaction of proving something to myself when it mattered most.

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.

This is a story I’ve told countless times, and while I can laugh about it now with friends and colleagues, it still speaks volumes about a coach’s approach to hockey—and, more importantly, to life.

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

Since its debut in 2016, Letterkenny  has become a cult favorite among hockey players and fans alike. What started as a small Canadian comedy about the quirky residents of a fictional small town has grown into one of the most recognizable shows in hockey culture. At first glance, the fast-paced dialogue, running gags, and over-the-top characters might make it seem like a ridiculous take on hockey life. But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that

In January 2021, I attended the Attack Coaches Forum , hosted via Zoom by the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. The...

In hockey coaching, philosophical differences are inevitable. As a coach, you might have a vision for player development, team structure, or game strategy that differs from those above you—whether it’s the General Manager, President, or an Executive Board. The challenge is navigating these differences professionally while maintaining credibility, influence, and, most importantly, your job.

In junior and professional hockey, trades are an inevitable part of the game. Whether it's about improving team chemistry, filling a positional need, or developing players in a different environment, trades happen. However, for the player being moved, a trade is a deeply personal and often emotional experience.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of hockey coaching, disagreements are inevitable. Whether you're an assistant coach questioning the head coach’s systems, a head coach at odds with the general manager over roster decisions, or a development coach who believes in a different training methodology than the organization’s leadership, philosophical differences can—and will—arise.

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.

I’ll never forget the day an opposing team’s coach hurled a personal insult at me—calling me a “lying cheat, just like [my] old man.”

When discussing the success or potential of a hockey player, it’s all too common for the conversation to revolve around goals, assists,...

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...

Having a team authority figure who drinks (excessively or otherwise) on the team bus and at games puts the entire organization in a difficult position. It can lead to poor decision-making, loss of credibility, and a toxic culture. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent , this situation is challenging—but not impossible—to navigate. This article offers practical steps for handling it while maintaining professionalism and ensuring the well-being of the team.