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Junior Hockey


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


The Archives - Sarnia Sting Drills 2005 (Shawn Camp)
In the early 2000s, OHL teams and their coaches frequently partnered with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to host OMHA Game Day...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


The Archives - Brampton Battalion Drills 2006 (Kelly Harper)
In the early 2000s, OHL teams and their coaches frequently partnered with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to host OMHA Game Day...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


The Archives - Paul Maurice Toronto Marlies Drills 2005
In the early 2000s, OHL teams and their coaches frequently partnered with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to host OMHA Game Day...

Edward Garinger
2 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


Preparing for Playoff Games When Your Team is the Clear Underdog
As a hockey coach, facing a superior opponent in the playoffs can feel daunting. They have more skill, depth, and experience—but that...

Edward Garinger
3 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


Getting Your First Junior Hockey Job: A Guide for Aspiring Coaches
Breaking into the world of junior hockey coaching can be challenging, but with the right approach, qualifications, and understanding of the landscape, you can land your first coaching job. Whether you're looking to be a head coach, an assistant, or even a video coach, knowing what teams value, the differences between tiers, and what makes a good organization can help you make the right move.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Right Way to Resign from Your Coaching Position
Resigning from a hockey coaching position is never an easy decision. Whether you're stepping away due to personal reasons, professional opportunities, or disagreements within the organization, how you handle your departure speaks volumes about your character and professionalism. A poorly managed exit can damage relationships and future opportunities, while a well-handled resignation can maintain your reputation and leave the door open for future opportunities.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


What Hockey Gives Your Child When It Doesn’t Give Them a Pro Career
For many parents, enrolling their child in hockey starts with a simple goal: to give them something fun to do, to keep them active, or to help them make friends. But as they grow older and progress through different levels, the dreams begin to take shape—maybe your child could make it to Junior hockey, maybe college, and for a select few, maybe even pro.

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


Beyond Gamesmanship: The Coach Who Bragged About Cheating for a Championship
A Note to the Reader In another piece, The Game Within the Game , I explored the reality that hockey is not a clean sport. It is emotional, physical, imperfect, and often unfair. That is why grey areas exist. That is why gamesmanship exists. And that is why what happens beneath the surface of the game matters just as much as what appears on the scoresheet. But acknowledging that those grey areas exist is not the same as endorsing everything done in their name. There is a diff

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Leader’s Handbook – 2025 Edition
Whether you are a player, coach, executive, or parent, this short handbook is for anyone striving to be a strong and effective leader....

Edward Garinger
2 min read


Coaching in 2025: Adapting to the Modern Game While Navigating Outdated Mindsets from Parents, Executives, and Fans
Hockey has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, with advancements in analytics, skill development, and game strategy shaping a...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


Play Hockey Until You Can’t: Maximizing Every Year in the Game
For young players, hockey can be a massive part of life. From early morning practices to road trips and big games, the sport becomes more...

Edward Garinger
3 min read
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