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Minor Hockey


Are Parent Cuts a Real Thing in Hockey?
One of the most debated topics in hockey circles is whether "parent cuts" are real. Players and parents often wonder if a player's skill and work ethic truly determine roster spots, or if parental influence can play a role in decision-making. The answer isn't black and white—while most coaches aim to make fair, talent-based decisions, politics and parental behavior can sometimes impact a player's opportunities.

Edward Garinger
4 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


Empowering Players: Why Minor Hockey Coaches Should Let Players Choose Drills (Once in a While)
As a minor hockey coach, you spend countless hours planning practices, developing skill progressions, and structuring each session with a...

Edward Garinger
6 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


The Cost of the Dream: Why Some Parents Spend More Than College Tuition on Hockey in Pursuit of a Scholarship
For many families, hockey is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. Rinks become second homes, tournaments turn into family vacations, and...

Edward Garinger
6 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


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 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


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


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
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