Coaches' Toolbox

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.”

Every hockey player loves those rare and special moments when they or a teammate earn a coveted shutout. Whether you’re a forward,...

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.

Hockey is a fast, physical game, but there’s a clear difference between playing tough and playing dirty. If your coach is telling you to...

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

Every hockey coach will, at some point, run into a goaltender who seems unbeatable. A hot goalie in a playoff series can be the single biggest obstacle between your team and the next round. When a netminder is dialed in, the usual tactics might not work, and frustration can set in. But there are ways to break through. Beating a hot goalie isn’t just about shooting more; it’s about creating the right kinds of chances, wearing them down, and making their job as difficult as pos

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...

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

As a hockey coach, your core values define who you are, what you stand for, and how you lead your team. They influence every decision you make—from how you structure practices to how you handle adversity. More importantly, they set the tone for your players and staff, shaping the team’s culture and long-term success.

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