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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.

For defensemen, getting the puck to the net is a crucial skill, but too often, blue-liners focus on power over effectiveness. The common...

Ice hockey is more than just a sport; it's a community. For many young players, the experience extends beyond the rink, fostering friendships that shape their development into young adults. These connections play an instrumental role in building life skills and emotional resilience.

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.

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

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....

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

Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Execution: Both sides start at the same time. X1...

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 (...

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

Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Description: On the whistle, O1  accelerates with...

Tic-tac-toe face-off goals are rare, even with the man advantage. Of course it certainly helps to have talent like Kevin Hancock ...

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.

1. NCAA Eligibility Change The NCAA Division I Council has ruled that Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players are now eligible for NCAA...

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.

For many young hockey players, the idea of “trusting the process” is difficult to grasp.