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Shooting from the Blue Line: Why Quickness and Location Matter More Than Power for Defensemen
For defensemen, getting the puck to the net is a crucial skill, but too often, blue-liners focus on power over effectiveness. The common...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The Unseen Bonds of Youth Hockey Friendships and Their Lasting Impact
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.

Arthur Irie
5 min read


My General Manager/Coach/Team Executive Gets Drunk on the Team Bus and at Our Games. What Do I Do?
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.

Edward Garinger
4 min read


My Coach Wants Me to Run Over the Goalie—What Do I Do?
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...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Fired: When Winning Isn't Enough – Lessons for Coaches, Players, and Parents
Success in hockey, as in life, is never a guarantee of job security. I learned this the hard way.

Edward Garinger
6 min read


How to Beat a Hot Goalie in a Playoff Series
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

Edward Garinger
4 min read


When the World Shut Down and Ended Our Championship Run (We Would Have Won the Provincial Championship, Try to Convince Me Otherwise)
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...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


Brandon Hagel’s Path to the NHL and Team Canada – And What We Can Learn from It (On and Off the Ice)
Brandon Hagel’s journey to the NHL and Team Canada is one of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. For players, parents,...

Edward Garinger
6 min read


The St. Louis Blues 2019 Championship Run: What We Can Learn From It
The St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory was one of the most improbable championship runs in NHL history. At the start of January...

Edward Garinger
5 min read


The Archives - OHL/OHF U16 Program of Excellence Practice Plans 2011
The OHF/OHL U16 Program of Excellence was a development experience designed to educate and inform players and parents. The goals of the...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


The Time We Forfeited the AAA High School Quarterfinal Championship Game - And Why I’d Do It Again
Every coach, player, and parent who has been part of a championship-caliber hockey team knows the emotional investment that comes with a...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


Tips for March Break Hockey Tournaments: A Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Players
March break hockey tournaments are an exciting time for players, parents, and coaches. With multiple games in a short period, these...

Edward Garinger
4 min read


The Archives - OHL/OHF U15 Program of Excellence Practice Plans 2019
The OHF/OHL U15 Program of Excellence is a development experience designed to educate and inform players and parents. The goals of the...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


How to Establish and Articulate Your Core Coaching Values in Hockey
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.

Edward Garinger
5 min read


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

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Erie Wheel Warm-Up
Setup: Goalies in nets. Four lines of players positioned in the corners. Pucks placed in all four corners. Drill Description: On the...

Edward Garinger
2 min read


Barons Shooting Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Description: X1 and O1 start skating backward at the...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


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

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Scrambler Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines.. Drill Description: Player X1 starts with the puck at the...

Edward Garinger
1 min read


Quick Pass Flow Warm-Up Drill
Setup: Four lines of players positioned at the blue lines. Pucks at all lines. Drill Execution: Both sides start at the same time. X1...

Edward Garinger
1 min read
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