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MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

Defensive Zone Exits

DZ exits are an important part of a team's overall offensive strategy. Some coaches may consider exits as a defensive part of the game, but nonetheless, they are a big part of the game after a clean puck retrieval.

Relief Options

When looking at zone exits, your team must first be in a position to support a clean retrieval or a 50/50 battle. 

Net Front/Support D

Depending on the style of defensive zone that your team plays, the net front/swarm support D is a good relief option. The battle players only need to slow rim the puck around the back board towards the net. This then allows D2 to retrieve the puck and begin the exit to the weak side or to the middle of the ice.

Low and Slow Centre(F1) Support

The centre support is an important one, whether they are in motion on a clean retrieval or supporting the battle, a good rule is for them to be below the puck or at the very least on the D Side of the battle. (Net Side)

This allows for a pop play to the middle of the ice when a battle has been won.

Board Side F/F3

F3 is an option up the boards towards the blueline. This player should seal the boards so as to prevent a low-to-high play in the case that the opposition wins the puck battle. 

F3 also becomes an option on a battle win.

Net Front F/F3

If the battle is won and the puck goes to F3 on the wall, they can make a pass to the F2 in the slot area to begin a clean exit.

Next week we will look at exit options moving higher in the DZ.

Drill #1

3 Puck D Retrieval

1. 3 Different Sets - Go 2 times in a row, switch sides each time, regap up each time then switch with next defenseman - Make pass then you become the winger/center - Always regap up

2. 1. Backskate, pivot get puck bump to the near post for WSD to pick up puck and pass to a player on the wall

3. 2. Backskate, pivot get puck bump to the near post for WSD to the center off the post

4. 3 Backskate, pivot get puck, quick up to the strong side player 

Drill #2

4 Puck Pass - D Retrieval

1. Coach to D1, skate backwards stop and pass back to Coach skating forward (Black)

2. D1 gets up to D2 and receives pass, he then skates in a semi circle and passes to D3 (Red)

3. D1 does the same thing with D3 as with D2

4. Coach dumps puck into corner and D1 has to retrieve it and go around the net and pass to D5 (or can do a quick stop behind the net and pass back to D4)

5. Coach dumps puck into other corner, D1 then does the same thing with D5 as he did with D4

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK