The Ice Hockey Coach Newsletter

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Table of Contents

1. MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

2. SYSTEM OF THE WEEK

   1. Neutral Zone Transition (3 Forwards Low)

3. DRILL OF THE WEEK

   1. 2 Player Transition

4. QUOTE OF THE WEEK

5. PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

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MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

On Saturday night, I attended a local semi-professional wrestling promotion. You might ask, why? Well, a young man I taught many moons ago was defending his title as Grand Champion. 

The fans were raucous, and the show was intense. Blood, high-flying action, and a little bit of comedy! 

But why am I telling you this? Here’s the story:

We will call this young wrestler Kevin. Kevin had been a ravenous wrestling fan his whole life. But being a performing wrestler seemed to be out of reach.

This is where it gets interesting. 

Kevin had no wrestling background, and neither did his family. So, Kevin asked the local promotion if he could join. Of course, they said no. Kevin could have given up right there and faded back into the crowd.

After one year of training 4 to 5 times a week (after his construction day job was finished) and working out at the gym whenever he could fit it in, he was given a chance. 

But a chance is only that. What matters is what we do with it.

That night (I was there) was electric! The hall was packed, and Kevin didn't disappoint. Winning his match with a thundering Spear maneuver. On that fateful Saturday night, a star was born, a local star, but a star nonetheless.

Kevin set a goal

Starting with no real experience, training, or connections, Kevin made it happen! 

So, what does this mean for us? Set a goal, work smart, work hard, build your network, and don’t lose focus. Most of all, be prepared. We can teach our players these skills. 

The path might be winding and full of pitfalls, but we can all be like Kevin!

SYSTEM OF THE WEEK

Neutral Zone Transition (3 Forwards Low)

1. D1 can pass to D2 or use a quick up pass.

2. W1 & W2 transition low in the NZ, while C supports low in middle ice. 

3. This sometimes called a “Build Neutral Zone”.

4. This formation allows for all five players to attack as a unit.

5. Usually used against a passive neutral zone forecheck.

DRILL OF THE WEEK

2 Player Transition

A good drill to reinforce NZ transition habits. Transition speed, forwards getting back to position, defense gap and transition skating.

1. D1 receives pass from D2 and passes to F1.

2. F1 passes to support F2. F2 attacks.

3. D gaps up and receives second pass and passes to F1. F1 attacks.

4. D attacks and receives pass from forward line.

5. Forwards and D take different zone entry routes to vary shot angle for goaltenders.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

“The Science of Self-Control and Long-Term Improvement” by Dr. Alex Auerbach