Just because the player does not appear bothered by the treatment does not mean the behavior is acceptable. A vast majority of SafeSport reports to USA Hockey involve bullying either by a coach or by a teammate. The key for parents, locker room monitors and coaches is distinguishing between behavior that is just plain mean […]

I want you have to have the best season you can with your parents. They are your cheerleaders, you chauffers and the ones who make playing hockey possible. I played hockey for, well, let’s just say a long time. It started outdoors in Baudette, and the magic of the game took hold immediately. And truly, […]

Sometimes, it is about so much more than just hockey, although the game is enough of an incentive by itself. It is the 2018 USA Hockey Warrior Classic, presented by Terry Fator, which took place at City National Arena in Las Vegas this past weekend. Held for the third time since making its debut in 2016-17, the […]

“Just let go of some of the anxiety and think, I’m standing on a sheet of ice, with my buddies, playing a really, really fun game,” said Storm. “Enjoy it rather than stress about what’s going to happen later.” Nerves and excitement – two words often used to describe that familiar feeling of “butterflies” or […]

If we want our players to be better equipped to attack, then we need to incorporate games that include purpose-driven directional play. We practice to prepare for competition and hope that the concepts we’re teaching transfer to the competition. Notice I used the term “concept” above and not skill. A concept is the idea of […]

Retaining players from last year requires a different approach than selling to the new players. Your club’s retention rate should be about 80 percent. You will never make everyone happy. It is the time of year most Club Directors dislike. You must position your club against other clubs and make a case for why an […]

We’re going to give them the best age-appropriate training and environment that we can to let them thrive. We’re not going to train our 8-year-olds like they’re on the high school team. Can you imagine not keeping score during your child’s 12U/Pee Wee game? Not recording statistics or standings throughout the season? Having every child […]

Purpose: To compete 2v2 and compete defensively to steal pucks, defend and make good outlet passes. This drills does a great job of changing the “hockey role” of the players, since they must act and think quickly as they change roles from offense to defense. This drill also activates the offensive mind and feet with a […]

Student-athletes must take ownership of their development and game. By blaming outside influences, what does that teach your child? I have been coaching for many years and the level of parental involvement has changed drastically. Today, coaches coach at the college level for the same reasons they have always coached: the love of the game, the […]

“By the time teams are leaving, they’re trying to register for next year’s event to make sure they’re able to come back,” Rabideaux said. “The demand to participate is absolutely incredible.” Hockey has been woven into Minnesota’s Iron Range for generations, and the Virginia Amateur Hockey Association’s commitment to keeping costs low is paying dividends […]