In Calgary there are over 500 men who play +55 hockey in arenas around the city. Each group has 2 or 3 ice times during the day per week from the start of October until the end of March. The usual format is to play games to 5 and then the goalies switch ends and you start at 0-0 again and keep track of wins. Players find the arena that has their skill level and then everyone enjoys it. The group I play with goes M-W-F and consists of shift workers like Fireman, retired Mounties, Farmers, retired Teachers, retired Pro Hockey Players and guys who own their own business and can make their own schedule.We have over 50 in our group and consistently 3 lines and 5 or 6 D per team show up. We divide the two dressing rooms into white and blue before going on the ice, so you never know who you are playing with or against.

Here is the commisioners message:
--------------------------------

Commissioner’s Message – January 2013

When I opened the door into Optimist Arena, the first ice time after the holidays, I could already hear laughter coming from the Blue dressing room far down the hall. As I entered the room, the usual suspects were already sharing sarcastic one-liners, bad jokes, and tall tales that no rational person would endure. The calendar had flipped over, but nothing had changed; thank goodness. It was forty-five minutes before our scheduled ice-time and the cramped change area was already full of mostly unemployed, border line seniors eager to resume their hockey careers.

Later in the week, at Crowchild Friday Hockey, my team managed to win the third game in a best of three series we had begun in December. Unfortunately, we had lost the first two games. Of course, our guys decided it should really be a best of five, or a best of seven—whatever it would take to earn fleeting bragging rights.

So at mid-season, the great cultures established in our individual rinks continue to flourish. Happy New Year. I hope good health allows you to enjoy all the benefits of playing 55+ hockey in 2013.


Keith Worthington
Commissioner

Last week of exams and my 4 captains were all missing; so 12 skaters and 2 goalies. We are going to play a contain Pounce 1-3-1 forecheck this weekend and we worked on that to prepare for the playoffs if we are in front or playig a team with a lot more talent than us. The only difference is that the LW and RD stay above the W on their side and pressure passes. We still force hard with the C and RW who enter the zone in an I in the middle with 1 forcing the puck inside to out and 2 covering the middle lane and pressuring the first pass. It is the way I coached it at college.
I added a shootout game instead of a second nets back to back game. Losing coach had to do push ups in the last two games. I also moved the Jokers to below the goal line instead of the point, as it was only 3-3 at each end and then changed that rule to goals must come from plays below the goal line. So on transition the puck had to go low. This promotes cycling, walk outs, passes behind and low Dzone coverage.
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Flyers Practice Plan 24-01-13 Time: 17:15-18:45 ECTAS

Themes:
Pounce contain 1-3-1 Forecheck Power Play 1-1’s, 2-1, 2-2, compete, shoot, breakouts

8 min.
A300 x 2 Skating and Puck Handling Warm-up with Shots
Key Points: Do various moves with the puck and finish with a shot.

Description:
One group rotate clockwise and the other counter clockwise.
1. Do various skating moves with the
puck.
2. Big moves all around the body, in the skates, through the legs etc.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121031084114911

8 min.
B6 One Touch x 3 and Shoot

Key Points:
One touch pass. Firm stick and follow through at the target. Both line move all the time.

Description:
B6 from diagonal corners down each side of the ice. Start with one player at each line and one extra behind.
A. 1 skate and give and go with 2.
B. 1 give and go with 3.
C. 1 give and go with 4.
D. 1 go in and shoot-rebound and become 5.
E. 2-3-4-5 keep moving forward after each pass.
Continue this flow from each side and then move to the other side and change directions.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120226094511455

9 min.
DT4 Each Team Pass to Joker at Point

Key Points:
Player at the point must get open for a pass and quickly make a play. Defender get on the defensive side to block a shot and stay with the point
man if he carries the puck.

Description:
1. One zone game and each team has one or two jokers at the point.
2. To transition to offense you must pass to the point.
3. Progression is to add the rule that all goales must come from point playes such as shots, tip-ins, redirects, shot passes, screen, rebounds. This causes the players at the point to skate and get the puck through and the player covering to stay defensive side and block shots and passes.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2012091408474755

15 min.
D with Sean and Kevin-Goalies Nat-F Tom B Skills Warm up Finnish U17

Key Points:
This is a great way to warm everyone up at the start of a practice. Defense do the various breakout options and read where the pressure is coming from. Pass the puck back to the coach and move thru everyone. Forwards pass with good technique and eye contact. Goalie coach work on technique and rebound control and playing walk outs.

Description
A. Defense work with two doing breakout options vs one forechecker.

B. Forwards lines of 3 work in the neutral zone.
1 - Stationary pass with eye contact.
2 - Pass while moving always face puck.
3 - Skate around partners give and go.
4 - Keepaway 2-1 in four areas.
5 - Two lines move and pass to other two lines on the blue line.
6 - Two lines of 3 pass while skating on one side of the neutral zone.
C. Goalies work with coach at one end.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/filemgmt/index.php?id=88

10 min. Everyone play both F and D. Total Hockey
DT100 - 1 on 1 - D Join Attack and F Backcheck

DT100 Continuous 1 on 1 D - Join Attack F Backcheck

Key Points:
Forwards cover D and D cover F's. One D should join the attack to create triangles and one forward backcheck. Play tight gaps and attackers create 2 on 1's on the rush. Play 5-5 at each end.

Description:
1. Forwards line up on one side and defense on the other.
2. Start with a 1 on 1 attack Blue F1 vs. Red D1.
3. When the puck enters the zone defensive Red F1 support Red D1 and Blue D1 support Blue F1.
4. On transition Red D1 join new attack and Blue F1 backcheck
5. If the puck is dumped out with no possession the offensive team regroup and attack again.
6. Red F1-D1 now go 2 on 2 in the other direction vs. Blue D1-F1.
7. Blue F2 support Blue D1- F1 and Red D3 support attacking Red F1-D1.
8. This rotation continues with a 3-3 in each zone.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121104082522829

20 min.
Pounce 1-3-1 Hard Trap Forecheck
– LW and RD
Contain
– C-RW Pressure
– LD support on Puck Side
I want the LW and RD to be part of the forecheck on the attack. The LD is always on the strong side. Usually the C plays low in the dzone with the two D using man on and a box behind. If the LW ends up back there they switch after the initial rush. I also want back pressure all of the time. My truth of hockey is.
Forecheck
- 2 in deep
- only pinch on the strong side when positive you will get the puck.
- lock the strong side boards on breakouts with the LW on one side and the RD on the other.
- 3 forecheck on the strong side. Left side the lw, c, rw and Right side the C-RW and RD.
- Backpressure all the way to the net.
- always tight gaps. -
angle off the back shoulder with the stick on the puck.
- check from the defensive side always.
- always 4 on the attack.
- tight 3 man triangle and a D high on the rush to the net.
- shoot when inside top of circles unless someone is wide open.
- always give the puck to someone in better position than you and keep it if you are in the best position.

Example of my college women’s team vs. U of Calgary at the Olympic Oval
– international size ice. I now start with a 1-3-1 with either the RW or C 1 and 2 deny the pass up the middle and then force the first pass.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20080727110408764

A video of an explanation of the system I gave to my team at the Olympic Oval 2 hours before the game. We used white tape to make a rink on the floor and we went over the system.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080727110405661

Some clips of the Forecheck with my U18 Female team.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121229225643619

8 min. – Nets at one end back to back.

- pass to jokers to go on transiton to go on offense.


8 min.
D200 With Players Joining After a Give and Go up to 3-3

Key Points:
Pass hard and get open for a return pass.

Description:
1. Players are lined up either in two lines or along the blueline.
2. Coach dumps the puck in to start the game of 1 on 1 to 3-3 (one coach send out 1 to 3 players on each team.)
3. When player with the puck give and go passes to a team mate he can join the game.
4. Play for 45-60 seconds before new players come in. Players must skate behind their net to start the shift. Player with the puck pass to a teammate coming on when the whistle blows.
5. Coach shoot in a new puck if the original puck is dumped out or a goal is scored.

6 min.
E1 D200 Shootout Game

Key Points:
As soon as there is a rebound or goal the defender pick up the puck and attack the other way.

Description:
1. Coach dumps the puck in and players race for it.
2. Puck carrier try to score defender defend.
3. On rebound or goal defender attack other way.
4. Shooter must get outside of the blue line.
5. When teammate onside then first player in the line backchecks.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130109085731126

I was doing a private lesson with one of my players who I worked with even before she was on the team; so I kept the 4 small nets on the ice and we used them as obstacles on point shots and then I showed the players a move and they practiced it each way around the nets and then took a shot.

I was impressed in the private session as the player was able to handle 5 different types of balls skating around the ice. A real nervous system overload exercise. Last spring she was doing two.

This was one of the best practices we have had this year. Our captains are all back and we had 15 skaters, only missing one who has a knee injury.

We did the Czech 3-3 drill with back checking and then turned it into a transition game where two forwards on one team and a defenseman on the other gave passive support above the dots. When the original attack ended the defender passes the puck up to the new forwards who attack 2-1 vs. the new D and the original attacking forwards back check and the original defending D joins the rush making it a 3-3. The original defenders leave back to the line and 2 new F and 1 new D give passive support above the circles. I liked it much better as now I could coach instead of be a traffic cop, the defenders have to finish the play and make a breakout pass and the attackers work together to score. Most drills leave out the most important segment which is to win rebounds and get scoring chances on offense and to breakout on defense. The drill was good to isolate the situation but it is logical in my mind to make the play complete.

Two 1-1's at once is a great conditioning game. One coach has to focus and warn players if it looks like there is a collision coming as not all have their head up.

-------------------------------------------
Flyers Practice Plan Date: 29-01-13 Time: 16:00-17:30 Max Bell 2

Breakouts, conditioning, shootouts Backchecking, overspeed, passing, shooting Start with 5 minutes of Partner Shooting.

10 min.
A300 Edges and Puck Handling with a Shot

Key Points:
Move the puck all around the body in two circles going opposite directions. Finish with a shot. Use all of the edges and big moves reaching as far as possible.

Description:
1. Dark group skate down half the rink with a puck and shoot from the middle and white group skate the opposite way and shoot on the other net.
2. Skate on all of the edges and use big moves by reaching the opposite. i.e. Skate left and reach as far as you can to the right.
3. The players skating down the middle finish with a shot and then get a new puck.
4. Exercises are done while zig-zagging in and out.
a. Forward skate and alternate on the front inside edges.
b. Backward skate and alternate on the inside edges.
c. Skate forward and cross-over alternating on the outside edges.
d. Skate backward and cross-over alternating on the outside edges.
e. Open hip turn each way.
f. Slalom and reach as far as possible with the puck the opposite way.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121108114316285

10 min.
B5 Murdoch Breakout Routine All Options

Key Points:
This is a good routine to use at the start of practice instead of just skating around the ice aimlessly.
- Work for 5-10 min. and get in a lot of reps.
- D shoulder check on the way to the puck.
- Forwards funnel through middle lane and watch puck before swinging up the boards.

Description:
Wings and Defense
A. Coach shoots puck in and D gets the puck and passes to the wing who times his skating from inside to outside. D to W back to D and up to wing. Then repeat on the other side. All forwards take turns getting the pass on the wing.
B. Coach shoots the puck in and D skates back to get in while the wing times his skating from the middle to the outside lane.
The D drives the back of the net and stops and goes out the same direction making a counter pass to the wing, who returns the pass and gets another pass.Repeat on the other side.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20121101085219680

8 min.
B202 Passing Overspeed

Key Points:
Always face the puck and make as many passes as possible. On the whistle pass early to the player below the goal line. Hit the net and look for the rebound from the second shooter. Give a target.

Description:
1. Two red and two blue leave from the line.
2. Make as many passes as possible in 7".
3. On the whistle player with the puck give and go with a player below the goal line and shoot.
4. Second player get a pass from the side then give and go low and shoot.
5. On the same whistle two new players from each colour leave from the line.
6. After the shot become a passer near the net.
7. Low passers return to the line up.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121104080332117

10 min.
D100 Two 1 on 1 Games at Once

Key Points:
One coach should watch that the players won’t collide. It is important to look behind and for the player with the puck to skate away from oncoming players. This is a great game for 1-1 and conditioning.

Description:
1. Players line up along the boards one group on each side of the red stripe.
2. One player of each team leave every 15”.
3. Coach blow whistle each 15” and players play for 2 whistles (30”)
4. Pass to a teammate when the second whistle blows.
5. Only two pucks on the ice and get the puck out of the net after a goal.
6. After scoring touch the red line before defending.
7. Keep score.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080719153346728

15 min.
Team Breakout Practice
D1 Full Ice 3 Team Scrimmage

Key Points:
Give close support to the ball or puck. Defending team create speed through the neutral zone after the breakout. New defending team identify coverage when the attackers enter the zone.

Description:
Three teams play full court or full ice.
1-Red attacks vs Green at one end.
2-Green breaks out and attacks vs. Black waiting at the other end.
3-Black breaks out and attacks Red.
4-Green rests at the original end.
5-Black attack vs. Green.
They keep this rotation and play a game up to 5. Start another game at 0-0 but switch who they attack first i.e. now Green attacks Red and Red attack vs. Black and Black vs. Green. This rotation can be used to practice team play at full strength and power play and penalty kill.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=2012013110134174

10 min.
C3 Continuous 3-3 Czech U17

Key Points:
Attack with speed. Defenseman communicate who the forwards should cover. Quickly change from offense to defense. Tie up sticks in the slot. D join the rush.

Description:
1. Start with BF1, BF2, BD1 in defensive position.
2. RD1 skate between dots to the big us and pass to RF1 or RF2 and follow the attack.
3. Blue players F1-F2-D1 defend the 3-3 rush.
4. Coach whistle when rush finished.
5. D2 start a new attack the other way while original attacker Red F1-F2-D1 defend.
6. Continue this 3-3 flow end to end.

** This flow can be continued in a one puck transition game with no whistles starting with passive then active support.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121231223139495

12 min. Rotate Teams.
D4 Clear Zone to Attack

In this game all players must get onside and skate over the blue line before they turn and attack the same net. Play 4-4 with the rules.
Game One - players must face the play when passing and after scoring one goal you can't score again until all have scored.
Game Two - Rotate teams and players must make an escape move when the get the puck.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080723165245685

It was a good session and the focus was on individual offensive drills. I took video of Seans two activities and will post a link when I prepare them. I had a good meeting with Digit Murphy, the coach of the Boston Blades after practice. She came and watched the ice time.
--------------------------------------------
Flyers Practice Plan Date: 05-02-13 Time: 16:00-17:30 Venue: Max Bell 2

Individual offensive skills using drills and Games. Passing, shooting, skating, Puck handling.

8 min.
D1 Shinny – Russian U20
Key Points:
Everyone plays at once. No offsides and no rules accept good sportsmanship. Great for developing puck handling skills and recovery after a hard practice.

Description:

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120302093038534

10 min. 5 no puck and 5 puck and a shot.
A300 Edges and Puck Handling with a Shot

Key Points:
Move the puck all around the body in two circles going opposite directions. Finish with a shot. Use all of the edges and big moves reaching as far as possible.

Description:
1. Dark group skate down half the rink with a puck and shoot from the middle and white group skate the opposite way and shoot on other net.
2. Skate on all of the edges and use big moves by reaching the opposite. i.e. Skate left and reach as far as you can to the right.
3. The players skating down the middle finish with a shot and then get new puck.
4. Exercises are done while zig-zagging in and out.
a. Forward skate and alternate on the front inside edges.
b. Backward skate and alternate on the inside edges.
c. Skate forward and cross-over alternating on the outside edges.
d. Skate backward and cross-over alternating on the outside edges.
e. Open hip turn each way.
f. Slalom and reach as far as possible with the puck the opposite way.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121108114316285

5 min.
B202 Puck Handling and Shooting

Key Points:
Make hard fakes both ways, fake shots, tight turns. Have quick feet. Cross the blue line and either shoot or pass and shoot. Add variations after shooting.

Description:
1. Players line up behind the blueline; coach in the middle.
2. On the whistle leave from diagonal lines and make hard fakes around the coach.
*Add other variations such as a shot pass.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2009082320511162

6 min.
B202 Nzone Regroup 1-0 and 2-0

Key Points:
Start by exchanging the puck and always face the puck when pivoting for the return.

Description:
1. Players face each other and regroup in the neutral zone 1-0 then 2-0 and then attack. Start with exchanging the puck and then the breakout pass.
2. On the 2-0 practice chipping by the D to enter the zone or simply enter 2-0 with crosses.
3. You can add defense by having the shooter go out and defend the nextattack.
4. When just shooting follow the rebound then circle back for the rebound from the next shooter.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090813080849924

10 min. Sean individual offensive skill drill

10 min.
Sean ind. Offensive skill game.

7 min.
D4 Baggo - Czech U20 (each end)

Key Points:
Face the puck. Get open for a pass and give a target. Goals on one timer shots.

Description:
1. Offensive team must pass within one second.
2. Goals must be on one timers.
3. If the puck goes outside of the zone the other team gets it.
4. On transition to offense there must be at least one pass before you can shoot.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/filemgmt/index.php?id=83

8 min. – Greens switch ends.
DT400 Game of Quick Transition

Key Points:
The resting players attack right away when they get a pass and the original attackers must communicate and cover one attacker each.

Description:
1. Offensive team attacks 3 on 3. It can be 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-2 or 2-3 also if the coach wants to practice these situations. Up to 5-5 is possible.
2. On transition to offense the defenders pass to their teammates waiting behind the blue line.
3. Attack right away (don’t have to wait for teammates to get onside in this game.)
4. Original attackers now defend and communicate with each other on how to stop the attack.
5. After a goal the defenders is allowed to pass to the new attackers.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120416092419455

12 min. 2 x 6 min. games
DT400 Perry Pearn Game Rotation

Key Points:
This game allows the coach to focus on the attack or defending deep in the zone. You can play this game in situations from 1-1 to 5-5. It is a great rotation to practice specialty teams if you have 3 lines because it gives the players some rest and they alternate between pp and pk (one F would leave the zone) The defenders have to clear the zone with control of the puck. With situations over a 3 on 3 I would move the resting players back to the far blue line.

Description:
1. Players line up within a stick length of the red line if you have 2 groups or only ½ ice; otherwise behind the red or far blue line.
2. Three players attack three defenders.
3. Defenders must carry the puck out of the zone before passing to team waiting team mates.
4. Three new players attack vs the original offensive players.
5. Keep score, implement skill (only forehand passes) or team play rules (goals originate from below the goal line).

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090726102318992

6 min.
B500 One Timers

Key Points:
Square up for the shot and have the stick back as the pass is being made. Follow through with the whole body to the net and the lead knee pointing to the target.

Description:
1. One leave the line and get a pass from 2 on the off wing and shoot.
2. Two leave after passing and get a pass from three.
3. Continue this rotation and progressively increase the speed of the passes.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20090812164222165

8 min.
E1 Shootout Race – Each End

Key Points:
Players must skate hard and battle for net side body position. Player who wins the puck must protect it and the checker fight for defensive side without taking a penalty. They should play any rebound in the slot.

Description:
1. Players start behind the blue line dots and race around markers near the red line.
2. The coach passes a puck in the centre near the blue line.
3. Two players battle to get the puck and score.
4. Continue the battle while one attacks and one defends.
5. Play any rebound directly in front of the net.
6. One group vs. the other and keep score.

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=bd6fa116988317e9#cid=BD6FA116988317E9&id=BD6FA116988317E9%213934

Flyers Practice Plan Date: 09-02-13 Time: 17:45-18:45 Venue: Village Square

Lines: Notes:
3-7-11, 19-17-18, 5-15-12,
5-4, 14-16, 2-8
Breakouts, pp, pk, offensive skills.

6 min.
B6 – 3 Shots, 3 Zig zags, 3 Shots

Key Points:
3 Leave from diagonal corners about 2" apart, skate around circle then shoot, get a pass from the other corner, skate 3 zig zags betweeen the blue line and the top of the cricles the fill the 3 lanes and shoot.

Description:
1. Make sure to leave about 2 seconds between shooters so the goalie has time to get set.
2. Follow the shot for a rebound before getting the pass.
3. Do skills while zig zagging 3 times such as;
a, carry the puck with the hands and feet moving all the time.
b. carry the puck only using the forehand side of the stick.
c. only use the backhand side of the stick.
d. transition skate facing the far end forward to backward to forward.
e. skate backward.
f. 360 degree turns.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20091019154513105

5 min.
B5 1-0 Outside-Middle Shots- Czech U17

Key Points:
Keep skating, give a target and pass hard and pass while moving. Hit the net and follow the shot. Rebound for the next shooter.

Description:
1. All players and pucks are in the middle.
2. One player leave from each side.
3. Player 2 pass to player 1 who circles between the red and blue line.
4. Player 1 skate in and shoot after the third pass.
5. After shooting player 1 circle back and rebound for the next shooter.
6. Alternate sides and player 3 leaves after the first pass.
7. Circle left and right so shots come from both in the middle and the outside lanes.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130115154629528

7 min.
B5 Murdoch Breakout Routine A to F

Key Points:
Defenseman Shoulder check on the way to read the forechecking pressure. Forwards read the play from the middle lane and time it so they are skating up the boards for the pass. If the forechecker follows you behind use the reverse.

Description:
Greens breakout and one end and Whites from the other. Half ice and return the puck to the coach.
A-B are breakouts with one D. Go, wheel, reverse to F, counter.
C. Coach dumps the puck in and the D gets in and drive skates hard to the back of the net and up the ice between the dots. Pass D to W to D to W.
D. Coach dumps the puck in and the D gets it and drive skates to the back of the net to draw the forechecker then passes back off the boards to the other D who has called reverse from the front of the net. D2 passes to W to D2 to W and out.

B5 Full Ice Breakout-One D
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080720200745971

B5 Breakouts With 2 D
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080720200746400


10 Kingston Team Play Rotation

Power play at one end 5-0 and pp vs. pk at other. Rotate each 4 min. Sean and Kevin focus on pk, Tom G on pp.

6 min.
D1 Full Ice 3 Team Scrimmage

Key Points:
We have 3 lines of 5 players. Give close support to the ball or puck. Defending team create speed through the neutral zone after the breakout. New defending team identify coverage when the attackers enter the zone.

Description:
Three teams play full court or full ice.
1-Red attacks vs Green at one end.
2-Green breaks out and attacks vs. Black waiting at the other end.
3-Black breaks out and attacks Red.
4-Green rests at the original end.
5-Black attack vs. Green.

They keep this rotation and play a game up to 5. Start another game at 0-0 but switch who they attack first i.e. now Green attacks Red and Red attack vs. Black and Black vs. Green. This rotation can be used to practice team play at full strength and power play and penalty kill. The team in the middle rotate the lw, rw and then C sitting out when they are killing penalties. They wait outside the blue line for a breakout pass to attack the other way.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=2012013110134174

10 min.
4-4 full ice. Stress middle drive and D to D.
Players change on their own.

5 min.
D200 Angling Game

Key Points:
Checkers create an angle on puck carrier and take away their time and space with body on body and stick on the puck.

Description:
1. D200 line-up outside blue line.
2. On whistle carry the puck behind the net and checkers leave and create good angles.
3. Play 20-30 seconds.
4. Puck carrier can try to come out short side.
5. Keep score. Play to a certain score and losing team do something like push ups. Play a short series.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20111005185904685

5 min.
D200 Straight on Angling Game
Key Points:
Both teams go behind their net on the whistle. Defenders close the gap and maintain the defensive side.

Description:
D200 Straight on Angling Game
1. Teams are lined up behind blue line.
2. On the whistle each team skates behind their net.
3. Attackers try to score and defenders gain a tight gap and D side.
4. Play a cross ice game for 20-30"
5. On whistle pass to coach and the other team is on offense first.
6. Play from 1-1 to 3-3 also using odd man situations.

5 min.
E1 D200 Shootout Game

Key Points:
As soon as there is a rebound or goal the defender pick up the puck and attack the other way.

Description:
1. Coach dumps the puck in and players race for it.
2. Puck carrier try to score defender defend.
3. On rebound or goal defender attack other way.
4. Shooter must get outside of the blue line.
5. When teammate onside then first player in the line backchecks.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130109085731126
-------------------------
Had our final game of the regular season on the road vs. the top team in our division. It was hard fought. We tied it 1-1 with 2:30 left and they scored to win it a minute later. Shots 20-21. Either team could have won this one. We now have a bye next weekend. Tonight we did the post test on fitness and skills testing that we did for research at the U of Calgary. We did first test in October. This week practices. Monday-Tuesday- Wed spin class - Thurs - Friday - Sunday (a 2:45 long ice time and we will use the last 75 min.) The next week Tuesday-Thurs on ice practice and Wed Spin. Friday start the 3 of 5 round with a home game and away on Sat. The rest of the series is the next weekend - 3 games if needed.

Hi Tom,

The attachments are not opening....can you help a brother out?

Thanks for all you do!

Iceman
----------------------------------
Iceman, I just clicked on a pdf and a video link above and they work for me. Have you updated your adobe reader. The videos are in wmv format and apple needs a program to run them.
I hope you solve the problem.

Flyers Practice Plan Date: 14-02-13 Time: 17:15 Venue: ECTAS

Notes:
Battling, passing, shots, moves, regroup, 3 on 3

8 min.
D1 Two puck game
All players on the ice. Start with 2 pucks and when a goal is scored put in the other puck.
-another goal is scored it goes to one puck and they play a one puck game.
-team that scores two goals wins.

10 min.
Big moves and add going around the 4 small nets with fakes and finish with a shot.

7 min.
B6 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 Small Horseshoe
Key Points:
This is a great timing drill with good flow for early in the practice. Pass hard and get your top hand away from your body. Call for the pass. Give your stick and skates as a target.

Description:
1. Skate to the top of the circle and pass.
2. Continue and get a pass from the other end.
3. 2-0 first player passes and swings wide and second player skates nto the middle lane. Pass to the player in the middle.
4. Player in the middle one touch the puck up to the wide man. Stay onside.
5. Shoot and go for the rebound.
6. On the 3-0 the third player goes up the boards and enters as the high man. Add a trailer pass to the high man as the first shot.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20120301081936833

10 min.
100 2 on 2 with Regroup

Coaching Comment
This is a great transition game to work on all four game playing roles in all three zones.

Key Points:
Move through the neutral zone quickly and create a 2 on 1. Defenders talk to identify coverage. Line up in D100 Formation along the boards behind the bluelines at each end. Continuous flow game. Keep score. Vary the situations 1-1 to 3-3.

Description:
1. Full ice attack 1 Offense vs 1 Defender.
2. Offensive players 2 follow the play and are jokers who can't skate in but must pass or shoot within 1 second. Defenders only cover the original attackers and tie up their sticks and box out.
3. After a goal or a breakout the defenders 1 attack the jokers.
4. Create an offensive 2-1 on a wide defender. If coach blows the whistle regroup with 3 who follow the play thru the nzone.
5. 1 finish the attack and try to score while 3 follow the play and support.

*Coach can change the situation from 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 3-2, 3-3 or add a dump in to work on the forecheck or rules like goals must come from plays below the goal line to work on the cycle or low coverage.

20 min.
D100 – 3-3 Game- Games to 3 goals.
- Scoring team get the puck and go the other way.
- New defenders must skate to blue line after a goal.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130216093006572

10 min. Shooting
Sean – Defenseman drill at one end. Point shots.
Tom – Forwards – snapshot.

8 min.
D200, 3 on 3 Game With No Passing
Key Points:
This game demands that the puck carrier dangle and beat the opponents with dekes, fakes, change of pace, pivots while teammates screen, pick and go for rebounds.

Description:
1. Play a cross ice game of 2-2 to 5-5.
2. Extra players line up along the blue line.
3. Shifts 20-30" and pass to teammate coming on on the whistle.
4. Coach put in a new puck on a goal.
5. Rule is NO PASSING.
6. Line mates support by setting screens and picks and going for rebounds.
7. Keep score.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121119180047556

8 min.
D200 Small Area Battling Game
Key Points:
Transition between the four game playing roles. 1-player with the puck, 2-player supporting on offense, 3-player checking the puck carrier, 4-player covering other offensive players. They are also transitioning between the three game situations
0-loose puck, 1-offense, 2-defense.
Players always have a role to play in the transition between game situations and must think quickly and use good technique.

Description:
1. Put the nets facing each other about 10 metres apart. Play from 1-1 to 3-3 including odd man situations. Extra players wait at one side.
2. Coach pass a puck in and the players battle and try to score.
3. Take 20 second shifts,
4. Keep score.
5. Coach shoot in a new puck on a goal or if the puck is shot out of the zone.
6. Focus on the players battling with good habits and quick decisions.
7. Race out when the time is up and leave the puck in play (option is to pass to a teammate who is first in line.)
8. Nets can be close to the boards or in open ice.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20101224071639751

9 min.
E1 Rebound Game
This is a scoring contest that seems to be loved by players of all ages everywhere in the hockey world.

Key Points:
Make quick shots and one timers and goalie read the play.

Description:
1. Players line up on both side in the slot with one shooter at the top.
2. Play games to 5 between the goalie and shooter.
3. If the goalie freezes the puck or it hits the boards behind or at the side the goalie gets a point.
4. Players get a point by scoring a goal on a shot or rebound. Only one pass is allowed.
5. Shooter stays if he scores and players rotate if there is no goal.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080723202833407

We had a 2:45 min. ice slot and I let Terry Johnson use the first half with his Pee Wee team. His two daughters play on the team. I only had one assistant so TJ stayed on the ice and helped with practice. Terry Is a former NHL defenseman who I coached at university with and has helped me with teams throughout the years. We had 13 skaters and one goalie on this holiday weekend practice.
-------------------------------------
Flyers Practice Plan Date: 17-02-13 Time: 13:15-14:30 Venue: Henry Viney

Notes:
This is a one goalie practice and we will work on skills and game situations.

10 min.
A2 Russian Puck-Handling Warm-up with Shots While Working on Edges and Balance Exercises

Key Points:
This can be done every time players go on the ice to expand their muscle memory. The point of these exercises is to increase the size of the reach with the stickhandling moves, and to separate the upper and lower body. This is one of the most important exercises a player can do to develop puck handling skills. All the moves can also be practice off ice with various kinds of balls and pucks.

Description:
• From the A2 formation, players skate down the ice in 3 or 4 groups; practice big moves with the puck. One player leave and the next player go when he/she gets past the top of the circle. Finish with a shot from your lane no closer than the hash marks.
. Go one way then the other and do a different skill each time.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20120417103210440

6 min.
B500 Overspeed 2-0 with a Pass

Key Points:
Players must challenge themselves out of their comfort zone. Make as many moves as possible and continue until they have shot and looked for a rebound. Take the pass and shoot right away without over handling.

Description:
1. Line up along boards on one side.
2. Players 1 and 2 start on the goal line.
3. Players 3 and 4 leave and make moves at top speed.
4. Coach whistle every 7" and they players attack the net.
5.Closest attacker give and go with 1 or 2.
6. Second closest do a tight turn then give and go with 1 o 2.
7. With only one goalie go one way only.
8. After passing return to the back of the line.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20111004075623113

10 min.
B5 Murdoch Breakout Routine A to F with shot at far end.

Key Points:
This is a good routine to use at the start of practice instead of just skating around the ice aimlessly.
- Work for 5-10 min. and get in a lot of reps.
- D shoulder check on the way to the puck.
- Forwards funnel through middle lane and watch puck before swinging up the boards.
Shoot at the far end and then pass to the point for a shot.

Breakout with one D and a point shot.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080720200745971

Breakout with 2 D and a point shot.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080720200746400

10 min. Forwards
B500 Cut Backs and Escape Moves

Key Points:
Protect the puck with the body on offense. Cut back turning toward the boards. Defender stay lined up with the back of the inside shoulder and stick on the puck.

Description:
1. Leave on the whistle and practice cut backs, tight turns. Go to the net on the second whistle while the next players leave.
2. Two players leave and the second player stays on the D side with the stick on the puck and gives passive resistance.
3. This is a battle and the defender tries to get the puck. On the second whistle whoever has the puck go to the net.

*Without goalies both sides can go at once and with a goalie alternate sides. Players switch sides after doing both offense and defense.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2011041612155482

Defense and LW – Point shots using 4 small nets. Shoot from spaces 0-1-2 after a pass from the point.

10 min.
T4 D400 - 2 on 2 Below the Goal Line

Key Points:
The attackers create scoring chances with speed, deception, give and goes, crosses and picks. Defenders must talk, stay net side, sticks in lanes and one the puck.

Description:
Start from the corners, one attacker with the puck and another come towards him below the goal line. 2 defenders are in front and must cover them. Keep track of goals vs the number of attempts. Play for 5-10 seconds.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20090903113821934

10 min.
DT400 Support-Regroup-Hinge-Attack-Defend

Key Points:
New players give defenders support from the top of the circles as if they were wingers. If the puck is carried above there they can.

Description:
1. Red 1-2 attack Blue 1-2.
2. Blue 1-2 defend.
3. Pass to Blue 3-4 after a turnover or goal.
4. Blue 3-4 breakout the other direction.
5. Red 1-2 follow the play as defenders
6. Blue 3-4 regroup with Red 3-4.
7. Red 3-4 hinge at least once.
8. Red 3-4 pass to Blue 3-4.
9. Blue 3-4 attack vs Red 1-2.
10. Red 3-4 follow attack to support Red 1-2.
11. Blue 5-6 move to nzone ready to regroup with Red 3-4.
Continue this rotation of support-regroup-hinge-attack-defend.

10 min.
DT400 Transition Game of Low Battles with Point Support

Key Points:
Great game to practice cycling, going to the net, screening, tipping, point shots, shot pass, one timers on offense. On defense you have the low zone coverage and communication skills. As well as individual techniques like sealing the stick to the outside, tying up sticks, boxing out, switching, all from the defensive side.

Description:
1. One team is lined up behind each faceoff dot. From one to tree players leave at a time.
2. The next player in line plays the joker at the point and must pass or shoot within a second. Defenders do not check the joker as he can’t go in and score.
3. The coach dumps the puck in or shoots on net and the teams race for the puck. Whoever gets the puck can shoot right away.
4. When the defending team gets the puck they must pass to their joker at the point to transition to offense.
5. If the puck is shot out of the zone the coach passes to the non offending joker.
6. Play 20-30” and on the whistle the players pass to the coach and skate hard out of the zone before the coach shoots a new puck in.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090726102317243

10 min.
DT400 One Pass with Varying Numbers

Key Points:
Players must read the numerical situation and communicate. Attackers must quickly take advantage of either their scoring chances or the ability to pass to the line to add an attacker.

Description:
1. Teams line up outside the blue line.
2. A coach tells each team how go on the whistle.
3. Coach dumps the puck in to start.
4. On transition to offense there must be at least one pass before a shot.
5. Up to 4 players can be on one team.
6. Add players by passing to the player at the front of the line.
7. Play 30" and on the whistle pass to your line.
8. On a goal the coach shoots in a new puck.

*Add players by making a give and go pass to the line and that player joins the attack.

This is our last practice before play-offs so we went through team play situations like dzone face-offs and some ozone options. Practiced pp, pk and 6 on 5 as well as going through all of the breakout options. The three team scrimmage is a great way to practice team play when you have three lines. I blew the whistle when the puck got into one end and everyone stopped and we did face offs and reviewed the coverage. Then they play until I went through all three lines on both sides of the ice. For specialty teams we adjust by having the lw then rw then C stay outside the blue line so it is a 4-5 at each end. Two stay in nzone if it is a 5-3. Everyone practices the options in the Kingston Rotation and I want a shot every 3 seconds and the line goes through all of the options so all players get shots. Then one line breaks out - returns works on the pp again while the middle group switches with the group at the far end. So each line gets 2x2 min. of pp options and a pp breakout.
-----------------------------------------------
Flyers Practice Plan Date: 21-02-13 Time: 17:15-18:45 Venue: ECTAS

Notes:
Breakouts, face-offs, skating, passing, Shooting, goalie instruction, 6-5, pp, pk,

8 min.
A2 Skating Warm-up for Edges and Balance
Key Points: Good players can move in all directions efficiently because they and use all edges and have great balance on the ice. Routines for skating, puck handling, shooting and passing are efficient ways for a coach to quickly review the foundation skills and allow the players to get a lot of reps and improve at their own rate.

Description:
A2 Formation - Players start at one end and skate to the other end. - inside edges - out and in using a snowplow. - inside edges - sculling one leg at a time on the inside edges. - outside and inside edges - slalom with the skates together and a good knee bend. - balance and edges - one length of the ice on each leg.
Repeat the same sequence but skate Backward.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110726073836113

The same warm up with 12-14 year olds.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.comhttp://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110423080435937

8 min.
B6 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 Small Horseshoe

Key Points:
This is a great timing drill with good flow for early in the practice. Pass hard and get your top hand away from your body. Call for the pass. Give your stick and skates as a target.

Description:
1. Skate to the top of the circle and pass.
2. Continue and get a pass from the other end.
3. 2-0 first player passes and swings wide and second player skates into the middle lane. Pass to the player in the middle.
4. Player in the middle one touch the puck up to the wide man. Stay onside.
5. Shoot and go for the rebound.
6. On the 3-0 the third player goes up the boards and enters as the high man. Add a trailer pass to the high man as the first shot.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20120301081936833

10 min.
B5 Murdoch Breakout Routine A to F - 1 and 2 D

Key Points:
This is a good routine to use at the start of practice instead of just skating around the ice aimlessly.
- Work for 5-10 min. and get in a lot of reps.
- D shoulder check on the way to the puck.
- Forwards funnel through middle lane and watch puck before swinging up the boards.

Description:
Wings and Defense
A. Coach shoots puck in and D gets the puck and passes to the wing who times his skating from inside to outside. D to W back to D and up to wing. Then repeat on the other side. All forwards take turns getting the pass on the wing.
B. Coach shoots the puck in and D skates back to get in while the wing times his skating from the middle to the outside lane. The D drives the back of the net and stops and goes out the same direction making a counter pass to the wing, who returns the pass and gets another pass.Repeat on the other side.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20121101085219680

10 min.
DT100 Continuous 1-1, 2-1, 2-2
Key Points: New players don't leave the line-up until the puck enters the offensive zone. On dump outs no one change but go back and regroup with the same players. Changes occur when the puck is over the offensive blue line or controlled over the defensive blue line.

Description:
1. Attack 1-1 with D getting support from 1 F and F from one D.
2. Defending F1 cover the point.
3. New offensive D join and play point.
4. On transition attack 1-1 thru nzone.
5. Continue flow with new O and D support. -Continue the flow of 1-1 in nzone and 2-2 at each end. -Dump-ins and regroups can be added.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090726085538618

12 min.
T2 Kingston Power Play and Team Play Rotation

Key Points:
Practice options where every player gets a shot. Begin with a rotation attacking the seam between the D and the F and read what they give. If the D forces then the low play is available, if the F forces then the point is open. If the pk box is passive then there is a 2-1 at each corner, a 3-2 on each side and seams between players to attack. Force the pace by taking a shot by a different player every 3 seconds. Coach in each zone

Description:
- Line A at one end practice attack options.
- Line B at other end practice attack options. Both walk through pp 5-0.
- Line C in middle passing practice.
- On whistle line A dump the puck to the other end and breakout returning to the original end while group C replace group B at the far end and group B pass in the neutral zone.
- Repeat with group C breaking out and back and group B switch with group A who move to the middle.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121022102206766

15 min.
D1 Full Ice 3 Team Controlled Scrimmage – Face-off

Review
Key Points:
Give close support to the ball or puck. Defending team create speed through the neutral zone after the breakout. New defending team identify coverage when the attackers enter the zone.

Description:
Three teams play full court or full ice.
1-Red attacks vs Green at one end.
2-Green breaks out and attacks vs. Black waiting at the other end.
3-Black breaks out and attacks Red.
4-Green rests at the original end.
5-Black attack vs. Green.

Stop on coaches whistle and do face-offs in each zone. They keep this rotation and play a game up to 5. Start another game at 0-0 but switch who they attack first i.e. now Green attacks Red and Red attack vs. Black and Black vs. Green. This rotation can be used to practice team play at full strength and power play and penalty kill.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=2012013110134174

15 min.
T2-4 D400 PK and PP and 6 on 5-One End Goalie Practice at other end.

Key Points:
PK outnumber the PP on loose pucks in the corner. PK skate in straight lines. Always one pk denying the mid point and one in front. PP change the point of attack when outnumbered. Rotate the mid point player to the middle or the back door.

Description:
1. Start with everyone in position on the pp and pk.
2. If pk gets the puck start the pplay again from a different spot.
3. On the pplay either the puck or the player moves.
4. PK always lead with the stick on the puck and in passing lanes.
5. PP always give at least two easy outlets.
6. PP give low support when puck on half wall.
7. PK cut the ice in half and force passes that must beat two defenders.
8. Work 30-60" rotate on whistle.
*Game situation: defenders shoot puck to other end.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20101206083505234

15 min.
Regulation shootout starting on the whistle.
When I coached in the women's pro league the goalies told me that a real shootout is very different than when we do shootouts after practice when the players continually have breakouts. They wanted to practice like a penalty shot or shootout where they must be on the goal line and the player starts on the whistle. It allows them to practice how far to go out and time backing up at the right pace so they are deep in the crease on a deke and out for a shot. We did white vs. green with each shooting at one net and kept score.

Quote by: TomM

We played the first two games of the 3 of 5 series Friday and Saturday. I couldn't ask the team to play harder but sometimes the 'hockey gods' just are not with you. Our manager tracks the shots on rink diagrams and puts who shoots and from where. Goals are circled. So I know it is accurate because that is all he is doing.

Game one we period shots were 19-5, 13-5, 13-3 for a 40-13 total. They scored on a good shot following a turn over in the first. We attacked in waves but didn't score. They got an empty netter with 12 " left.

Game two was an away game with period shots 15-7, 9-5, 11-10. We both score one in the first. They got another in the second just after a pplay when the player coming on did not assume the role of the low supporting F. We didn't score any more and lost 2-1.

The last 3 games are next weekend so it will be a week to build confidence and get ready for winning one shift at a time.

What other situation can teach young people how to deal with adversity better than this.

Sorry about the losses. My team was knocked out of our playoffs last night 4-3 after out shooting their opponent by 10. Our theme was also one shift at a time.
--------------------------------------------

Sorry to read about your team Tony. One more practice tonight and then we have the weekend series to redeem oursleves.

This practice is to prepare for 3 games on the weekend. Lots of team play review.
------------------------------------------
Flyers Practice Plan Date: 28-02-13 Time: 17:15 – 18:45 Venue: ECTAS

Notes:
Team play review: Forecheck, pp, pk, breakouts

6 min.
Russian big moves with a shot.

8 min.
B6 3-0 Weave With D Regroup
Key Points:
-Skate with the puck to the big ice between the dots and then pass.
- Pass and follow your pass.
-Stay wide until you get the pass.

Description:
1. Half the forwards at each end in three lines behind the goal line with the D waiting at the bluelines. Whites at one end and Blues at the other.
2. Middle player start by skating toward the strong side and pass to the wing and follow the pass skating behind the new puck carrier.
3. Wing skate to the big ice between the dots and pass to the far wing then follow the pass.
4. Wide wing skate to the big ice and pass to the original centre who is now in the opposite wide lane.
5. The D is skating backwards thru the middle zone and the puck is passed back to him for a regroup the other direction.
6. On regroup one player supports on the strong side boards, one mirrors
the puck in the middle lane and one is in the wide lane.
7. D makes the pass and follow the attack into the zone.
8. The group at the other end leaves after the D passes up ice.

Options.
a. Add another D.

10 min. in one direction each D breakout once and then attack 5-0. Pass back to coach after first breakout. Green, white and Red Line.
B5 Breakout 5-0 with Point Shot

Key Points:
Coach calls the various options, up, across, wheel, reverse. Each line go one direction then dump into the other end or alternate ends.

Description:
1. Players skate in nzone then coach dump in
2. D make a D to D or D to F pass and follow the play.
3. All forwards touch the puck on the rush and shoot. then screen, tip and one timer position.
4. Coach pass to D who skate across line and pass to partner who shoots or shot pass.

15 min.
T4, 5-2 Forecheck and Regroup - Czech U17

Tsunami Review – Goalies at other end.
Start with 2 D who skate forward to the blue line and then backward. The coach dumps the puck in and 5 players forecheck vs. the 2 D and two coaches who are outlets along the boards. When the D pass to a coach, or on a goal the puck is dumped down to the far blue line where the attackers regroup and attack 5-2 and play until the attack is finished. Rotate so all the lines and D pairs practice.

mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130228092314602

20 min. one end pp review-other pp. vs. pk 5-4, 5-3.
6 min. each line.

T2-4 D400 Specialty Team Practice

Key Points:
Closest player must pressure the puck in straight lines from the net out. Skate back when the puck is passed. Stick on the ice in the passing lane. Communicate.

Description:
1. A power play and a penalty killing unit at each end of the ice.
2. The coach passes in a puck from the line or from a face off dot.
3. Controlled scrimmage where everyone stops on a whistle.
4. If the puck is frozen, a goal or it is cleared put in a new puck.
5. After about 45 seconds do the same thing from the other end while the pp and pk units switch at the original end.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090806144404128

12 min.
D1 Full Ice 3 Team Scrimmage – All Situations

Key Points:
Give close support to the ball or puck. Defending team create speed through the neutral zone after the breakout. New defending team identify coverage when the attackers enter the zone.

Description:
Three teams play full court or full ice.
1-Red attacks vs Green at one end.
2-Green breaks out and attacks vs. Black waiting at the other end.
3-Black breaks out and attacks Red.
4-Green rests at the original end.
5-Black attack vs. Green.

They keep this rotation and play a game up to 5. Start another game at 0-0 but switch who they attack first i.e. now
Green attacks Red and Red attack vs. Black and Black vs. Green. This rotation can be used to practice team play at full strength and power play and penalty kill.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=2012013110134174

18 min.
Individual work – face-offs, rebound,shooting passing etc.

I just read an article about this weekends CIS National Championship at the University of Toronto.

The U of Calgary is going as the second place team from Canada West. They have an older team with Team Canada captain Hayley Wichenheiser. They also have some former WWHL players who were named to the all star team. Amanda Tapp is a goalie who played for the Oval Extreme and when it folded played for me with the Rockies. Stephanie Ramsay made the first all star team D. She played for the Rockies as well. They recruited one of my forwards last season but she isn't eligible yet as she is still in high school because her parents started her a year later in school due to her late November birthday.

The good news for the Flyers is that two our our defense from last season are playing in the Nationals, one for Queen's and one for St. Francis Xavier. I think that is great.

We were very young this season with 6 skaters and one goalie who were first year, six skaters second year and only 4 skaters and one goalie third year. One already is in university, one F has committed to PEI, another forward has been in discussion with an NCAA school and a really good defenseman is deciding on a university in Halifax. It looks like the goalie is going to do a graduate year in a eastern prep school in the USA.

The sport school here go after our players and 19 or the top 30 are attending these really expensive places. $30-35 000 per year. I don't understand why they want to go to these places. The public system pays the teachers really well here and the standard of education is very high; so it is hard for private schools to match their pay and security . The advantage is extra ice time and going to high profile tournaments.

I am meeting tonight with the executive of our organization to dicscuss how we can increase the ice time for practice and chose our teams earlier so we can go to fall tournaments where the players can be seen by more recuiters.

We played two sports schools at the Notre Dame tournament this year. Lost 0-4 to one (two goals in the last 5 min.) and won 3-2 against the other. Give us 5 of those players who left us to play at these places and we would be as good as anyone. (We lacked natural goal scorers. We usually outplay and outshoot teams but we need a little less Swedish and a little more Finish)

There seems to be status in going to these sports schools but they put a big financial burden on the families. We want to give a comparable program for 1/4 of the cost.
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We finished the season with two exhibition games vs. the Banff Academy which is a sports school The first game was tough. We had not been on the ice for two weeks. I let them just go out and play without structure and we struggle the first two periods. We reviewed the 1-3-1 Pounce Forecheck before the third and played even with them. The second game we only had eleven skaters but they were eleven of our best players. We played well and won 4-3 in a shoot-out.

One player is now committed to play at UPEI and another is going to Dalhousie. A graduating goalie is going to play her graduate year at a prep school in Pennsylvania and I don't know if our top scorer wants to play at university. She has been talked to by Union College but she wasn't at the Banff games so I don't know what happened with that. She is a really solid small player with great skills and a scoring touch. She led the entire league in playoff scoring 2011-12.

It will be a tough sell for us because people in this city have lots of money and they believe they can purchase excellence and the more money the spend the greater the result. They should really be focused on how dedicated their chlld is and how good is the coaching they will get.

Our job as an organization is to stop lamenting about losing players and to offer equal development opportunity at a fraction of the cost and four of the five schools they go to the high school gril's have to move away from home. So they can stay home as well.