Ice on the Roofs

The radio has been warning that because of the recent heavy snow we’ve had over the past few weeks, that there is a possibility that ice will begin forming on many roofs. I’ve been looking at mine and wondering if I can get a Zamboni up there. Looking at our team stats I was pleasantly surprised to see that we are tied for first place with points in our division. Not bad, the team has done well. We pressured the puck a little better each game. We got faster each game, and our passing continued to improve as we moved through the season. When I was in Rochester this summer, the focus was on pressure and less on trapping. The main idea was that we should develop the player’s skill and knowledge of the game as opposed to using systems that relied on only coached systems.
In effect that is the strategy that has worked effectively for many years. I have seen systems that work and systems that don’t work. The core has always been the players. They are the ones we are entrusted to help in the development of their skills. It is their game now. Hopefully they will continue to enjoy it and improve as they move on to the next level. Most of all I hope that they will continue to enjoy the game as players, future coaches, and maybe even parents of Hockey players. I compare notes with some of the other coaches that I have coached with over the years. What we think of as normal practices and coaching styles back home may get odd looks somewhere else sometimes. We’ve always looked to USA Hockey for direction. We’ve also been exposed to a lot of Canadian Hockey. You learn after a while what works the best, and adjust to the team you are working with. You also learn after a while what doesn’t work very well. It always boils down to the basics. Simple core hockey plays and skill work. (The Umbrella, Dead zone, and Czech power plays always seem to work with a team that can pass and shoot. 1-3-1 on two-man advantage. Diamond in the neutral zone with 1 chaser on a penalty kill, and the Box are effective with a well-disciplined defensive line. Wings covering points in the Defensive zone looking for a bad shot or pass to turn over and run. Cycling the puck. Looking for loose pucks, head on a swivel, heads up, Go to where the puck will be, or where you want it to be. Be generous, pass, support your team mate.Make something happen – don’t wait for it to happen. Making the goalie move.)….. How deep is the bench? Make it an advantage to have more than two lines that can produce. Get everybody out there who works hard in games and practices. I’d rather have three strong lines than rely on only five star players who don't pass the puck. Move in that direction, and build the team up from the bottom…..There’s a lot, but if you can’t skate, stick handle, shoot, pass and play like a team, you better work on it. Hockey is also in your head. You need to think and learn the game. I’m still learning every time I step on the ice or watch a game, or talk and listen to other coaches. Yes, watching and listening does work sometimes.