Coach's Corner

Do The Little Things Well

Doing the little things well can make an average player into an impact player. There are observers of the game who will say this guy is too small or a certain player can not skate or has stone hands. But how can some of these players with such obvious deficiencies last for so many years in pro hockey. It’s because they “Do The Little Things Well”. There are a number of good habits junior and professional players exhibit and many of the amateur players can develop with good practice an patience. Next time you attend a junior or professional game, pick out your favorite player or a player that plays your position and watch him throughout the game. You will be able to see those little things and good habits which you can bring to your game or practice. Here are some good habits to develop to help you improve your game:

1. When you are on the ice for a game or practice you give 110% and don’t take any short cuts. It is very important that you do the little things because if you take short cuts you are only cheating/hurting yourself….”Empty Your Tank”, you will see the reward!
2. Don’t over handle the puck in the defensive zone. Make sure you are not trying to skate through 3 or 4 guys, move the puck to the nearest player.
3. After you make the pass don’t stand around and admire what you did, break to the open ice and create a better offensive attack with speed.
4. After you shoot the puck on the net or having a scoring chance do not skate by the net. Stop in front, with your stick on the ice ready for the rebound or a pass.
5. Make sure you are mentally prepared for every game and practice. Just don’t go into a game or practice without preparing yourself. Understand who you are playing against and who the better players are that you will have to pay close attention to. By mentally preparing for practices and game will only make you a better player….
6. There are no individual assignments on on a roster, only team players who would rather set up their friends for goals than score themselves...these guys get it!!