Basic Game Play Principles
Sept 18
by Jeff Lynt
Producing Offense
Puck Management: Avoid turnovers and maintain possession. Use smart passes to keep the puck moving.
Odd-Man Rushes: Prevent opposing team from gaining odd-man rushes. Defend effectively against odd-man rushes.
Created Turnovers: Force turnovers on the backcheck. Use active stickwork and positioning to create turnovers.
Attacking with Speed: Quickly transition from defense to offense. Attack the offensive zone with speed and purpose. Create scoring chances by attacking quickly.
Shoot-First Mentality: Shoot first whenever possible, even if the shot is not in a prime scoring position. Create chaos and unpredictability for the opposing defense.
Opportunistic Physicality: Use physical play to create traffic in front of the net. Disrupt the opposing team's defensive structure.
Driving the Net
Creating Traffic: Drive to the net and establish a presence in front of the goaltender. Screen the goalie and create opportunities for rebounds.
Stopping at the Blue Paint: Establish a strong presence in front of the net. Create scoring chances by being in the right place at the right time.
Opportunistic Physicality: Use physical play to disrupt the opposing team's defensive structure. Create opportunities for rebounds and goals.
Protecting the Net
Backchecking: Touch the puck and backcheck to landmarks. Stop to defend and prevent the opposing team from gaining possession.
Blocking Shots: Actively block shots to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Work as a team to block shots and protect the net.
Knowing Responsibilities: Understand your specific defensive assignments. Trust your teammates to do their jobs.
Stick on Puck: Use your stick effectively to defend the puck and prevent turnovers. Keep your stick on the puck to disrupt opposing players.
Feet Up Ice: Keep your feet up ice while defending to react quickly to loose pucks. Avoid facing the net, as this limits your field of vision.
Winning Faceoffs
Puck Battles: Win puck battles on faceoffs by outnumbering opponents. Use physicality and technique to gain possession.
Teamwork: Work as a team on faceoffs to maintain possession. Support the initial winner to gain control of the puck.
Jeff Lynt
Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada.
Founder of EHC Agency and he is a certified Hockey Scout and Agent with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com