January 29

by Jeff Lynt

When listening today to an NHL coach describing how important the return of his "Plus Player" was to his lineup, I considered what a "Plus Player" would look like.  

We all wish we could find this player and have him or her on our team.  Here is what I think a really good "Plus Player" looks like. Enjoy.

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When it comes to evaluating a hockey player's performance, one statistic that is often used is the plus-minus statistic. This statistic is the difference between the number of goals scored by a player's team and the number of goals scored against the player's team while that player is on the ice. A player with a positive plus-minus is considered to be a "plus player," and a player with a negative plus-minus is considered to be a "minus player."

But what does it mean to be a plus player, and why is it important? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the attributes and characteristics that can contribute to a player being a plus player, as well as why being a plus player is important for a team's success.

To a coach, being a plus player in hockey is a coveted title, as it signifies that a player is not only contributing to the team's success, but also making a positive impact on the game. But what attributes and skills are required to earn this distinction?  Being a plus player in hockey is more than just scoring goals. It's about making a positive impact on the game and helping your team win.

These players are valuable assets to any team, as they help to ensure that their team has more offensive zone time, while also playing responsible hockey and minimizing time spent in the defensive zone. This can sometimes be accomplished by simple things like winning faceoffs, skating well, having good positioning, passing well and being able to forecheck effectively.

Beyond those things, there are several attributes that coaches look for in a plus player, and the most important is playing responsible hockey. This means making smart decisions with the puck and being aware of your responsibilities on both offense and defense. This includes knowing when to pass, when to shoot, and when to make a defensive play. Plus Players know how to influence the play and how to make an impact on the game even when they don't have the puck. This can include defensive play, setting up a scoring chance for a teammate, or simply being in the right place at the right time.  Playing responsible hockey means being aware of your positioning on the ice and making smart decisions with the puck. For example, a player who consistently makes safe, smart passes out of the defensive zone helps their team transition to offense and have more time in the offensive zone. On the other hand, a player who frequently turns the puck over in their own end can lead to more time spent defending and less time on the attack.

Plus Players are often able to skate well and move the puck quickly up the ice and help to create scoring opportunities.  They use their speed and agility to outmaneuver the opposition and create space for themselves and their teammates. They also have excellent balance, power, and endurance, which allow them to play at a high level for extended periods of time.  They are in excellent physical condition and are often able to outskate their opponents and make plays that others can't. 

Plus players are selfless and have the ability to block shots and play physically. These players are able to use their bodies to protect the puck, and are often willing to sacrifice their bodies to make a play. A player who is willing to put their body on the line to block shots is helping their team control the play and limit the opposing team's scoring chances and gives their own team a chance to counter-attack. They also have a good sense of body positioning and angling, which allows them to take away pucks along the boards and close passing and shooting lanes from the opposition.

In addition to their physical attributes, Plus Players also possess a high level of hockey sense. They have a good understanding of the game and are able to anticipate plays and make quick, accurate decisions with the puck. They have experience playing in different situations and the ability to execute plays under pressure. A player with good hockey sense can anticipate what’s going to happen on the ice and make the right play. They are able to read the play and react to it quickly, making it difficult for the opposing team to defend against them. They also have a good sense of when to be aggressive and when to be conservative, which allows them to adapt to different situations and game states. They also have a good sense of timing and spacing, which allows them to find open ice and make themselves available for passes and shots. A Plus Player has good vision and the ability to anticipate the play; they know when to back off and play defense. They see the ice well and understand the flow of the game. These players have the ability to read the ice and predict where the play is going, allowing them to make smart decisions with the puck. A player with good vision can also make precise and accurate passes, which can lead to more scoring opportunities for their team. Their high level of vision and passing ability helps to keep the puck moving in the offensive zone. They are able to thread the needle through tight spaces and hit their teammates with saucer passes. They also have good hands and can stickhandle well in traffic.

They are also able to block shots, backcheck, and forecheck effectively, which can lead to more takeaways and offensive opportunities for their team.  Forechecking and backchecking are important aspect of being a plus player. Forechecking is when a player pressures the opposing team's defense in the offensive zone in order to regain control of the puck. Backchecking is when a player pressures the opposing team's forwards in the defensive zone in order to prevent them from scoring. Plus players are able to do both effectively which help to keep the opposing team on their heels. They also have a good sense of gap control and stick positioning, which allows them to take away time and space from the opposition.

In conclusion, Plus Players who have many of these attributes are coaches' dream players because they play the right way and are key assets to any team. A plus player in hockey is someone who consistently has a positive impact on the game. They possess a combination of physical and mental attributes such as skating well, blocking shots, playing responsible hockey, having good vision, decision making ability, experience, good habits, hockey sense and a strong ability to anticipate play. They also help ensure their team has more offensive zone time than defensive zone time. All of these traits contribute to making a player a plus player and ultimately a valuable asset to their team.

This ultimate Plus Player that I describe here can play on my team any day of the week!

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Jeff Lynt

Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. He is a certified hockey scout with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com

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