Basic Game Play Principles

OFFENSIVE

1. Attack the space

   (Highway or side roads)

Always take the open space and attack quickly, whether it’s the highway or side road. 

Explanation: The "highway" refers to the central area of the ice, particularly between the blue lines, while the "side roads" are the areas along the boards. The principle encourages players to attack the open space wherever it is available.

Purpose: Whether it's through the middle or the edges, attacking open space forces the defense to adjust and opens opportunities for offensive plays. Quick transitions and effective use of space keep the defenders on their heels, making it harder for them to predict where the play is going.

Application: Players should always look for the most direct path to the opponent's net, but be aware of opportunities on the periphery if the center is congested.

2. Create 2/1 (close support)

Join the rush with the puck carrier to split the defenders. 

Explanation: This principle involves creating numerical advantages, specifically a "two-on-one" situation, where the puck carrier and a teammate work together to beat a defender.

Purpose: A 2/1 situation forces defenders into a difficult decision — covering the puck carrier or the open teammate. The offensive player with the puck can either shoot or pass, depending on how the defender reacts.

Application: When entering the offensive zone, players should look to join the rush in a way that supports the puck carrier. This creates passing options and increases the chances of breaking through the defense.

3. Triangles all over the ice  

Wingers on the outside lanes, centers in the highway, and the 3 circles around the net. 

Explanation: The idea of forming triangles involves players positioning in a way that provides multiple passing options. The wingers should be on the outside lanes, the center in the middle (the "highway"), and players should form three-player triangles around the net.

Purpose: Triangles create passing lanes and allow for quick, unpredictable puck movement. The more triangles a team can form, the more options they have to keep the puck moving and avoid stagnation.

Application: Offensively, players should always position themselves to create triangles with the puck carrier, ensuring that the puck is never without options for a pass or a play.

DEFENSIVE

1. Protect the HIGHWAY  (the middle / the good ice) 

Protect the area inside the dots and force opponents to the outside, keeping shots outside the house. 

Explanation: The "highway" refers to the middle of the ice, the most dangerous area for opponents because it provides the best angle for shots on goal. Defenders are tasked with protecting this area to force the opposing team to the outer, less dangerous areas (i.e., the boards).

Purpose: By controlling the center, you limit the offensive team's ability to make high-quality plays. Allowing an opponent to drive through the middle can lead to high-danger scoring chances.

Application: Defenders should always be aware of the middle of the ice, making sure to block passing lanes and prevent opponents from cutting through to the high-danger areas in front of the net.

2. Cut TIME and SPACE

Attack the puck carrier if closest, or pick up your coverage man to limit their options. 

Explanation: This involves applying pressure to the puck carrier to limit their decision-making time, or it can involve closing down space between the puck carrier and a teammate.

Purpose: By cutting down time and space, defenders force the offensive player into making quicker decisions, often leading to mistakes or turnovers. It also disrupts the offensive flow, making it harder for them to execute set plays.

Application: Players should close gaps quickly when they’re closest to the puck carrier or take away space from the offensive players by positioning themselves strategically.

3. Active STICK

    (On puck or cutting passing lane) 

Use your stick to direct opponents to the bad ice, disrupt plays, and close passing lanes. 

Explanation: The "active stick" principle emphasizes using the stick to disrupt offensive plays. This can be done by positioning the stick on the puck carrier to block shots, by positioning the stick to cut off passing lanes or directing attackers to the bad ice

Purpose: An active stick is a tool that can create turnovers, deflect passes, and disrupt offensive timing. By using the stick effectively, defenders can reduce the offensive team’s ability to move the puck or get quality shots off.

Application: Defenders should always be aware of how to use their sticks both to physically block the puck and to anticipate passes. By keeping their sticks active, they can control more areas of the ice without relying on body contact alone.