As a coach and skills coach, I incorporate some type of small-area games in every practice and skill development session I run. Regardless of the age, level and ability of the player, everyone stands to benefit from the use of these games throughout practice.

I will modify the game, playing surface and rules depending on the ability of the players on the ice, and I will take into account what skating and puck skills we have or will be working on during the sessions; this ensures the small-area game gives the players an opportunity to experiment with skills they have previously worked on, or skills that have been introduced during that current session.

The use of small-area games to begin a practice or skill development session is a great way to get every player engaged and involved right from the start. As a coach, small-area games are a great way to set the pace and work-ethic expectation for the remainder of practice.

From the player perspective, small-area games will improve their long-term development over the course of their playing career and aid in their minor hockey success.

These games improve a player’s ability to read, react and adapt to a given situation; improve their ability to handle a puck under extreme pressure and confinement; and improve their skating ability, edge work and ability to escape opponents. They will also build a player’s confidence in practice and games through game-simulated repetition.

∎ by Zach McCullough

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For a few years now, we’ve noticed the emergence of many individually-skilled hockey players. How can we most optimally develop these skill sets among Canadians?

If Canadian minor hockey (Initiation – U7 and Novice – U9) is evolving towards cross-ice/half-ice play to increase play time, puck-possession time and player development, the same tactics should be applied for individual skills with older players.

While many coaches want players to be able to perform in different systems, it is important to give these players the proper tools in order to have them perform at their peak. These skills include shooting, passing, skating, stick-handling, angling and many more.

Station work allows for an increase in repetition in a condensed amount of time, important technical movements essential to the development and performance of Canadian hockey players. Further, the nature of this type of play implies a smaller area of space for the players to work with, thus emulating the more restrictive-area hockey of today. Practicing with these space limitations prepares players to better adapt to certain systems and perform better come game time.

Individual skills should be an important part of player development and the maintenance of new skills. The skills coach and head coach should work together to integrate it into the season plan.

∎ by Philippe Trahan

1 UP, 1 DOWN

Setup and execution: This is a gap and angling drill. The defence must first touch the goal-line, while the forward must first touch the blue-line. Then, the defence tries to clear the puck, while the forward tries to score.

Key teaching points:

- The forward wants to create space by using speed and attacking the net.
- The defence wants to read the forward and create a tight gap.
- The defence must read the forward and pressure or contain.
- The defence does not want to back in on the goaltender and create a screen.
- Stick on puck and body on body.

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

PUCK CONTROL – CIRCLE AGILITY STICKS

Setup and execution: Three or four obstacles are place in and around the face-off circle. On the whistle, Player 1 leaves the corner and skates around the obstacles in a random pattern, working on different skills and protecting the puck from Player 2 before finishing with a shot on goal.

Key teaching points:

- Player 1 tries to lose Player 2; Player 2 tries to get on the defensive side.
- Quick hands and feet.
- Head up.
- Creativity is encouraged.

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

SHOOTING – 3-SHOT SCORING

Setup and execution: Player 1 starts with pucks in the corner, passing to Player 2 in the slot for two shots. Player 2 then finds open ice for a one-timer from Player 1, before skating onto a pass from the coach for a fourth and final shot.

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

SMALL-AREA GAMES – OFFENCE TO DEFENCE

Setup and execution: Three players line up on offence and three players line up on defence. All play is confined to one zone. If the defensive players get the puck out of the zone, the offensive players then play defence against three new offensive players. If the offensive players score, the defensive players have to play against three new offensive players.

Key teaching points:

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

PUCK CONTROL – 4-PYLON AGILITY

Setup and execution: Place four pylons around a circle or anywhere on the ice. Players start by stickhandling around the pylons in a random fashion. There are multiple ways to progess:
1) Add a second player and have them challenge each other instead of avoiding each other.
2) Two players support each other by passing the puck back and forth while facing each other.
3) One player stationary passes back and forth, to work on puck support.

Key teaching points:

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

PUCK CONTROL – HALF-ICE LANES

Setup and execution: Four lanes are created with the set-up of pylons and sticks. Maximize repetitions and use progressions that players will use to create deception, quick hands and puck control skills. Coaches are encouraged to be creative with this template.

Key teaching points:

• Explosive starts and quick stops
• Heads up and use of peripheral vision
• Quick hands and feet
• Put the puck in the safest place and protect it
• Repetition without boredom

In addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill available through the Hockey Canada Network includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom – Peewee Coaches
Bantam – Midget Coaches
Female Hockey
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive “shared information” from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out HockeyCanadaNetwork.com.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with Samsung, unveiled Thursday the Hockey Canada Drill Hub, which gives coaches the ability to download hundreds of drills and construct practice plans.

Coaches can look for drills by using the search function, or by selecting from one of 16 categories. Drills can be combined into practice plans, and those plans can be shared through email, and through social media.

To create practice plans, coaches must register for a free Hockey Canada Drill Hub account at www.hockeycanada.ca/drillhub, PDF diagrams and descriptions are available without an account.

“This is a fantastic tool that will not only help develop the skills of young Canadian players, but help coaches share information from coast to coast to coast,” said Paul Carson, vice-president of membership development with Hockey Canada. “We’re excited to team with Samsung to continue to grow our development programs, and introduce what we believe is going to be an invaluable resource for coaches.”

“The drill hub is a tremendous tool which helps fuel the Canadian passion and skill set development for hockey players, coaches and parents alike,” said Mark Childs, chief marketing officer with Samsung Canada. “The drill hub ensures learning and coaching is informative, interactive and, most importantly, mobile device accessible. The way the game is taught has evolved over the past 100 years, and Samsung is proud to partner with Hockey Canada to help ensure Canada remains a leader in player development.”

The Hockey Canada Drill Hub includes drill that focus on skating, defence, puck control, shooting, scoring, passing, individual skills, individual tactics, team tactics, checking, small-area games, all ages, Peewee and up, Atom and below, warm-up and goaltending.

For more information on Hockey Canada and its development programs, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca, or follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/hockeycanada and www.twitter.com/hockeycanada.

CALGARY, Alta. – Four Canadians, three players and a coach, have been chosen to take part in the 2013 IIHF Hockey Development Camp, taking place July 6-14 in Vierumäki, Finland.

Close to 400 participants, including 160 players, representing 50 IIHF member nations from five continents will be taking advantage of the unique development and educational event for players, coaches, instructors, managers, administrators and directors.

The camp is used as a platform to launch the IIHF’s development and education programs, specifically aimed at assisting each national association to achieve individually identified objectives, and to promote global growth and development of the game. This includes bringing together players with a wide variety of skill levels to promote the development of emerging hockey nations, with the help of the top hockey nations within the IIHF membership.

The following Canadian players will attend the IIHF Hockey Development Camp:

• Kaden Elder (forward) – Saskatoon, Sask.
• 2012-13 team: Notre Dame Hounds (South Saskatchewan Minor Hockey League/Saskatchewan Hockey Association)

• Sam Steel (forward) – Sherwood Park, Alta.
• 2012-13 team: Sherwood Park Flyers (Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League/Hockey Alberta)

• Marcus Tesink (defenceman) – Saint John, N.B.
• 2012-13 team: Saint John Sea Dogs (New Brunswick Bantam AAA Hockey League/Hockey New Brunswick)

The Canadian attending the IIHF Hockey Development Camp as a coach mentor is Bob Caldwell (Deloraine, Man.), who serves as Hockey Manitoba’s head mentor and national chair for the National Coach Mentorship Program. Caldwell has spent close to 40 years in coaching, working at various levels of the game locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

The camp will mark the eighth time the IIHF has brought together young players from around the world since the first camp was held in Nymburg, Czech Republic, in August 1999. In total, Canada has sent 44 players, 10 coaches and three officials from 11 branches.

Five past Canadian attendees have been selected in the NHL Entry Draft: Kyle Chipchura (2001), Morgan Ellis (2007), Steven Hodges (2009), Dan LaCosta (2001) and Jeff Tambellini (1999). In addition, Mike Mondin, head coach of Canada’s National Sledge Team, attended the camp in 2001.