February Coaching News and Updates

Volume 3 Issue 2 | February 2022

STATE & LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

It is that time of year as we wind down the Fall season and enter league playoffs and state tournaments for all levels. This should be a culmination of all the effort your players have given throughout the season as well as the instruction we have given them as coaches. It is their time to shine, not ours. It is the coaches time to lead, coach, encourage and support the players. It is the coach that needs to lower the pressure on the kids not raise it. This is not about us putting a state or league banner in our man or woman cave, it is all about the kids.

We have seen a noticeable rise in what I would consider bad coaching behavior. How we behave on the bench towards officials, what we say in the locker room, and what we do on the bench directly impact the players. Keep perspective of what we are coaching and who we are coaching. The vast majority of our coaches do this quite well. Hold each other accountable for those that do not. This should be the most exciting part of the year for the players, parents, and even us coaches. Let it be just that. Celebrate the wins and do not let the defeats define the player or team. We look forward to a great State Tournament for all levels involved and are thankful we can have one this year. Good luck to all and remember the impact you have on these players, good and bad.

COACHING NEWS

Practice Planning for Rule Changes

As we all know at the young level tag up off-side and a whistle when a short-handed team ices the puck have been instituted this season. While we are well through the year it still remains a topic of discussion. USA Hockey is continually looking for ways to improve our sport and make the game better for all participants. This season, USA Hockey implemented a few rule changes aimed at increasing competitiveness, enhancing player development in key situations, and making the game safer for everyone. “The overarching philosophy is that we have a great game and we need to continue to move forward and these changes will help take our game to a whole new level,” said Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey National Coach-in-Chief. To read more on coaching through these new rule changes click here.

OFFICIATING

USA Hockey Playing Rules Video Clip of the Week

Something all coaches can educate themselves on is the rules. One place to do that is on the USA Hockey website as part of the Clip of the Week series. Each week a new video clip will be posted to help educate officials, coaches, players, and parents in the playing rules of USA Hockey. All clips are posted on the website, here.

Below is one example from the video library as it discusses the cross-checking penalty.

USA Hockey Announces Creation of Special Task Force To Address Officiating Issues

A special task force to address the current state of officiating within USA Hockey has been appointed by USA Hockey President Mike Trimboli.

The charge of the task force is to explore challenges relative to officiating that exist today – recruitment, retention and treatment of officials among them -- and work to formulate a comprehensive plan that provides volunteers across the country with resources and strategies to address those challenges.

“We’re not alone in youth sports in regard to some of the issues that exist today,” said Trimboli, “We have an experienced cross-section of thought leaders put together on this task force who will help our sport take positive steps forward.”

Keith Barrett, vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s Youth Council, is the chair of the 12-member task force.

DRILLS & SKILLS

Circle Regroup Drill

This drill helps with breakout passes, D-to-D partner passes, and helping players look at their options on the ice. Teaching players to pivot in both directions is a critical part of keeping them safe and effective on the ice.

4-Dot Progression Skill Series

This skill series that emphasizes passing, movement, and lots of communication. This drill is scalable for different skill levels and full- or half-ice.