All posts in Skills & Development
Coach vs. Trainer
What coaches need to understand about the whole process is this: the problem might actually be something completely different than what they think it is.
Get Outside
If you are human, the hockey season can feel long. One week blends into the next, and one rink parking lot starts to look like every other one. As days grow dark more quickly, a 6 a.m. practice can feel like it must be a 10 p.m. practice. You are not alone.
Shooting Against a Brick Wall
I find it fascinating to watch great athletes proceed through prolonged scoring slumps. I make a habit of observing the best-of-the-best halfway through their slump because I am keenly interested in understanding the process that puts them back on track.
Ouch, That Hurts! Stop Preventable Injuries
We all know that accidents happen and some players get injured during the season from collisions, but what about when a player pulls or strains a muscle without knowing how it happened. Those kinds of injuries are completely preventable and must be addressed.
Enjoy the Ride
When I was a young hockey player, back in Belleville Ontario I use to love this time of year. I loved the feeling of the crisp autumn air. The smell […]
Enjoy the Ride
When I was a young hockey player, back in Belleville Ontario I use to love this time of year. I loved the feeling of the crisp autumn air. The smell […]
Stick Handling 101
Nate Leslie welcomes you back to the hockey season with this video of tips and tricks to stick handling. Arguably one of the most valuable skills in the game, proper technique […]
Tryout Shape
Hopefully most minor hockey players have been participating in an off-ice training program over the summer, especially at the bantam and midget level. There’s no question that staying in shape […]
Home Fitness: What You Need
Parents often ask me, “What can my child do at home?” to stay fit and get stronger. First, it’s important to keep it all in perspective. Parents don’t need to […]
Women’s Hockey: Intensity, Passion, Character
Our family is a hockey family. I was blessed to pursue my dream to play (and coach) in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 17 seasons. Something you may not […]
A True Hero: Dad, This One’s for You
For many years I have worked with kids for a living, however I have no idea what it will feel like when it’s my son I am coaching. Instead, I […]
Move it: Essential pre-game exercises for moving well on the ice
What should a player do to prepare their body before a game? Skating around the rink before a game or practice is a great way to increase player’s core temperature, […]
