Hockey Playoffs Tags

BOUNCE-BACK MENTALITY The best goalies know they′re going to have bad goals and more bad games. In an 82-game season it′s impossible not to. They can shrug it off and not let it get to them. Positive self-talk and a positive attitude are the keys to this. Goalies get scored...

This shot uses the same technique as a wrist shot only done on the backhand. Start with the puck on the heel of the blade and as you transfer your weight forward from your back foot to the front roll your wrists over and release the puck while pointing at...

Don't forget the parents. Most coaches kick off the season with a parents' meeting to lay down a few ground rules discuss philosophies and map out a course for the season. That's all well and good when the season is young and everyone is refreshed and ready to go. Keep...

Leg Pads. The following is a four-step guide to determine the size of a goaltender′s pads : Step 1 – Goaltender's skate size Step 2 – Measure from the floor to the middle of the kneecap Step 3 – Measure from the middle of the kneecap to desired height on...

Catch Glove. In today's game many believe that bigger is always better when it comes to a goaltender's glove. This is not true. Having a glove that is too big will limit a goaltender's ability to catch and control the puck. Here are two tips to follow when fitting a...

Checking is one of the most demanding skills in hockey and also one of the most overlooked by players coaches and fans. It is probably the least glamorous of all skills but one of the most important when it comes to defensive team play. Checking is a skill designed to...

I think the backhand shot is one of the most seldom used but effective shots in a sniper′s arsenal especially when taken from in close. Sometimes you don′t have the time to move the puck onto your forehand. That′s where a backhand shot comes into play....

WORK ETHIC AND FITNESS You need to be the hardest worker and most fit player on your team. New York Rangers goalie Mike Richter won the fitness award every year. Hall of Famer Ed Belfour used to run triathlons. St. Louis′ Brian Elliott is the hardest-working goalie I′ve ever coached....

USA Hockey strongly discourages checking from behind but if it should happen while you′re facing the boards get your stick and gloves up to spread out the area of impact. Use your arms as shock absorbers....

Sometimes a player makes the mistake of carrying the puck in front of him so the goalie knows what he′s going to do because he can′t shoot the puck from that position. As you get close to the net bring the puck to your side so you can either take...