Light Saturday in the life – couple hours on-ice, some prep hockey in the afternoon, U15A hockey at supper time and 4 Nations Cup by night. I may or may not need a hobby of some sort – one that does not involve sticks, pucks and pads. But for now, lets discuss life without the puck on ones stick.
Sans Puck Problem Numero Uno: F2 Drivers.
Watched a dandy ol’ game between the U15AAA ‘Breakers and U15A CBR Renegades tonight at the chilly Twin Arenas (2 VHG familiars with goals in this one, eh b’y). Numerous times in this game, the 2nd player over the offensive blue line took 1-2 hard steps and then coasted. If the player had have kept their feet moving vs coasting, they could have opened up so much ice for the puck-carrier! Or create a pass-off-pad situation that just does not materialize when the F2 doesn’t keep their feet moving (they end up too far away from the loose change).
Sans Puck Problem Numero Deux: Not Going to the Net Front
In the VHL game I officiated at 8 am and the U15A game at 530 pm, I couldn’t begin to tell you how many players preferred to stay to the perimeter vs taking the goalies eyes away in the net front. A strong offensive team – when the puck is at the point – will have someone taking the goalies eyes away along with passing options on the back side/high slot/moving tip etc. Someone has to get their hands dirty, though. 3 players off to the side allows the goalie to see it al the way in, and the goalie coaching is good now. Goalies are taught to handle rebounds effectively.
Sans Puck Problem Numero Twah: Sticks at the Hips
It’s actually amazing how many players – when their team has the puck – decide to put their stick at their hips. Then get visibly upset when the pass doesn’t come to them.
This isn’t lacrosse, folks. Get your stick down (or really close to the ice, just hovering above it). Hands out. Get open and then provide a visible, inviting target. Ask for the puck with a loud voice. Want that biscuit! It doesn’t matter if you’re an offensive player or a stay-at-home player. Providing an option for the person on your team with the puck is going to help us win. We will turn the puck over less, possess the puck longer.
Until Next Time,
AP
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