I GUARANTEE if you play according to this philosophy we will be HIGHLY COMPETATIVE and VERY HARD TO BEAT

TOPICS:

I. Coach background
a. 3rd Season coaching Division II
b. 34 years of hockey
c. Learned under some great coaches and players: Lamorillo / Trottier
d. Played youth through Division III college (Midwest Division - only DIII available)

II. My philosophy
a. DEFENSE first for ALL players:
a1. A lead is only useful if we can protect it
a2. Many players neglect defense because it isn't "fun"
a3. Overwhelmingly defense has won titles more than offense

b. POSSESSION time is crucial
b1. Higher level play demands better decision-making on every play
b2. It is better to pass back and regroup than to dump the puck or cough it up

c. PASSING may be the most valuable skill
c1. You can always pass faster than the fastest player can skate a puck
c2. Passing is the only way to maintain puck posession as a team
c3. Passing tires out the opponent
c4. Passing draws the opponent out of position
c5. Passing is the key to an effective powerplay where possession is essential
c6. always know where players are so you plan your passes as far in advance as possible

d. DISCIPLINE in all areas of player conduct is essential for success
There is NO TEAM without discipline: this has been proven by past DII teams

d1. On ice discipline
-no one but the coach and the captain talk to the referees PERIOD!!!
-if you are wronged by another player, you must think of the TEAM before
you retailiate and cost us penalty minutes: especially in a close game
-you are responsible to the team to know when your line is on, and know what special
teams you may be on: there is NO EXCUSE for Too Many Men penalties
-Adjust your play to the particular game we are in: if we are protecting a lead, then
do not take unnecessary chances

d2. Bench discipline
-no one but the coach and the captain talk to the referees
-suggestions and ideas must be kept to yourself until betewwn periods or after the game
-be aware of who is on next and keep path clear for players entering and exiting the bench

d3. Off ice/rink discipline
-to the extent possible, continue to do light dryland conditioning: ex/ situps, bicycle, hiking
uphill
-be aware when you wear team jackets etc that you represent the program

d4. Locker room discipline
-NO ONE TALKS when the coach is talking: I am not big on long speeches, but when I DO
talk, it is to be taken seriously
-Get dressed in plenty of time to make warmups
-Leave locker rooms clean: most rinks hate hockey teams because they trash the rooms

d5. Practice time discipline
- We practice only ONCE a week, so be at 100% every minute we are on the ice
-No fooling around between drills
-No shooting pucks unless it is part of a drill - players can get hurt by stray pucks
-First players in - grab pucks and water bottles
-First players out - return pucks and water bottles

e. TEAM SYSTEMS

e1. Forechecking: these are guidelines subject to game conditions...
-team defense STARTS with the forecheckers
-use 2-1-2 at even strength or anytime we are playing catchup: heavy pressure on puck
carrier
-use 2-2-1 when we have a lead or when we are badly outclassed
-on powerplay ALWAYS DOUBLE-TEAM the puck carrier
-cover passing lanes(especially in the neutral zone): this is an all-too neglected part of
forechecking

e2. Backchecking
-this is the difference between players and slackers: if you are too tired to backcheck, you
are too tired
to play, so GET OFF THE ICE
-even if you cannot stop the player you are chasing, you are taking his real estate away
and making
it easier for your defensemen
-anticipate and cover potential passing lanes and pass receivers: this is a HUGE boost to
our defensive
game
-first man back covers the highest risk player in position to score: other players take
position accordingly

e3. Defensive Zone
-Win face offs: we need players to take the faceoffs that can win them
-Control face offs back to the defense
-In general breakout on the WEAK side unless there are obvious better options
-If you see three or more opposing players in front of you on one side, then REVERSE the
puck
to the other side, as we will likely have an advantage there
-If we are in trouble, do not cough the puck up forward. Options are:
1. Ice the puck
2. Shoot puck out of rink
3. Allow goalie to cover puck
4. Tie puck up on boards to give team a chance to take positions
-Forwards need to come back deep enough to open DIRECT passing lanes for defense
-Meet opponent at the blue line with a check to cause offside

e4. Offensive Zone
-Keep moving: be a moving target: learn to shoot on the fly
-5 man offense: USE THE POINTS if they are open
-pounce on rebounds especially when the points shoot
-learn the opposing goalie style early in the game and make plans accordingly
-Cycle: in general - one man at each corner, and one shooting threat in slot area
Be patient and work the puck to an open shooter: make defense chase you

e5. Neutral Zone
-Short passes and lots of lateral movement
-If you do not have a good "in", regroup to defense and start over
-Dump and chase is a last resort offense style: always maintain possession when
possible

e6. Power Play
-POSESSION POSESSSION POSESSION
-Spread out
-Do NOT dump and chase on the power play, or you will not see anymore for your line:
there
is no reason to dump and chase with a man advantage - if you are properly
spaced and
keeping your head up, there must ALWAYS be an open man
-Play 3 dimensional hockey and create open passing lanes
-5 man offense at ALL times
-be prepared to change from 2 to 1 point man to umbrella style attach depending on the
defensive posture
-keep the puck MOVING by passing to pull the defenders out of position

e7. Penalty Kill
-1 forechecker only - do not get caught 4-3
-be prepared to change from box to diamond depending on attack posture
-defending players be aware of clock and get puck out so we can change players at no
more than 1
minute
-protect the key shooting areas through zone defense
-cover for each other - if someone is pulled out of position, all penalty killers must adjust

THIS IS A TEAM SPORT: THERE IS NO ROOM FOR SUPERSTARS
PLAY WITH THE TEAM, OR DON'T PLAY
LET'S HAVE FUN OUT THERE
LET'S GOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS