Speed has always been one of the most celebrated traits in hockey. Fast players stand out early, win races to loose pucks, and often dominate at younger age levels. But as competition increases, something becomes clear: Speed alone does not separate players long term. What truly determines success—especially at higher levels—is the ability to protect the puck under pressure . Puck protection is the skill that allows players to maintain possession, extend plays, and create off

If hockey skills were a house, skating would be the foundation. You can have the best hands, the hardest shot, or the highest hockey IQ—but without strong skating, everything else cracks under pressure. At every level of the game, from youth hockey to the NHL, skating is the one skill that touches every shift, every zone, and every decision on the ice. Skating Dictates the Pace of the Game Hockey is played at speed, and skating is how players control that speed. Strong skater

Not long ago, hockey development followed a fairly traditional path. Players learned most of their skills in team practices, with coaches focused on systems, conditioning, and preparing for the next game. Skill work happened, but it was often limited by time, ice availability, and the need to manage an entire roster at once. Today, that landscape has changed dramatically. The rise of dedicated skills coaches has reshaped how players train, develop, and ultimately separate the

There’s a common belief in youth hockey that the more games you play, the better you’ll get. While games are important, “just playing games” is not the most effective way to improve long-term performance.  The fastest-developing players understand a key truth: skills are built in practice, not magically during games. Games Expose Skills — They Don’t Build Them Games are a test. They reveal what a player can and can’t do under pressure. But if a player struggles with puck cont