A common topic amongst professional coaches is their team philosophy or their ‘style of play’. Having a clear ‘style of play’ from the beginning is an important foundation to have as a coach at the minor hockey level as it allows you to build practices to help achieve your ‘vision’ of how you want the game to be played.…

As a hockey parent, we all want our kids to be on teams that are prepared and encouraged to win games, tournaments and competitions at every level. Winning, a crucial part of a player’s development journey and success at any level helps breed confidence for the future but at the most critical years of development, winning shouldn’t be the ultim ...…

Running a hockey practice isn’t always easy. Trying to get everyone moving, playing and learning cooperatively can be a challenge, even for the most experienced and confident coaches. Every group of kids is different. One of the most important jobs of coaches is maximizing the limited amount of practice time while providing the most development ...…

Organized sports are one of the many ways we can help our kids develop character, build friendships and stay active and healthy. But for many of us, the high price of these activities can put a strain on finances. Our sport is one that gets constant attention for its cost to play.With equipment, registration and ice costs, the price of playing ...…

Teaching life lessons at an early age is key to a life of success. How those lessons are acknowledged is important for shaping the person to become the best that they can be. All of us connected to Hockey see the values it instills in our youth. From commitment, to work ethic to team work, hockey is a valuable tool to teach life skills beyond t ...…

"Hey Coach! Are we scrimmaging today?"Every coach, before every practice is asked this exact question. We asked two experts how to best answer this question along with some other great insights into how to best use your ice and practice time

Malcolm Gladwell popularized the 10,000-Hour rule and immediately parents latched on to the idea that if they want their child to excel in sports, they needed to get these 10,000 hours in before his 10th birthday.What doesn’t come up when defining the 10,000 hour rule are the defining features of deliberate practice, the pillars of skill develo ...…

Picking a captain is one of hockey’s oldest traditions. At the older age groups they are the role model for the rest of their teammates and can act as a liaison and line of communication between the coaching staff and players. But what is the best way to determine when the right age is to start naming a captain?…

In the lead up to the recent World Juniors, Sunaya Sapurji began to a look at how those teens were developed by their various nations. As the interview process progressed, however, it became clear that many of the governing hockey federations she spoke to had more or less the same guiding principles for their programs. Where they differed was i ...…

Figuring out which position your child will play is typically easy when they're still young—it often translates to what they want to do most: score goals. But despite the allure of knocking in that game-winning goal, not everyone can be a forward. As your child grows older and moves away from the pack of 10 chasing the puck, positions become mo ...…

The differences between a good coach and a great one at the grassroots level may be subtle, but they can make a world of difference to players. While knowledge of the game, ability to demonstrate drills and organizational skills are important, what actually separates the best from the rest?

There’s a hot debate going on in many hockey rinks right now, and that is whether younger players are better off playing cross-ice or full-ice games.Stats don't lie, Long Term-Athlete Development research tells us kids need more interaction in their games, which is exactly what cross-ice hockey does. Many minor hockey associations across Canada ...…

Coaches at every level can be tempted to 'go for the win.' At the minor hockey level, the decision to shorten the bench to squeeze out an extra win sends the wrong message. Taking away ice time in any situation just might take away interest in the sport altogether. A coach skipping over the third line in the final minutes of a tight game may no ...…

When hockey players discuss their sport it is often about the physical aspect of the game – the skating, shooting, scouting opponents. The mental aspect of the game can sometimes be overlooked because that’s more of a personal factor and doesn’t affect the team as a whole. But what if players could improve how they perform on the ice simply by ...…

In 2013, Hockey Canada announced that bodychecking would be introduced at the Bantam age group which sparked a large debate about the right age to introduce this skill. What was the reason behind the change?

Hockey is a sport that brings families together. From the early mornings at the rink to the road trips for weekend tournaments, the sport keeps everyone involved. Sal Caggiula is the father of Ajax-Pickering Raiders grad and Edmonton Oilers forward Drake Caggiula and of current OMHA referee Brody Caggiula and is very familiar with the topic.…

Officials perform a vital role in the game. At all levels, they are the third team on the ice, without whom the game would not happen. Dave Wedlake, Chair of the OMHA Referee program is here to discuss the role of the official.

It’s no secret that at the highest levels of sport some athletes, trainers, coaches and administrators do whatever it takes to win. But in an era where that can been seen and emulated within our local sports leagues, and sometimes even in to our own backyards, is it time we ask the question: Is the win-at-all-costs mindset ruining youth sports?…

We look back on season two of Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast. Thanks for listening, we will see you next fall!

The summer months can be used for a number of purposes; relaxing after a long school year and hockey season, trying new activities, going on vacation. Stepping away from the rink in the off-season can be beneficial for a hockey player and playing other sports during this time helps to build a more complete, well-rounded athlete. There are a num ...…

Placing players on teams is one thing, but what you do with those players once the teams are formed is another. Many Canadian communities only have enough players for one team in each age category, others have many teams in each age category, thus tiering occurs. Whether you have one team or multiple teams in each category, player evaluation ca ...…

The strategy: Give up the puck as quickly as you can, and see if the opponent has the skill to break out of their end against the forecheck.Former professional player and current Video Coach for the Toronto Marlies, Justin Bourne explains why the dump and chase is killing skill in minor hockey.

It’s tough to imagine yourself on the ice as a Tyke or Novice player, but try to remember what it was like. From their point of view, standing on one end of the rink and looking down to the other can feel like the distance is almost miles away. Younger players become exhausted easier because the ice surface they play on is too big for where the ...…

Coaching a team can be difficult. When your own kids are playing on the squad this difficult task becomes even more challenging. While all parents get involved with coaching their kid’s team for all the right reasons, there are times when their hearts may get in the way of doing what’s best for the team as a whole, or even doing what’s best for ...…

From coast to coast many of us at the office, online or over the neighbours fence, talk about the former night’s hockey game as commonly as we do the weather. Despite many kids playing our sport, we need to continue to look at ways of growing the game to appeal to young families that are not currently involved, especially now that they have mor ...…

Concussion has become the #1 Googled medical conditions over the past several years. Many famous athletes such as Eric Lindros, Sidney Crosby, and Chris Pronger have brought well needed attention to a medical issue that has affected multiple athletes irrespective of age. There have been many important advances in our knowledge of concussions, i ...…

Ask any NHL coach what is the hardest skill or attribute to find and they’ll tell you it’s goal scoring. Fifty goals in a season used be a benchmark for goal scorers. Now-a-days fifty goals is reserved for the super elite and one thirty goal season will turn an average player into an All-Star. OHL Video Coach, Brendan Taylor explains how as the ...…

At any given level of sport, the most talented athlete at that level will get lots of praise. The trouble with judging talent is that what makes one person more talented at each level is subject to change. Talent is important but not the most important factor for furthering success.

Since 1995, the Stanley Cup has spent its summers travelling around the globe as the special guest of the NHL's championship team, its players, and management. Each Stanley Cup champion assumes possession of the trophy for one day of celebration and touring. Phil Pritchard is along for the ride as the official Stanley Cup chaperone — no one get ...…

Many coaches think that coaching is all about X’s and O’s, but the truth is that it is all about growing great relationships. The secret to great coaching and a successful performance by one’s team isn’t simply technique, or tactics, or fitness. Most coaches only look at potential and behavior (genetics, hours and quality of practice, attitude, ...…

It's the most important line on the ice and you've likely never heard of it. What is the Royal Road?

From minor-hockey phenomenon to Hall of Fame sensation, Wayne Gretzky rewrote the record books, his accomplishments becoming the stuff of legend. Dubbed “The Great One,” he is considered by many to be the greatest hockey player who ever lived. No one has seen more of the game than he has—but he has never discussed in depth just what it was he saw.…

The way in which we engage kids and teach sports has powerful implications on their long term success on and off the ice. The Longer Term Player Development Model was written as a roadmap and continues to evolve so every athlete is given a meaningful, enjoyable experience. Peter McBride is an assistant coach with the University of Toronto (men’ ...…

When it comes to coaching our youth, why do we make the coaches with the highest level of qualification coach at the most elite levels and leave it to often less experienced coaches to truly teach the fundamentals of our sport?

Bob McKenzie’s life revolves around all things puck. With over 30 years in hockey media he has earned the moniker as hockey's 'Insider', breaking news and relaying information to droves of hockey fans on a daily basis. Bob has two best-selling books and has recently started a podcast of his own. We chat with him about all things hockey.…

From the annual World Juniors tournament to new equipment or tickets to a game, even heading to a holiday tournament, everybody has different hockey memories around from around the holidays.

The World Junior Championships have always been a holiday tradition and this year is shaping up to be no different. Between servings of family dinners and large scale games of pond hockey, it’s safe to say many classic World Junior moments have had a lasting impression on everyone that enjoys our great game including TSN Insider, Darren Dreger ...…

With higher standards and more hockey-educated coaches involved in minor hockey today than ever before, it is often easy to overlook the fact that simple life fundamentals are just as important as the X’s and O’s, the perfect practice plan, or the best game strategy. Gord Stellick is a passionate hockey dad has been working on a three part seri ...…

Hockey is the fabric of our country and the cornerstone of every community and few people know that better than Ron MacLean. It is a key part of our national identity and consumes us from early morning practices to the late game on Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night. For Canadians, it is more than a sport, it is the thing that ties the ...…

The overemphasis of winning takes over our sports to the degree that most coaches will position players as young as five and keep them in that pigeonhole during practice and games for a whole season. This is done to maximize the team’s chances of winning the next league or scheduled tournament. Unfortunately the end result is a player who sees ...…

Coaches at every level can be tempted to 'go for the win.' At the minor hockey level, the decision to shorten the bench to squeeze out an extra win sends the wrong message. Taking away ice time in any situation just might take away interest in the sport altogether. A coach skipping over the third line in the final minutes of a tight game may no ...…

Getting better isn’t pretty. Trevor Ragan says that his fascination with learning has sent him on the most incredible journey of his life, and that during his crusade, he’s discovered some important concepts that have totally changed the way he looks at the world. Trevor believes that a growth mindset is the key to success in learning.…

Age appropriate off-ice activities can help a child to grow and develop their on-ice skills but knowing the right skills to teach and train is the name of the game. It is important for coaches and parents to gain an understanding of how children learn and how sports skills will relate to their interpersonal life skills.…

Ken Reid, co-anchor of Sportsnet Connected, has been a huge sports fan and hockey card collector since he was a kid growing up in Nova Scotia. After accumulating 40,000 hockey cards and filling a closet at home in Toronto, he became interested in the stories behind those hockey cards. We chat hockey cards with Ken and discuss his first book tit ...…

The position of defencemen is being redefined. The terms ‘stay at home defenceman’ or ‘defensive defenceman’ have become popular in the hockey community, but the players that have gained the reputation matching those terms are vastly becoming castaways due to the increased importance of the transition game starting at defence.…

Dr. Anders Ericsson, a psychology professor out of Florida State University, conducted a study and came to the conclusion that it takes 10,000 hours of dedicated practice to become an expert in whatever you were working on.

Whether you’re a serious athlete or a recreational exerciser, it’s important to make sure you get the right amount of water before, during, and after exercise. Water regulates your body temperature and lubricates your joints. It also helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body ca ...…

Checking is a critical skill in the game of hockey that when performed properly can create quality scoring opportunities or help a team regain control of the puck. Just like skating, puck control, passing and shooting there are key progressions to the skill of checking when taught effectively, can greatly enhance a player's enjoyment of the gre ...…

With some teams having limited ice time, how can coaches make the most of practice? Stan Butler is the Head Coach of the North Bay Battalion and is the longest serving coach in the Ontario Hockey League with one team and joins the Breakaway Podcast.

In today’s game Coaches are responsible for developing athletes’ mental, physical, technical, and tactical abilities, and in addition to all of these responsibilities, there is an underlying expectation to win. When it comes to judging coaching performance, the player’s perspective can be easily overlooked at the grassroots level. Jeremy Cross ...…