Pre-game begins as soon as players enter the rink. Once they are out of the car, with stick in hand and hockey bag over the shoulder they are in total control of their EARTH. They exude confidence and excitement through body language and eye contact. They acknowledge their teammates, coaches, and fans with love and kindness - as simple as a hello, a head nod, a wave, a tap on the shoulder or a hug. Each player brings positive energy in their own unique way. They are encouraged to be themselves while striving to think, feel, and act like winners.
Players arrive 60 minutes before game time
Body Activation (Movement) - (15 mins) Physical warmup in a group. Deliberate movement to stretch every muscle and get blood flowing to every body part.
Mind Activation (Stillness) - (5 mins) Mental warmup in a group. Silent meditation and breathwork to bring the mind to the present moment. Reset routines.
Individual Activation - (20 mins) Get dressed. Free time to chat, listen to music, tape sticks, shoot around, reflect, enjoy being part of a team.
Team Activation - (10 mins) Review team philosophy and game plan (roles and responsibilities) both in groups and individually.
Creative Activation - (5 mins) Breathwork, Visualization, Self-talk. Starting lineup, team cheer, ready to compete.
The goal is to encourage players to take action and execute what they’ve been practicing. Let them figure it out on the ice; allowing them to make on-ice decisions without coach interference (ie, yelling directions, micro-managing every shift).
We teach/correct on the bench (keeping it simple and only when absolutely necessary). Game time is for players to express themselves using the skills they’ve learned while taking risks and using their creativity. The more we instruct, the less they express.
Under most circumstances we roll the lines; everyone plays on PP, PK.
Two wingers can/will kill a penalty together. It’s not necessary to have a centre on the entire PK.
Lineups remain the same unless a player is rendered a liability.
A player is a liability if:
They’re injured; they have equipment issues;
They deliberately behave in a manner detrimental to the team*:
give up or ‘mail it in’;
get lazy/deliberate/unnecessary penalties;
complain about playing time;
lack focus on the bench.
* This type of behaviour will be addressed on an individual basis and result in decreased playing time. Coaches who see this type of behaviour shall report/discuss with the head coach.
No player shall miss playing time due to:
Taking risks, making mistakes;
Not executing their responsibilities (ie, they look lost, don’t play their position, don’t understand their assignments). If they put in the effort, never give up, but continue to struggle, then it is the coach’s responsibility to figure out a way to help them understand.
Coaching Roles:
2 coaches on the bench;
2 coaches work doors;
1 trainer in middle of bench, ready/available to treat injuries
Responsibilities for coaches standing on the bench (bench coach)
Observe and celebrate the players who are ‘dialed in’, who make good decisions, who are great teammates;
Teach, guide, and correct using the white board;
Ensure players on the bench remain focused and ready to go when called upon;
Make suggestions to the head coach regarding players who are struggling with execution or whose behaviour is detrimental to the team.
Responsibilities for coaches managing the doors (door coach):
Observe and celebrate the players who are ‘dialed in’, who make good decisions, who are great teammates;
Monitor shift lengths, manage PP and PK lines, decide when to make line changes;
Ensure players on the bench remain focused and ready to go when called upon;
Make suggestions to the ‘bench’ coach regarding players who may need white board review;
Make suggestions to the head coach about players whose behaviour is detrimental to the team.
Responsibilities for Trainers:
Treat injuries, manage equipment needs;
Have the first and final say about an injured player's playing time;
Make recommendations to the head coach regarding injured players;
Observe and celebrate the players who are ‘dialed in’, who make good decisions, who are great teammates.
The head coach will consider all suggestions/recommendations and make appropriate decisions based on the circumstances. No changes to playing time for any player shall be made without the head coach’s knowledge and approval.
Win or lose, the post-game interaction needs to be consistent in both emotion and message. Remain calm (not too excited, not too angry). Avoid lectures or speeches.
Ask 2 questions:
Did you express your true self?
Did you challenge yourself to do your best?
Make 2 points:
1 thing they did well
1 thing they can improve on