PUCK PROTECTION PROGRESSION

Setup and execution: Players are in groups of two, with two pylons placed 20-25 feet apart. Players go around the pylons and attack the stationary player by sliding the puck through the attack triangle, first on forehand then on backhand.

Key teaching points:

• Deep knee bend for balance.
• Obstacles are close together to develop quick hands.
• Attack the stick shafts on the ice by using a toe drag and pulling the puck to the forehand; the puck does not touch the back of the blade on these drags.
• Attack the stationary player; vary this by going wide or attacking the triangle of the defender.

New for this season, the drills available through the Hockey Canada Network have been enhanced – in addition to a diagram and written explanation, each drill includes a video showing how it works, and a clip showing exactly how the drill can be beneficial in a game situation.

The Network app allows coaches to filter through hundreds of drills, select which ones they want for practice, and share the drills with their team. Players and other coaches can now step on the ice already knowing what the drills look like, meaning that less time is spent explaining, and more time can be spent practicing.

At the start of every month, Drills of the Month will be posted on the Hockey Canada Network for coaches of every level. The drills will be shared through teams within the Network; follow the instructions below to join a team.

If you already have a Hockey Canada Network account, select the link that corresponds to your program level to join and receive the Drills of the Month. You can join as many teams as you would like.

Initiation Coaches
Novice Coaches
Atom & Peewee Coaches
Bantam & Midget Coaches
Female Coaches
Goaltending Skills
Parent Information

If you are new to the Hockey Canada Network, follow these instructions to set up your free account. The Hockey Canada Network is available to Android and iOS users. Any smartphone, Android tablet or iPad user will be able to download the Network and become familiar with the digital resources available to coaches.

The free version of the Network app will allow users to receive 'shared information' from coaches or MHA administrators. Anyone with the full account can push any of the content to someone with an account.

For more information, check out www.hockeycanadanetwork.com.