JUNIOR GRIZZLIES 2024-2025
HOMEWORK - ARTICLES & VIDEOS
| champion.pdf |
COMMITMENT TO TEAM DEFENSE & NO 'HOPE' PLAYS
Henrik Lundqvist from the TNT Post Game panel mentions how important the commitment to defense and the team game is for the LA Kings and Florida Panthers. He talks about how making the smart, sometimes simple, solid play (usually around the blue lines) is the right play to make rather than trying to make a low percentage, risky play that may or may not always work. It is usually the simple plays that get the job done and is what is expected in big games, especially in the playoffs.
These are the same messages we are trying to emphasize and implement in our team game. As discussed with the players, when we do well in these areas, we are usually competing and controlling parts of the game. (apologies for poor sound quality)
Henrik Lundqvist from the TNT Post Game panel mentions how important the commitment to defense and the team game is for the LA Kings and Florida Panthers. He talks about how making the smart, sometimes simple, solid play (usually around the blue lines) is the right play to make rather than trying to make a low percentage, risky play that may or may not always work. It is usually the simple plays that get the job done and is what is expected in big games, especially in the playoffs.
These are the same messages we are trying to emphasize and implement in our team game. As discussed with the players, when we do well in these areas, we are usually competing and controlling parts of the game. (apologies for poor sound quality)
NET FRONT TRAFFIC
In this TNT Post Game segment the panel points out how the LA Kings are focusing on getting shots from the point through to the net and more importantly, having forwards get to the net for net front traffic.
For our team, this is a message that continues and is an important area for us if we want to generate more scoring opportunities. We have seen it a few times with our team recently and have proven it to be beneficial with a couple of goals but we need to have more shots get through from the point and more of this 'hunger' in front of the net if we want to generate more scoring opportunities. (apologies for the poor sound quality)
In this TNT Post Game segment the panel points out how the LA Kings are focusing on getting shots from the point through to the net and more importantly, having forwards get to the net for net front traffic.
For our team, this is a message that continues and is an important area for us if we want to generate more scoring opportunities. We have seen it a few times with our team recently and have proven it to be beneficial with a couple of goals but we need to have more shots get through from the point and more of this 'hunger' in front of the net if we want to generate more scoring opportunities. (apologies for the poor sound quality)
NO QUIT - LOOKING FOR LEADERS
Below is a clip and quote that was shared with the team during the Grizz Cup weekend. We thought that it was a fitting quote considering the situation we were in before our last game. It was nice to see the response from the team and to have the effort we had in the last game vs Flagstaff. We will continue to refer back to this quote for the remainder of the season.
Below is a clip and quote that was shared with the team during the Grizz Cup weekend. We thought that it was a fitting quote considering the situation we were in before our last game. It was nice to see the response from the team and to have the effort we had in the last game vs Flagstaff. We will continue to refer back to this quote for the remainder of the season.
RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS & CONNOR MCDAVID
Listen carefully to what Wayne Gretzky and the panel from the TNT broadcast say about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid. These are qualities and focuses all young hockey players should think about having in their game. Listen as well to what McDavid has to say in his interview about defensive play both from himself and the team.
Listen carefully to what Wayne Gretzky and the panel from the TNT broadcast say about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid. These are qualities and focuses all young hockey players should think about having in their game. Listen as well to what McDavid has to say in his interview about defensive play both from himself and the team.
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SCISSOR EXCHANGE PLAY
This clip shows 3 examples of close puck support and a possible puck exchange play that we have especially been working on with forwards in practice and is a play we are encouraging in the offensive zone. This occurs when a player without the puck skates towards the puck carrier in the opposite direction and provides an option for the puck carrier to leave the puck for him to pick up. In this particular clip you will see the Oilers perform this 'Scissor' play 3 times in a matter of about 5-7 seconds. The idea with this play is to create confusion for the defensive players and hopefully open up more lanes and better scoring opportunities.
This clip shows 3 examples of close puck support and a possible puck exchange play that we have especially been working on with forwards in practice and is a play we are encouraging in the offensive zone. This occurs when a player without the puck skates towards the puck carrier in the opposite direction and provides an option for the puck carrier to leave the puck for him to pick up. In this particular clip you will see the Oilers perform this 'Scissor' play 3 times in a matter of about 5-7 seconds. The idea with this play is to create confusion for the defensive players and hopefully open up more lanes and better scoring opportunities.
The two articles below address both pre-game preparation and the mental side of the game.
Players should ideally read these before our practice on Sat. Jan 11 and be prepared to answer questions and discuss.
Players should ideally read these before our practice on Sat. Jan 11 and be prepared to answer questions and discuss.
Penalty Killing Videos
We will be talking about certain parts from each of these videos. There are some basic concepts we will be focusing on and there are some advanced concepts that we won't be addressing but they are, of course, here for both players and parents if you are interested in watching them.
This first video we will be discussing the point at which forwards and Dmen hand off the pressure somewhere in the area of the hash mark line.
We will be talking about certain parts from each of these videos. There are some basic concepts we will be focusing on and there are some advanced concepts that we won't be addressing but they are, of course, here for both players and parents if you are interested in watching them.
This first video we will be discussing the point at which forwards and Dmen hand off the pressure somewhere in the area of the hash mark line.
This Diamond Approach is what we will begin to focus on.
The beginning part of this Face-off video will be what we want to emphasize.
I have had discussions with a former teammate of mine, Alain Nasreddine (former Asst. Coach with NJ Devils and current Asst. Coach with Dallas Stars) about the techniques and ideas they implement into their Penalty Killing systems. This video is from a few seasons ago and gives a good example of what they did then and what the Stars do now.
This area of exchanges between forwards is very advanced and can be effective against certain types of powerplay setups but we will not be focusing on this as much. It is here for those who are interested and would like to understand more about it.
VIDEOS FOR OUR GOALIES
This is a good example on how a goalie can be a leader by being supportive, positive and appreciative of the work his teammates do in front of him.
This is a good clip from Hockey Night in Canada, discussing goalie support for each other and the importance of a good partnership.
Good example of why and how a goalie can hold the short side post and look over their shoulder to see the play BEFORE pushing over.
These are good examples from NHL games of the concepts we are trying to improve in our games.
D to D Hinge play
Notice in this clip how the left defenseman supports his partner 'underneath' after he passes to his partner. In this particular case, and as we have discussed in our practices, the left defenseman supports his partner in line with the net then looks to the weak side of the ice to make a pass to the far-side winger who ultimately chips the puck in to allow his team to get a line change.
Quick-up stretch pass on a line change
This clip is actually a continuation of the clip above. This is also a play that we were practicing last weekend on Sunday at Cottonwood. When all of the Knights go for a line change, the Avs defenseman and the Avs winger read this and work together to move the puck up the ice quickly and back into the Knights zone. Notice that this play allows the Avs to get two fresh forwards on the ice to forecheck then the winger who chipped the puck in changes last.
This clip is actually a continuation of the clip above. This is also a play that we were practicing last weekend on Sunday at Cottonwood. When all of the Knights go for a line change, the Avs defenseman and the Avs winger read this and work together to move the puck up the ice quickly and back into the Knights zone. Notice that this play allows the Avs to get two fresh forwards on the ice to forecheck then the winger who chipped the puck in changes last.
Neutral Zone forecheck
In this clip the panel from Hockey Night in Canada explain how the Maple Leafs structure their forecheck on a particular shift and mention a few important points to keep in mind, which we will continue to discuss at our practices and chalk talks.
In this clip the panel from Hockey Night in Canada explain how the Maple Leafs structure their forecheck on a particular shift and mention a few important points to keep in mind, which we will continue to discuss at our practices and chalk talks.
These are good examples from NHL games of the concepts we are trying to improve in our games and would like to see more often in an effort to generate more scoring opportunities. Players should watch the 6 clips below and study the positioning, setups and puck movement as well as listen closely to the second clip from the top with the TNT panel.
NET FRONT TRAFFIC
- To increase scoring opportunities we are encouraging forwards to get to the net front quicker and more often to make it more difficult for goalies to make saves. We want it to be more chaotic in front of the net. At the same time, forwards should be closer to the net to pick up any rebounds, which you will see in this clip.
- Net front traffic doesn't have to mean standing still in front of the net. It can also mean crossing in front of the net in the line of sight of the goalie. In the second clip, Henrik Lundqvist on the TNT panel refers to net front crossings as Drive-bys. This can create a lot of chaos and distraction in front of the net.
- Lundqvist also discusses what goalies should keep in mind from their perspective when faced with situations like this.
- It is also important that defensemen get the shots around screens and on net or at least close to the net for deflections from forwards going towards the net.
- To increase scoring opportunities we are encouraging forwards to get to the net front quicker and more often to make it more difficult for goalies to make saves. We want it to be more chaotic in front of the net. At the same time, forwards should be closer to the net to pick up any rebounds, which you will see in this clip.
- Net front traffic doesn't have to mean standing still in front of the net. It can also mean crossing in front of the net in the line of sight of the goalie. In the second clip, Henrik Lundqvist on the TNT panel refers to net front crossings as Drive-bys. This can create a lot of chaos and distraction in front of the net.
- Lundqvist also discusses what goalies should keep in mind from their perspective when faced with situations like this.
- It is also important that defensemen get the shots around screens and on net or at least close to the net for deflections from forwards going towards the net.
OVERLOAD POWERPLAY - DOWN LOW AND PASS TO LOW SLOT
-In both of these clips below, look at the positioning, puck movement and setup to get a good shot on net from the slot. This is one of the plays we are working on in practice and would like to see on the powerplays in our games.
OVERLOAD POWERPLAY - DOWN LOW STUFF
- Here is another play we are working on in practice and encouraging the player down low on the goal line to take advantage of if he has the time and space to take it to the net. Watch how the players in both clips make a strong move to the net with the puck.
- Here is another play we are working on in practice and encouraging the player down low on the goal line to take advantage of if he has the time and space to take it to the net. Watch how the players in both clips make a strong move to the net with the puck.
**Below are the articles and videos we have asked that the players read and watch this week. The players were instructed to get a small notebook and write down one sentence or quote one thing from each article and video that they liked or thought was important to highlight. We will be discussing these as a team beginning this weekend.
**WE ARE ALSO ASKING THAT THE PARENTS READ THE ARTICLES AND WATCH THE VIDEOS AS WELL.
| are_you_a_get_or_give_player.pdf |
| roger_federer_on_adversity_talent_effort_and_more.pdf |
| developing_good_teammates.pdf |
Handle the Hard Better
GRITTINESS
Earning Trust from Teammates - Bill Belichick
MINI CAMP 2024-2025
Mini camp is a great opportunity for coaches, players and parents to understand what to expect from the season and to establish player/parent expectations. It should also give everyone an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and for the players and coaches to participate in some team building activities. As coaches, we will strive to make this a positive growing and learning experience for the players and those who support them. Following a Code of Conduct from the Grizzlies organization, we will embody the core values to "Strive for Excellence" to coach, instruct and teach the players that these ideas and concepts will not only help them immensely as developing hockey players but will also benefit them in their other sports, school and other situations in their lives.
To have a successful season it is our goal to first build a strong culture around our team, which includes both the players and parents. We believe that a strong cohesive culture is key to having an enjoyable experience and achieving success.
"Everything in a program starts with the culture."
--Brian Holman ; Former University of Utah Men's Lacrosse Head Coach
"Culture drives great results."
--Jack Welch ; Former CEO of General Electric
Not only will the focus be on improving the skills and knowledge of the game on the ice, there will also be an equal focus on guiding players on how to be solid individuals off the ice. The same qualities and characteristics that the game of hockey and its coaches can introduce can be the foundation for each player’s growth and life skills development. The cornerstones of our team culture will be centered on:
Strong Work Ethic and Compete Level
- Putting forth a consistent and sustainable effort is key in whatever you do. "Strive for Excellence"!
- Develop a level of 'Compete' that is elite, relentless and exemplifies your best effort.
Discipline and Dedication
- Adhering to team expectations, paying attention to details and practicing good habits on and off the ice. This also includes learning to be mentally strong, refraining from excuses and complaining.
Determination and Perseverance
- Learning that determination and perseverance are necessary to achieving goals and overcoming obstacles (being "Hungry"). These characteristics can help serve to motivate behavior to attain success.
Respect and Humbleness
- Respecting all people and facilities as well as having a humble approach to the game of hockey and in life.
'Team First' Mentality
- Supporting the team, individual teammates and contributing to a positive culture for the team.
Attitude - Body Language
- Learning that attitude matters and can have an effect on how you are viewed and how it impacts the team. This also includes appropriate behavior and body language.
Fun
- Discovering the fun in developing as a player, as an individual and as a team. Players at all levels of hockey must enjoy coming to the rink to have a chance to perform at their best.
CODE OF CONDUCT
A copy of the Code of Conduct was mentioned at the Parent Meeting and discussed with the players during the video session. This Code of Conduct has been established in a collaborative effort from multiple coaches in the Junior Grizzlies organization and will be used with all teams with the Junior Grizzlies.
Videos and chalk talks
During video and chalk talk sessions we discussed and went over some of the videos, articles and concepts below. Over the next several weeks we will introduce and touch on the remaining content with the players.
VIDEOS, MESSAGES AND CONCEPTS
ARE YOU READY TO WORK
This is a commercial from Hockey Canada & Chevrolet that encompasses the approach, mentality and characteristics we would like our team to embrace. We hope that the message resonates with the players/parents and is at the core of how to approach life and the game of hockey.
COACHES ADVICE TO NEXT GENERATION
TEAM CULTURE
BODY LANGUAGE
ATTITUDE
EFFORT
GRETZKY ON:
RESPECT, HUMILITY AND WORK ETHIC
RESPECT, HUMILITY AND WORK ETHIC
SCOTT STEVENS; STICK ON PUCK