MTSU Ice Hockey

Adjusted summary of articles by David Madden and Susan Rivera

So you’re into hockey. Better players enjoy the game more. Attend a hockey camp. Intense training, professional coaching and lots of drills vastly improve not just your shooting skills but your overall game. If you’ve got the time, join the hockey lovers in a boot camp, hockey version. While hockey camps give you the chance to improve your shooting skills and hit more hockey goals over a few short weeks, a coach does more than help you polish your game; they’re often your mentor.

Ace soccer player David Beckham has a long-running relationship with his manager Alex Ferguson. Go buy a ticket to an NHL game. Practice, practice, and practice some more! There’s no substitute to hard work. What makes a good hockey player a great athlete is not discipline; it’s practiced discipline.

hockey goal

Much like any endeavor, it’s always best to approach hockey with a goal. Hockey or any sport for that matter, works similarly. Set your goals high and work on it one hockey goal at a time. If you want to reach your hockey goals, doing some off-ice training during the summer is an absolute necessity.

Adjusted summary of article by Neil Konitshek

Being from southern California and only having the opportunity to watch the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, I never have the opportunity to watch major junior hockey.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to take in a Senators/Rangers game at Scotiabank Place. Although the Ducks and Kings have very knowledgeable fans about the game, the overall atmosphere seems to lack the real passion for the game of hockey.

junior hockey

The game for the most part was rather lackluster. The Senators were a little banged up and played a very conservative game. The game looked very systematic as I saw players endlessly dumping the puck and trapping.

The next night, my co-coach and I went over to Gatineau, Quebec to take in Major Junior action. Right when I entered the old barn in Gatineau, I knew I was going to experience the excitement and passion that I was looking for. Gatineau and Drumondville had played the night before in Drumondville. Yet, it felt more of a hockey ice arena than Scotiabank Place.

The game was fast and exciting. It was truly a treat for a longtime hockey fan from southern California.

Adjusted summary of articles by G LaForge and Joseph Enos

In the sport of ice hockey, players must learn three certain skills in order just to play to the game. Second, players must learn to keep their heads up while performing in a game. Third, players must constantly practice their game. Players should tape their ice hockey sticks before every game, which would be the fourth tip. The seventh tip is players must have confidence in their game.

Developing a backhand shot will improve players’ skills in the sport of ice hockey. Almost every decent ice hockey player has developed a normal forehand shot. It is essential for players to tape their hockey stick. Players should tape the top of their hockey stick and the blade. Taping the blade of the stick allows players to grasp the puck more efficiently with their stick.

hockey player

Players usually tape the blade of their stick either with white or black tape. It is vital for ice  players, playing in a game to stay focused and make the right play. It is always important for players to be ready for passes during an ice game. Players must maintain their stick on the ice at all times. Players skating with their stick on the ice will prepare them to receive passes from their teammates. Ice hockey players must always have confidence in their game.

Adjusted summary of articles by G LaForge

Depending on the level you play at you could have between 2-3 power plays in a game, or you could have 10-15 a game. Here are some of the most common power play strategies that teams will use.

hockey game

1) The Simple Triangle

2) Behind the Net

3) Playing at the Point

Understanding strengths and weaknesses in hockey is more then just recognizing them. You also have to understand that they are constantly changing, every time somebody moves on the ice, the situation changes.

A wishful thinker will underestimate the other team and throw plays at them that will not work. A pessimistic thinker will overestimate the other team and not do plays that will work. To be unbiased you must compare the strengths and weaknesses of both teams with a stat sheet. The difference between a good coach and a great coach is that a good coach will recognize strengths and weaknesses; a great coach will motivate his players to take advantage of them.

Showing your players strengths and weaknesses requires constant communication. The best team is the one where the players see the strengths and weaknesses of the other team and take advantage of them.