Sep 28, 2026 practice at Mt. Pleasant Ice Rink
Drills
Escape Drill into 1 timer
Forwards rim the puck around, and the goalie comes out to stop the puck. A forward skates and picks up the puck and passes the puck to the defensemen. Defensemen catch the pass, do an escape move into a pass to the forwards. Once the pass is completed, the forwards stop. Loop back to where they came from and look for a 1 timer or backdoor pass. Both Forwards and Defensemen can switch First video link is the defense escape move to backhand and forehand Second video link is the proper 1 timer form
Brooksy Utah Mammoth
Objective The Brooksy Utah Mammoth from John Dean helps players develop competitive habits for winning loose pucks, cutting through an opponent’s hands, and making the next play immediately. The drill progresses from a puck race into a quick 2 vs. 1, followed by a rim retrieval under pressure and a 2 vs. 2. Variations - You can have the last players in line on both sides of the ice be the person who rims the puck instead of the coach. - Coaches can place the puck race in different areas of the ice. - Coaches can place the support players in different areas of the ice.
- Divide players into two teams. - Place one player from each team on the goal line. - Position one support player from each team at the top of the circles. - Place a puck in the middle of the playing area. - On the whistle, the two players on the goal line race for the puck. - The player who wins possession passes to their support player, creating a quick 2 vs. 1 against the opposing support player. - The player who loses the initial race does not participate in the 2 vs. 1. - The attacking team should generate a scoring opportunity quickly. - On the second whistle, the coach rims a new puck to the team that lost the initial race. - A player from that team retrieves the rim using the team’s preferred yellow runner technique. - All four players then compete in a 2 vs. 2, with the opposing team applying immediate pressure. - The coach determines how long the 2 vs. 2 continues.
- Cut through the hands: Take away space and establish body position while competing to be first to the loose puck.
- Make the next play immediately: After winning possession, move the puck to support and attack the net before the defense can recover.
- Retrieve under pressure: Protect the puck with the body and move the feet on the first touch while opponents hunt the retrieval.
2 v 2 Bagger
Description This small area game from Kendall Coyne Schofield requires a lot of decisions, thinking and working no matter which side of the puck you are on. It is great for working hard to get to open space and utilizing your support players to create opportunities on offense. The game reinforces all of the key themes that Kendall looks to get out of small area games including; moving, thinking, working, creativity, decision making and fun. Setup - 2 Nets should be set up on the goal line in an offensive zone in line with the face-off circles - Each team is designated a net for them to score on and another to defend - Teams consist of 2 active players and 2 stationary players - Players not participating can line up on the blue line and keep the puck in - The 2 active players per team can go anywhere in the zone - The 2 stationary players per team are lined up at the point and along the boards just above the hash mark - Coaches set up just outside of the blue line with pucks Game Objective: Play a game up to a certain number team "X" vs team "O" - Coach dumps 1 puck in and the players play 2 v 2 in the zone to try to score on the opponents net - The active players can use their stationary support players who can either pass or shoot to score - The coach allows players to compete as long as he or she sees fit (usually 30-40 seconds) - Each goal counts towards the team total - When the whistle blows or a goal is scored, the active players leave the zone to rest, the stationary players become the active players and 2 new stationary players come in - Coach can throw in a new puck when: - The goalie covers the puck - The puck goes out of play - A goal is scored Coaching Points - Working hard to get open and find lanes - Identifying and using outlets for support to relieve pressure - Communication: practicing both verbal and non-verbal communication with your teammates
Fran Gow 3 on 2 or 3 on 3
The Fran Gow 3 on 2 and 3 on 3 small area game focuses on controlling pucks off the wall, creating time and space, and attacking the net with purpose. Players learn to manage pressure, roll off defenders, protect the puck, and make quick decisions in tight areas while defenders work on stick on puck and box outs. Drill Setup - Place a net just above the hashmarks or along the ringette line if available. Establish a goal line across the ice with the net facing the end boards. - Start with three offensive players and two defensive players. You can add a third defender to make it three on three for additional compete. - Each offensive group receives three pucks. The first and third pucks are rimmed in by the coach on their side. The second puck is rimmed by the coach on the opposite side. - On each whistle a coach rims a puck around the boards. Offense must retrieve it, control it off the wall, and attack the net. Any time a puck crosses the line, enters the net, or is covered by the goalie, the next whistle starts the next puck. Coaching Points - Offense: Coaching Points - Defense: Coaching Points - General Concepts: Variations - Can place net on goal line, on the hashmarks (as shown in diagram) or on top of circles - Can play 3 v 2 or 3 v 3
- Control pucks coming off the boards
- Use cutbacks, jab steps, and puck protection to create time and space
- Roll off defenders and attack with speed
- Use teammates for quick plays and scoring chances
- Make strong shot selections and attack the net with purpose
- Use skates or stick creatively to handle unpredictable rims
- Maintain stick on puck and apply immediate pressure
- Stay tight and use body positioning to contain attackers
- Execute strong box outs in tight areas
- Read cutbacks and stay on the defensive side
- Wall play and puck retrievals
- Cutbacks and momentum changes
- Puck protection skills on both strong side and weak side
- Quick transitions from retrieval to attack