Hockey Tips for Parents

What a player eats—and when—can directly impact their energy, recovery, strength, and focus on the ice. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or pushing toward Juniors, nutrition gives players a real edge. 1. Build a Balanced Plate The foundation of every meal should include: Lean protein (chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt) Healthy carbs (rice, potatoes, oats, whole grains) Good fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) Colorful vegetables (broccoli, spinach, peppers) Tip: Eat 3 full meals and 2–3 snacks per day. 2. Hydration Matters More Than You Think Even a 2% drop in hydration affects performance: Drink half your body weight in ounces daily (e.g., 80oz for 160 lbs) Water first—sports drinks only if sweating heavily or training over an hour Check pee color—light yellow = good 3. Pre-Game Fuel = Energy On the Ice Eat 2–3 hours before a game: Grilled chicken + rice + fruit Turkey sandwich + apple + water Oatmeal + banana + nut butter Avoi...

🏒 What Hockey Players Should Focus On in Summer Training The off-season isn’t downtime—it’s development time . The best players don’t just train harder in the summer—they train smarter . Here’s how to structure a focused, productive summer that builds real gains heading into next season: 1. Strength & Power Development This is the best time of year to get stronger and build the foundation for speed and injury resistance. Lower Body: squats, lunges, step-ups Core: planks, Russian twists, anti-rotation holds Power: box jumps, sled pushes, explosive lifts Tip: Focus on form and stability first, then increase weight and intensity gradually. 2. Skating & Edge Control Players who stay on the ice consistently—even once or twice a week—preserve key movement patterns and improve their stride. Short ice sessions focused on edges, transitions, acceleration Skating drills under fatigue (to mimic game conditions) Add resistance (parachute, vest) to impr...

As hockey seasons begin to wrap up across the country, it’s easy to close the book and take a breather. But this time— right now —is one of the most valuable windows in a player's development cycle. Here’s how to help your player get the most from their season, even after the final buzzer sounds: 1. Evaluate Progress, Not Just Stats Goals and assists are great—but growth is bigger than numbers. Ask: Did your player improve key skills? Were they more confident, physical, or aware? How did they respond to adversity? A clear-eyed reflection shows where they’ve grown—and what still needs work. 2. Get Feedback Before You Forget Don’t wait until next season. Now is the time to: Talk to coaches about strengths and development areas Ask for honest feedback on hockey IQ, attitude, and compete level Use this input to shape off-season goals 3. Reassess the Development Path Is your current team, coach, or level helping your player improve? Would more or less t...

🏒 THE JUNIOR HOCKEY LADDER – WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PLAYER? 🏒 Not all junior leagues are created equal. Understanding the tiers can help you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your player’s future. Here’s a breakdown: 🔥 Tier 1 (The Best of the Best) ✅  Major Junior (OHL, WHL, QMJHL)  – Considered "pro" in Canada, meaning players used to lose NCAA eligibility but starting August 2025 players in this league can go D1. The most direct path to the NHL. ✅ USHL (United States Hockey League) – Only Tier I league in the USA.  A top pool for NCAA and NHL prospects. Fully funded. If your player can make it, this is the premier league. ⚡ Tier 2 (High-Level Development, NCAA Pathway) ✅ NAHL (North American Hockey League) – Top non-pay-to-play Tier 2 league in the U.S. Great for NCAA D1/D3 exposure. ✅ NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) – Another non-pay-to-play league with NCAA focus. ✅ BCHL, AJHL, SJHL (Canadian Tier 2) ...

WANT MORE ICE TIME? HERE’S HOW TO EARN IT. Ice time isn’t given—it’s earned. If your player isn’t getting enough shifts, they need to make it impossible for the coach to keep them on the bench. WHAT COACHES REWARD WITH MORE ICE TIME Defensive Responsibility – Backcheck, block shots, make smart plays. Winning Battles – Outwork opponents every shift. Special Teams Play – PK/PP specialists get extra minutes. Positive Attitude – Coaches play team-first players. WHY PLAYERS LOSE ICE TIME Lazy backchecking. One-dimensional play (only offense, no defense). Bad attitude, arguing with coaches or teammates. Pro Tip: Be the hardest worker in practice. If you compete like it’s a game, coaches will notice. What’s your strategy for earning more ice time? Drop your thoughts below! 📚 More Trusted Resources for Players & Parents ...

Making the Jump: What 12–14-Year-Old Hockey Players Need to Focus On The years between 12 and 14 are some of the most critical in a hockey player's development. It's a time when skills are refined, confidence is built, and players either plateau or prepare to level up. If you're a young player—or a parent guiding one—here’s what matters most right now: 1. Master the Fundamentals The best players aren’t just flashy—they’re fundamentally sound. That means: Repetition with skating, puck control, shooting, and passing. Drills done with purpose and focus. Continuing to develop edge work and explosiveness. Skating is still the foundation of the game. Never stop working on it. 2. Hockey IQ & Game Awareness As players move into higher competition, the game gets faster—not just physically, but mentally. Players who succeed are the ones who understand: Positioning – Know where to be with and without the puck. Play anticipation – Think 2–3 steps ahead. Decision-making – Make fa...

🚨 Want Your Kid to Play Junior Hockey? Here’s What You Need to Do NOW! 🚨 If your player is 14-16 and has dreams of playing Juniors , now is the time to take action! Here’s what matters most: 🏒 Play at the Right Level – AAA or strong AA programs provide the best development. If your kid isn’t there yet, focus on improving and getting seen. 💪 On & Off-Ice Training – Skills and hockey IQ matter, but so does size and strength. Speed, conditioning, and strength training are critical. 📢 Exposure Matters – Attend Junior team camps, showcases, and prospect tournaments . This is how scouts find players. 🎯 Target the Right Leagues – Research USHL, NAHL, NCDC, BCHL, AJHL , and others. Each league has different levels and paths. 📜 Academics Count – Many junior leagues are NCAA feeders. Keeping grades up keeps doors open for both juniors and college hockey. 👥 Networking & Relationships – Coaches, advisors, and former players can guide you. Build relationships with jun...