Let's Play Hockey Summer Hockey Guide by Let's Play Hockey

– LET’S PLAY HOCKEY SPECIAL SECTION –

Hockey Summer 2022

Guide

eagues L y e k c o H r e •Summ g Tips! in in a r T • s p •Clinics •Cam Check out these advertisers! Propel Hockey Camps............................... 2 Minnesota Made..........................................3 The Goalie Club..........................................5 Hockey and Daughters...............................7 Heartland Hockey Camp.........................8-9 Minnesota Made........................................11 Girl Power/MN Hockey Camps................13 Carroll Goalie School...............................14 Grunnah Power Skating...........................15 Hockey Finder...........................................16

PLUS Training Tips: Gretzky and Einstein...page 4 Training for the off-season...page 6 7 Skills every player can improve...page 10 Passing...a lost art?...page 12

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All Day Summer Camps for Active Hockey Kids 10+ Years Creating Summer Fun!

ACTIVITIES • Full Day Camp • 2 Ice Sessions Daily • Off Ice Training (Kayaking, Fishing & Golf) • Academic Time • Minimum Age 7 • Dodgeball • Soccer • Kickball

For program details and registration visit

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Minnesota’s Premier Skill Development League since 2014! • 125 MINNESOTA SCHOOLS REPRESENTED • Proven development model with 300+ Alumni in Junior and Collegiate Hockey • Games played at multiple arenas around the entire Metro Area & Wisconsin • 18 Game seasons plus playoffs and all-star game • Open to High School eligible players, plus separate Bantam and Peewee Leagues • Individual registrations, team requests, and carpool arrangements considered

High School Spring League

• Tryouts for new players in March • Season runs April thru May (Fri-Sun games)

High School Fall League

• Tryouts for new players in August • Season runs Sept. thru Oct. (NO Friday games)

Increased Puck Time = More Skill = Better Results

Fall Bantam & Peewee League • Tryouts in July

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Minnesota Made Hockey INDIVIDUAL SKILL Development

SUMMER 2022 HOCKEY CLINICS & TRAINING Minnesota Made Ice Center 7300 Bush Lake Road, Edina MN 55439

NOTHING WILL WORK UNLESS YOU DO - JOHN WOODEN optimum defense offense for defensemen passing & shooting mite speed & skills overtime training girls stick/shoot dekeing/scoring rookie academy puck protection speed academy summer of ice stickhandling mite shooting goaltending battle camp day camp checking P=

Training for preschool through adult athletes Summer training June, July and August Fall clinics in September School year training before/after school 3v3 summer weekday leagues

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Full Year Round Clinic Line-up on website

Holiday break clinics Co-Ed - All positions Clinics for all abilities Goaltending

About MN Made Hockey Hard work is the only way to achieve success and lasting confidence. How many times have you heard someone refer to a young player as a very skilled player? Probably not often. The reason is there are not many of them out there. MN Made Hockey is dedicated to the individual skill developemnt of hockey players. A player with strong skills can play in any coach’s system and is a more valuable player on the ice. Our goal is to help you attain your goals.

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Gretzky and Einstein

Creative geniuses who thought outside the box by JACK BLATHERWICK

Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

Unlike college and professional football, offensive creativity in hockey comes mainly from players, and each year it is increasingly “coached” out of the game. Avoiding mistakes has become the highest priority, even at the youth level where the need to win eliminates creative trial-and-error. Not only do coaches insist on simplistic, structured hockey (chip it out, dump it in, keep it simple), but our educational system joins them to discourage “childish” creativity. Consider how foolish we are as a nation to fall for the current dogma that memorization of facts actually constitutes an education. Those who memorize best and repeat like robots on standardized tests are called “A-students.” We forget that rebels like Albert Einstein were the ones who actually changed history, and Wayne Gretzky did 10 things a shift the coach never thought of. No wonder Washington politicians have no new answers for old problems? No one has the courage, or educational background, to think outside the box. Actually, that looks a lot like hockey, 2019, while at the same time football coaches are coming up with offenses that are more creative than ever. Walter Isaacson, who wrote the biography “Albert Ein-

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stein, His Life and Universe,” decries any educational system that stifles non-conformity: “Of all the disservice we do our students, perhaps the most critical is demanding that they fit.” Keep that in mind when your PeeWee forwards try something unheard of, and turn it over at the offensive blue line, or a fourth grade math student asks, “Why should I learn long division if I will never use it again after fourth grade?” Maybe they’re right and the system is wrong. We coaches are entrusted with the development of ambitious youngsters with lofty dreams. But we limit those dreams by removing the element of trial-and-error. How can another young Gretzky develop unbridled creativity in our highly-structured youth programs? There are too many trophies – too much hype from parents – too much pressure to avoid mistakes. No doubt, creativity can still blossom in a pond hockey scrimmage, where 10-year-olds learn new moves from older brothers, where the only stakes are bragging rights at the dinner table, and mistakes mean nothing. Coaches and teachers are more likely to develop genius talent by acknowledging that Wayne Gretzky’s brilliance was that he did things the coach never drew up on the board, or that Einstein frustrated teachers with his distaste for conformity. It was because he thought outside the box that Einstein changed the direction of physics with revolutionary insights into the equivalence of mass and energy and his Theory of Relativity. Einstein believed, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” a thought that should be stenciled on every drill book and lesson plan. For coaches, it means that constant reminders about mistakes might prevent a turnover today, while discouraging a creative playmaker tomorrow. The impact players in hockey have always been those who learned the game by creative experimentation, and mistakes are part of the process.

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SUMMER CAMPS

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GOALIE TRAINING FOR ANY LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE TGC’s expert coaches will help you make the jump to the next level in your goaltending career. All programs include ice time, video analysis, dryland training, classroom discussion, workbooks, journals, and evaluations. Find details about each program level at THEGOALIECLUB.COM

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FARIBAULT, MN {Shattuck St. Mary’s} June 19-24: All TGC Programs + Shooters June 26-July 1: All TGC Programs + Shooters August 8-12: Advanced Programs only + Shooters

MANKATO, MN {All Seasons Arena} July 5-8: All TGC Programs + Shooters

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Camps fill every year!

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Training for the offseason by ANDY NESS

Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

So the off-season is here, now what? We know we need to skate and train but what should we do? What should focus on? The first thing that we have to understand is that after a long season certain things start to happen in our skating. The most common technique flaws that start to show their head after a full season is lack of knee bend, choppy stride, and a skater being bent over at the waist. The majority of practices in the winter are designed to work power play, breakouts, forecheck, D-zone, etc. As the off-season approaches we must get back to working on our individual skills such as shooting, puck-handling, passing, and of course skating. What should we do first? As summer approaches we will have a number of pro and college skaters that will be doing privates and small groups. With these groups we will always start with edges and balance. Challenging edge and balance drills are the key. Getting the skater to build a strong base and have solid edges into the ice is the overall goal. The same applies with balance. We need to get the skater down low and get in a position in which they will eventually become comfortable lower than 90 degrees. Most of this can be done slowly focusing on just the technique. These skaters will not have to play competitively for a long time so getting back to the fundamentals is crucial. This will take some time and repetition, but it is key to begin building a strong skating foundation again. We will then progressively work all of the skating skills through at a very slow speed. The whole idea is based around technique. Throughout a one hour lesson, I will typically focus on three skills at a time and work ceaselessly on technique. The skater must make sure the pushes are in the right direction, the upper body is under control, the edges are solid into the ice, and most importantly the knee 6 Summer Hockey Guide 2022

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bend is low enough. Skating skills this speed. should be worked on progressively. Finally, we will do what is called What this means is that you would not over-load. Over-load is similar to techteach a stride and then go to nique work but the drills that back crossovers immeare done are longer in diately after. Pickduration with a few Remember, all people ing and matching different skating are created with an equal skills is always a skills implementopportunity to become good idea when ed in one drill. starting to work With the older unequal. The hard work technique. Continskaters we will will pay off. ue doing this slow add a weight vest (in until the skater is realthe photo) to make sure ly getting comfortable with his/ the knees stay bent and focus on her form and technique. Remember, strengthening the skater’s legs. These working on a skill incorrectly fast is drills typically last about 30 seconds; only reinforcing bad habits. I use the the skater is always striving to be at analogy of a golf drive. Anyone can 90 degrees with their knee flex and exgo out and swing a golf club as hard aggerating every push from their edge. as they can over and over but if their At the end of the drill the skater will technique is horrible, nothing is going get about a 60-90 second rest dependto change and then you are only rein- ing on the number of skaters. This is forcing a horrible golf swing. Practic- how we alway finish our practice. We ing only makes permanent so make always save about 15-18 minutes at sure you are doing the skills properly. the end to do this, again a great way to After I see that the skater’s tech- work the skater at the end. nique is strong and efficient, we will Now you can have an idea of what then begin to start doing some over- skaters can and should do to improve speed. Overspeed has been a buzz their skating in the summer. Now is word of late and is a fantastic tool if the time to work and really focus on done properly. If you are doing “over- getting better. Remember, all people speed” you are skating out of your are created with an equal opportunicomfort zone. The idea is that eventu- ty to become unequal. The hard work ally you will build a new comfort zone will pay off. that is even faster and quicker. For example, if you are doing crossovers at Andy Ness is the head skating and full speed, you are trying to get your skill coach for the Minnesota Wild. feet moving so fast that you may fall He has also been an assistant skating or lose the puck (if you are carrying instructor for the New Jersey Devils, one). The repetition of doing these the University of Minnesota men’s and skills will get you faster, but again, women’s hockey teams and the U.S. make sure technique stays sound at Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. Let’s Play Hockey

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It’s the ultimate hockey experience and the best place for girls 5–15 years old and parents of all ages to lace up and hit the ice together. This summer, create a lifetime of memories with your daughter, Hockey & Daughters Director Troy G. Ward, and lead instructors Sarah Erickson-Upton and Erik Strand. Join us at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, for a camp that tightens both hockey skills and family ties.

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Seven skills every player can improve By improving in these seven areas, you will take a step closer to becoming an elite player

Moving laterally with speed will separate players from their check and create more scoring opportunities.

by BY KIM MCCULLOUGH, Let’s Play Hockey Columnist PHOTO BY CHRISTINE WISCH

A few years back, I had the opportunity to watch in person two of the top-ranked women’s college hockey teams in the country, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, face off against each other in a doubleheader. As someone who used to play against these teams years ago, it is always amazing to see how the level of speed, skill and strength shown by the players has improved overall. But by far, the most impressive thing I noticed while watching these two teams play was the extremely high degree of execution. In fact, when someone made a pass that was slightly less than perfect or missed their responsibility on the back check, it stuck out like a sore thumb. For these two games, I sat way up at the top of the stands with the simple goal of figuring out what these players and teams were doing that really separated them from the level of play I watch on a daily basis. So I created a list of “The top seven things that every player can improve” from my observations during these two games. 1. Talk!: The first thing that struck me was how much the players communicated with each other out on the ice. Most of the time when I watch games, the players are virtually silent out on the ice. During these games, the players called for every pass, defensemen communicated with their partners and the goalies helped the defense out on the in-zone. Talking out on the ice only makes everyone’s job easier. 2. Stick on the ice: This is another big one that I am constantly reminding 10 Summer Hockey Guide 2022

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my players about. Not only did these elite players have their stick on the ice right when they knew the pass or shot was coming, they had it there even earlier. The game was moving so fast that many of the passes would have been missed if the players were holding the stick up by their waist – but they were always ready. 3. Follow shots to the net: Quite often when I am watching girls’ games, players will take a shot and then fade off to the corner or end up below the goal line afterwards. These women took their shots, crashed the net with speed and stopped right in the crease. They didn’t stand around and stare at their shot – they kept their feet moving and went to the net. 4. Feet always moving along boards: Whether it was a winger opening up on the boards on the breakout or a defenseman battling for the puck along the wall, these elite players always kept their feet moving. Standing still or gliding along the boards really only ever works in the power play – most of the time you want to keep your feet moving to avoid a check or avoid getting a penalty. 5. Lateral movement on attack: I am constantly reinforcing the concept of moving laterally in the neutral zone and offensive zone with my forwards. While being fast in a straight line is important, it’s your ability to move laterally with speed and power that will allow you to separate yourself from your check and get more opportunities to score. These players were constantly skating on the diagonal, looking for Let’s Play Hockey

shorter passes and creating time and space with their lateral movement. 6. Defense get feet moving with puck: This is another one that I am constantly reminding my defensemen about. The defense in these women’s games always had their feet moving up ice when they made a pass. Sometimes it seems like young players over-think their decisions on defense and stop moving their feet before making a pass. This leaves them no opportunity to recover quickly if the pass is off-target, and it is always easier to pass to a moving target when you are moving as well. 7. Patience with the puck: This was the one thing that really separated these elite players from the younger players I watch every day. When they had the puck on their stick, they never panicked. Even when they were under pressure, they kept their head up and their feet moving and looked for their best option. This is a skill that all players who aspire to get to the next level much cultivate. By improving in these seven areas and focusing on executing every skill to the best of your ability, you will take a step closer to becoming an elite player one day too.

Get complete access to articles, videos, interviews and advice on how to take your game to the next level at www.totalfemalehockey.com. Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS, is an expert in the development of aspiring female hockey players. She is a former NCAA Division I captain at Dartmouth and played in the National Women’s Hockey League for six years, the Head Coach of the Toronto-Leaside Jr Wildcats in the Provincials Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and is the Director & Founder of Total Female Hockey. www.stateofhockey.com

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Passing – A lost art? The one skill that seems to have regressed in youth and high school hockey is passing by JOSH LEVINE

Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

The one skill that seems to have regressed in youth and high school hockey is passing. It’s not sexy and a clip of an amazing breakout pass is rarely featured on any highlight reel or Instagram feed. But hockey is a game of speed and the cliché that the puck moves faster than any skater is true. The best passing teams have substantial advantages over their opponents. Imagine a sequence of two passes that takes A pass from one defenseman to the other on place just 0.2 seconds faster on one team compared to its opponent. Each time they make a set a regroup that is crisp, quick and accurate sets up of two passes, this team opens up space. At the the next play. Each consecutive hard and accurate boys’ high school varsity level, that space can be five feet or more! That’s how fast this game is and pass gives the receiver a wider range of options how crucial passing is to be successful in it. than he otherwise would have had. Many players can recite a variety of coaching tips for shooting. Everyone, including coaches, would rather watch kids work on shooting than watch players learn to pass. Even a simple partner passing rewarding hard work. We reward scoring goals. What about drill can be excruciating as pucks begin to fly off players’ the passes that set up the goals? Not even the immediate pass sticks or not even come close to the intended target. Players to the goal scorer, but the many passes that came before the don’t automatically make consistent tape-to-tape passes. It’s goal that opened up space or that forced an opponent to skate a skill, like anything else, and it requires a lot of time. farther, longer and harder, leaving them a few feet behind Many youth players don’t hold their stick properly when rather than equal to the shooter. A pass from one defenseman receiving a pass. Their top hand is tucked against their rib to the other on a regroup that is crisp, quick and accurate sets cage rather than being away from the body and in a better up the next play. Each consecutive hard and accurate pass position to pass the puck once the player receives it. Many gives the receiver a wider range of options than he otherwise other players have a weak bottom hand. Pucks fly off their would have had. sticks, not because they don’t have enough give, but because As hockey continues to evolve and undoubtedly gets their bottom hand is too soft, and as the puck hits their blade, even faster, passing will become more crucial. Those that it opens up. master it will have an advantage that will be hard to beat. We need to talk about and reward passing. We talk about

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CGS offers weekend and evening goalie clinics in Minnesota and Iowa

Sometimes goalies don’t get a lot of training during the winter months. So therefore, what they do during the off-season becomes increasingly important as they strive to elevate their game to new levels. That’s where the Carroll Goalie School comes into play. Since 1995, they have been helping boys and girls build their individual skills and boost their confidence in a safe, challenging and upbeat learning environment. “I’m extremely proud of the reputation we’ve earned for developing quality, fundamentally-sound goaltenders,” said director Steve Carroll, a Minnesota goalie development leader who was a Hall of Fame goalie at Edina High School and Minnesota State Mankato. “We want the goalies to feel good about their game and feel good about themselves.” The CGS staff of instructors use their extensive coaching experience to teach the goalies what it takes to be successful.

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Let's Play Hockey Summer Hockey Guide

Articles inside

Training for the off-season

Heartland Hockey Camp

Propel Hockey Camps

7 Skills every player can improve

Gretzky and Einstein

Carroll Goalie School

Passing...a lost art?