On November 8, in alignment with Head Coach George Browne, Coach Noah & Kylie built on the foundational 3v2 battle drill(s) from the week prior to focus on offensive zone strategy and cycling, as well as passing opportunity witnessed from the first practice.

Noah & Kylie also had the opportunity to watch the Ice Raiders play against the North York Knights. A few observations from both the practice and the game:

• Confirmed first impression from practice #1, skating-wise the Ice Raiders were right there with the Knights; team systems and passing were the differentiator
• Passing noticeably improved with focused drills in a 1hr practice; still a ways to go but demonstrates the value in beginning future practices with passing
• Biggest opportunities with respect to passing: making/receiving accurate passes at >90% strength; receiving passes in feet; keeping short-range saucer passes flat; looking up before making a pass
• Team catches on and adapts / responds to new patterns and feedback very quickly
• Cushioning the receipt of passes should be worked on throughout the season

Drill #1: Stationary Passing

The simplest of passing drills but it cannot be overstated how important and relevant it is at all ages and levels (including pro players) due to high repetition and benefit to muscle memory. Players pair-up with a partner, one partner is on the blueline, one partner is on the redline. One puck per pair. Variations covered:

1. Slingshot passing (forehand back & forth passing and cushioning) – increasing pass hardness over time 25%/50%/75%/100%, goal is to cushion puck well enough to hear no impact on stick blade
2. Receive puck on backhand, switch and return pass on forehand
3. Receive puck on forehand, switch and return pass on backhand
4. Receive puck in feet, return pass on forehand
5. Forehand saucer passing
6. Shoulder to shoulder passing (rather than facing each other – to mimic a D-to-D passing angle) – switch sides to work on both forehand and backhand versions. Add quick feet / hands (crossover to the left, crossover to the right) for an additional challenging element to throw balance and focus off before returning the pass.

Drill #2: Box passing drill

Ended up running this continuously with line changes (instead of first team to 3) due to number of skaters. Drill wasn’t entirely successful due to limited time to learn the pattern and number of skaters waiting on the sidelines, so moved on quickly.

Intent was to demonstrate how important it is for skaters without the puck to move to a position where they’re an option instead of relying on the puck carrier. Likely will not revisit this one.

Drill #3: Continuous Cycle

Build comfort and confidence executing cycle passes through high and continuous repetition. Should be used as a warmup drill at subsequent practices, will likely add pressure (coach in the circle) in the future.

Drill #4: 3v2 to Cycle (2 Phase Drill)

Drill designed to build upon a familiar pattern (3v2 rush from prior week) then gradually layer in the transition from rush to cycle. Introduced the 3-player cycle for the first time, with the comfort of no opposing defenders to help build muscle memory and the recognition of when to begin a cycle. Minimum 3 cycles before passing for a D-to-D pass and shot.

After players were comfortable, added the option for the puck carrying forward to stop and set up (rather than cycling as the only option).

We’ll see how things go but progression from here over the coming weeks could look like:

1. Repetition, repetition, repetition (did I mention repetition?)
2. Adding pressure for more realistic building of habits
3. Transitioning from rush to cycle immediately (without a coach-initiated phase 2)
4. Stretching the drill to full ice for a more realistic entry, with a practice dedicated to each zone:
   • Defensive zone – cleaning up the regroup and options for breakout based on intensity and location of forecheck
   • Neutral zone – tips on how to approach the offensive zone and how to use speed variance (including stops/starts and button-hooks) to manipulate the opposition’s defence
   • Offensive zone – tips on how to establish the cycle based on intensity and location of defence and backcheck