Volume 3 No. 1 Tucker Hockey’s official newsletter–reinforcing hockey’s POSITIVES to all ages! 2006 Winter HockeHockey ZonesZones Creativityy on Ice A Key to Success in Hockey, and in Life

By Martin N. Walker tude, desire to win, determination, hockey knowl- Creativity is one of the keys to success in edge and experience. Take two players who are hockey, or any competitive sport, as it often is identical in all those areas, and what will be the in life. The ability to size up a situation while it difference between them? The more creative evolves, then find a way to make a successful player will be aware of a wider range of options, play, often when there seems to be no hope of it able to think of possibilities that his or her opposi- – that’s when the crowd lets out a collective tion hasn’t thought of, and may have difficulty re- ‘oooh’ and the opposition looks flat footed. sponding to or defending against.

Wayne Gretzky may not have been the biggest In his book Civilization, Kenneth Clark talks about guy, the fastest skater, or the hardest shooter, but confidence and optimism as essential to the peri- his creativity set him apart, and made him fun to ods in history when we produced to our greatest watch. He was full of surprises. Nobody knew works of art. Those ingredients are essential in what he was going to do, but they knew that hockey, too. Players are unlikely to take risks and whatever it was, it would be dangerous. try new things if they aren’t confident and opti- mistic. It’s our job as parents and coaches to pro- Athletic creativity springs from the same place vide an environment that fosters confidence and in human beings as the inspiration for great optimism, from the beginning. works of music and art, architecture and engi- neering, literature and science, and also our It all begins with players having ideas and trying sense of humour. Those great works at the apex them out. It’s not easy, especially when the kids of human achievement, symbols of the best are young, to resist leaning over the boards and we’ve achieved, are very different from a mo- telling them what to do. But that’s the coach mak- ment in a hockey game. But the root of cre- ing the decision for the player. ativity is the same for both, and that’s where I want to draw the comparisons. It’s important for players to be free to make mis- takes and assess them and learn without being Each hockey player has his or her own physical overly self-critical. We have to instil behavioural attributes, skills, strength and conditioning, atti- cont. p. 3 For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! For the LOVE of GAME! LookLook InsideInside forfor What’s Inside: OlympicOlympic HockeyHockey Schedules!Schedules! People at the Rink – Hockey from a Manager’s Perspective ...... 4 “The only things that are going Salute to Minor Hockey Week ...... 7 Skating Skills – Lateral Crossovers ...... 9 to change you from where you are The Merits of 1-on-1 Coaching ...... 22 today to where you are going to be five Forward Striding Technique ...... 19 years from now are the people you Upcoming Programs ..... 13,14,15,16,21 meet and the books you read” Olympic Hockey Schedule ...... 26 –Lou Holtz “The Fighting Spirit”

Winter 2006 page 1 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey 998-5035

GUARANTEED to Improve Your Skating! Exceptional Hockey Value Parents/Groups/T Types of just need to determineeams times, Rex Tucker Director, B. Comm Programs Offered dates, guaranteed budget and 1 Session per week for 10 weeks or recruit a minimum of 10 players • 14 Years + Hockey 2 Sessions per week for 5 weeks or Instruction Experience 5 Sessions in a week • A Professional Power Skating Instructor since 1997 CustomizedCustomizedCustomizedCustomized • Full Time Professional Hockey GroupGroupGroupGroup Programs ProgramsProgramsPrograms Coach since 2002 Tucker Hockey • NCCP Advanced 1 Certified Coach find the ice, set up the curriculum will and provide professional instruction Customized Curriculum since 1996 Power Skating, Hockey Skills, • Past Instructor for Hockey Alberta Conditioning or Combo Programs (coaching clinics) Programs Weekdays Weekdays after 4:00 pm which deliver RESULTS! before 4:00 pm & Weekends • Taught Czech, German and Austrian ONLY $210 per player ONLY $290 per player Players in the Czech Republic includes 10 on-ice sessions includes 10 on-ice sessions for Five Summers (based on 10 players) (based on 10 players) Note: All programs subject to ice and staff availability; prices based on 10 to 1 player to instructor ratio www.tuckerhockey.com Winter 2006 page 2 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey Enterprises Ltd. Creativity on the Ice (cont’d.) Director: ...... Rex Tucker boundaries – like no checking from be- when to apply that knowledge on the ice, Executive Assistant ...... Karen Adler hind – and ensure those limits are not and that means trying the play, finding Hockey Assistant (Summer) ... Mark Bomersback Hockey Consultant ...... Lyle Hanna crossed, but other than that, players need out when it works and doesn’t. Inevita- Business Consultant ...... Ern Rideout guidelines and a framework within which bly there will be times when it doesn’t. On-Ice Instructors ...... Rex Tucker to play, not a set of dictates and restric- How a coach handles those situations is ...... Lyle Hanna ...... Ern Rideout tions. As in life, so in hockey – the most a real test...... David Mahoney successful players act flexibly, given the ...... Paul Cammack requirements of the situation, rather than Suppose the coach has told the team ...... Todd Kurio ...... Derek Howat bureaucratically, given some set of rules when it’s a good time to make that pass, ...... Chimo Pederson for play. and when it’s dangerous. A player tries ...... Michael Painchud the pass. If the pass works, there’s no ...... Mark Bomersback ...... Fran Portman How many times do we hear someone problem, a little praise, may be a com- ...... Chad Radke say, “You should never pass in front of ment about the pass not being picked off...... Thomas Walker your own net.” The fact is, a defensive When the pass is intercepted, it’s more ...... Geoff Lambert ...... Jessica Mcintosh zone cross-ice pass that results in an of- difficult. The exact response depends ...... Morris Lukowich fensive rush is a good thing, and an in- on what works best for the particular (Maximum Scoring Edge Program) tercepted pass is not. The key is deci- player. But the objective is still to have Hockey Zones Newsletter sion-making and execution. A young the player try it again, but to have it work Managing Editor ...... Rex Tucker player who is repeatedly told never to next time, and the coach needs to re- Advertising Sales ...... Karen Adler pass in front of his own net is unlikely to main positive. Contributing Writers ...... Lyle Hanna ...... Morris Lukowich break the habit until years later, and by ...... Martin N. Walker then it will take him some time to do it. That’s when a player’s young, but what ...... Rex Tucker about older players, bantams, juniors, ...... Michael White We tend to forget that these kids are even adults? We all like to be praised. Ad Rates learning to read, when to ride their bikes We don’t enjoy being told we screwed One Page ...... $294 across busy roadways, and they’re up. We do want to get it right the next Half Page ...... $179 teaching themselves to navigate comput- time. As a player’s level of hockey ad- Quarter Page Ad ...... $129 ers and interactive games. When to vances, so does the complexity of the Business Card Ad...... $79 make a cross-ice pass is not so compli- decision-making. Does the player al- *Rates do not include GST. cated. Younger or older, let’s give them ways get it right? Of course not. But Advertising Enquiries: Karen at credit for the brains with which they’ve once it’s done, the best anyone can do is [email protected] been gifted. learn from it, maybe have a laugh. Send ads with “Tucker Hockey Ad” in subject line to [email protected]. When to make a pass in front of the net When a mistake is made on the ice, who can be taught to a player with a rudi- knows it better than anyone else? Al- Mailing Address P.O. Box 82113, 1400 - 12th Ave. S.W., mentary understanding of the game. Of most always the player, and he or she Calgary, AB T3C 0N0 course, the youngster needs to learn –continued on p. 11 Ph: 998-5035 Fax: 244.5037 E-mail: [email protected] www.tuckerhockey.com Welcome to Hockey Zones The official newsletter of Tucker Hockey. Next Issue: The Winter 2006 issue consists of fresh Spring/Summer 2006 hockey education and teaching articles, an expression of hockey philosophies and viewpoints, 1994-2006 Celebrating • Letters/PrizeFeatures Winner addresses various hockey issues for public Publisher discussion, provides features on hockey people at Twelve Great Years! • People at the Rink – Nicole Hankel the “Calgary grass roots rink level”, features Editor Hockey from a Trainer’s Hockey Zones is published for Perspective upcoming Tucker Hockey Adult and Minor hockey Tucker Hockey Enterprises Ltd. by Rex Tucker programs, and provides hockey quotes, stories, and Production • Why Kids Play Spring Flexys Systems Publishing Ltd. Hockey? prize contests. In summary, it will create Nicole Hankel good hockey... “Food for Thought!” Alanna Dunwald • Coaching and [email protected] www.flexys.ab.ca Printing Instructing Hockey – Enjoy your hockey–the World’s greatest Able Printing Different Roles Issues: Fall, Winter, sport! – and I hope you enjoy our Spring/Summer • Insights into Off Tucker Hockey Newsletter! 271-4101 Ice Training –Past Issues Available at www.tuckerhockey.com– Winter 2006 page 3 Hockey Zones People at the Rink Hockey from a Manager’s Perspective Trevor Wannop Background: Connor, Age 10, Atom Div3 Husband to Janet Spencer, Age 12, Bantam Div4 Family Man to 3 Sons Justin, Age 7, Novice Div5

Editor’s Trevor indicated that a manager’s duties are not complex, note: Trevor just plentiful. It involves organizing social events, ice book- Wannop is a ings, exhibition games, tournaments and fundraising. “ A true ex- manager requires skills such as people skills, public speaking ample of the ability, to be organized, to be patient, a good tolerance level, dedicated some selling skills... be able to convince people to be on your Canadian side, motivate people as well to do their share. Apathy won’t hockey par- cut it” emphasized Trevor. ent. Trevor ensures his sons, Spencer, Connor and Justin are active Trevor outlined to me some of the manager’s duties. “Col- and always having fun in the game of hockey. His sons lecting jersey deposits, making sure all contact information is are truly fortunate to have a Dad, who is so interested in gathered and shared, meeting with parents to agree on team their sporting activities. Trevor manages hockey in the goals and objectives, getting the fundraising started with a Winter as well as baseball in the Summer! ‘parent cash call’ from $50 to $200 and setting up a bank account e.g. Trails West Hockey Team” are the first order By Rex Tucker of business.” Trevor said. “We laminate pocket size cards – I first met Trevor Wannop in January 2002. We had good two per family for Mom and Dad with kids jersey number, conversation about setting up a customized 7:00 to 8:00 am kids name and parents names... to ensure everyone gets to morning hockey program for a group of minor hockey play- know the others”. ers which included his son, Spencer. The longer I talked to Trevor about the project, the more I admired his apparent “A manager’s duties also include obtaining travel permits, organization skills, dedication and passion for the game of sending score sheets to Minor Hockey Association of Cal- hockey. gary, rosters must be correct before being filed, booking ac- commodations for out of town tournaments... there must be Recently, I sat down with Trevor over a cup of coffee and some additional form of entertainment for the kids, that’s why talked about his involvement in the game of he always looks for hotels with water slides. hockey. I asked Trevor why he decided to Trevor books accommodations in his name, become a team manager. He said, “While A good manager “if there’s problem at hotel... hotel to call me, sitting back and being a cheer leader, I saw the manager first” states Trevor. This year an excellent manager in action and another ensures the team has a he booked games against small town teams team where the coach tried to do it all. I good time... has fun! south of Calgary and fit a guided tour at Head realized how important the manager’s job is Smashed in Buffalo Jump between games. to the success of the team and decided to try it myself”. For the last four years, Trevor has managed his son’s teams at Trevor indicated ”It’s very important... as soon as possible the Novice, Atom, Peewee, and now Bantam levels within when the team is picked to have a kick off party. Get the kids the Trails West Minor Hockey Association. and parents together. Have name tags on the kids and name tags on the parents (with their kids name too) so as to get to “A good manager ensures the team has a good time... has know each other... kids and parents. Throughout the season, fun!” says Trevor. “It’s all about relationship building (be- we have various team events and functions such as a draw tween the kids and parents), the many social events and at- to get a practice with the Hitmen, Safeway Adopt a Team tending fun tournaments.” “The head coach runs the on ice program, and the hardest working kid brings his Dad to a activities and the manager runs the off ice activities.” Trevor’s Flames game etc” said Trevor. objective throughout the season is for the coach to not have to address any off ice problems. ”Everything is taken care “Manager can’t have a fear of public speaking, and dealing of” states Trevor. “The coach can focus on the kids on the with the public to have a good fit “states Trevor. It is impor- ice!” –continued on p. 5 Winter 2006 page 4 Hockey Zones Manager’s Perspective (cont’d.) tant to communicate well with parents. “Try not to coach from the stands, – sition as well on a regular basis “Good- Trevor informed that “the parent’s meet- leave that to the real coaches, if a par- will with the opposition is important too” ing is a time to discuss philosophy, ar- ent has a beef – talk to the manager states Trevor. range support staff, establish team rules first, no freaking out on the coach!” such as who is allowed in the locker stresses Trevor. Trevor said ”We have many general room... Peewee and up no parents are meetings through out the season to tell allowed in the dressing room. Trevor recommends “Getting the kids everyone what’s coming up, to get ev- Fundraising includes 50/50 tickets, puck to the rink on time,ten minutes prior to eryone on the same page. Communica- toss at home games, Grey Cup game the start of a game. The coaches need tion is so important within the team – squares, delivering flyers, bottle drives, to talk strategy – some even lock the coaches, manager, parents and players.” wire raffles, and casino nights with the change room door! ...kids are not late, associations etc”. it’s the parents who are late. Practice Trevor also will arrange activities and is very important – the kids chronically social events when the team is out of Trevor talked about the early part of the miss practices, it gets cured quickly if town, will find and book ice for team hockey season. “ During October, its just learn that they may sit the first period competitions, obtain extra team practice practice ice, it’s a challenge to set up next game. “Equal ice time for players ice throughout the season, and performs exhibition games.” During the pre-sea- ...for goalies they play the whole game bank reconciliation throughout the sea- son, Trevor uses his past contacts to or rotate and split the game. Hockey is son... we ensure there’s enough mon- organize up to ten exhibition games. He a team sports says Trevor “Its clear its ies to cover team activities then we stop tries to find the same level of play “If not about punishment, it’s players learn- fundraising” says Trevor. it’s a blow out, it’s no fun for either ing together – team players can’t do team” recommends Trevor. “Many their own thing on the team, kids ac- “We always have a wrap up party at teams try to arrange reciprocal games cept discipline if it is set as team norm the end of the season...any monies left but he finds it is easier if each team – if a player acts up in practice... sits over are returned – divided among par- concentrates on filling all their own full in the box for a while then off the ice if ents, i.e. $50 each” said Trevor. ice times and provides their name to all his behavior doesn’t improve ”. the other teams so they can do the same. It’s important to avoid burnout over the That way everyone gets as many games Trevor doesn’t like spending funds on course of the season” said Trevor. “I as possible with as many teams as pos- team apparel. He says “I would rather usually get the team into three tourna- sible.” Trevor prefers playing tourna- spend the monies on tournaments or ments per season – pre Christmas, mid ments with different teams than they exhibition games – we often receive T- season (February) and end of season play in the regular season. He has a shirts at tournaments any ways”. Trevor (late March/early April).” large network of contacts to accomplish doesn’t often sit with his wife during this with teams all over the province. games. He keeps on moving around There’s always a few minuses to any working the crowd and leading the role or position. Luckily these are usu- Over the years, Trevor has learned “You cheers. Whenever his team scores, you ally small things – his pet peeves are can’t manage by consensus, manage by will hear him yell “ who are we !” and League Chairpersons that would rather telling rather than asking... tell every- the rest of the parent (and players) yell have a snail mail actual score sheets one involved on the team, for example, out the team name in response. than scanned and emailed sheets or the there’s an exhibition game Wednesday now – rare cases where people do not 8:00 pm – not would you be interested” He really dislikes it when parents abuse have email. – “ I guess it’s the little things he said. “He tries his best to get the kids the referees and makes that clear to the that take up extra time that I dislike”, lots of games but also realizes that there parents. “Parents need to understand he says. Occasionally, a hockey event is more to each family’s life than that it is never the referee that wins or encounters a hiccup that results in a ton hockey, so he strives to manage the loses the game, it’s the kids job to do of phone calls and this really stresses schedule so that there are never more that – don’t take it out on the officials the family. than three days in a row of hockey for when the kids have a bad outing.” An each team... otherwise there’s an is- important role of a manager is a liai- It’s a unique experience for Wannop, sue!” stresses Trevor . son between coach and parents in the who often manages to get all three sons stands. He attends the before and after into the same tournament or hockey Trevor expanded on some basic team game, Trevor the manager makes com- event, this way Mom and Dad don’t rules and guidelines. “Depending on the ments at the pre game talk and post have to go to separate towns to differ- level of team if its low... objectives are game coach/team talks. This way he ent son’s tournaments. “ When you bring fun and teach. If its high, teach funda- informs the parents in the stands of pre three teams into a small... it pumps up mentals, pursue more winning and more game strategy and brings the parent in- the local economy as well” said Trevor. pleasure. Always about fun first and put and “the view from above” from foremost – no yelling at the kids, teach the stands into the change room after During the 2003 – 2004 hockey season, and help them improve” suggests Trevor. the game. Trevor will talk to the oppo- –continued on p. 19 Winter 2006 page 5 Hockey Zones CALL THE && EXPERTS FOR RRPHOTOGRAPHY GG PhotoPhoto THE BEST IN TEAM PHOTOS & SPORTSSPORTS ACTION SHOTS Digital Photography Good Luck and Have Fun! Tel: 403-291-1350 ROB ASKEW email: [email protected] www.rgphoto.photoreflect.com

50 Goal scorers in the NHL. Identified by the “It is impossible to underesti- player, his position, and the first year he mate the importance of the scored 50 goals in a season. coach in the development of an athlete. From the youngest peewee player to the elite ath- lete, the coach is a pivotal char- acter in the moral as well as the physical development of his/her charges.

The more intensive the training, the greater the opportunity for moulding the athlete’s charac- ter and personal philosophy as it pertains to his/her athletic ca- reer. Elite athletes appear to cleave to their coaches as men- tors, guardians, and, in some cases, almost as surrogate par- ents. They are fortunate indeed Ten Steps to a Longer Life if their coach is concerned with No Smoking • Balanced Diet • Regular Exercise their moral and intellectual de- velopment as well as their ath- Moderate Drinking • Regular Checkups • Enough Sleep (8 hours) letic training.” Moderate Exposure to Sunshine • Good Safety Habits (Report of the Dubin Commission of Inquiry into the Use of Drugs and Supportive Family & Good Friends • Positive Outlook on Life Banned Practices Intended to Increase Athletic Performance, 1990)

Winter 2006 page 6 Hockey Zones Salute to Team Spirit By Michael White Minor Hockey WeekThe whole is greater than Drive and determination from each player the sum of all the parts. will help better the teams’ performance Editor’s Note: Hundreds of thou- sands of young Canadians will par- No one person on the team is more When a player feels he is giving ticipate in Minor Hockey Week from January 6th to January 15th, 2006. important than the other. his best to the team and he or she It’s a great celebration of minor is being challenged the whole hockey in our country. We all have our roles that we play. team is a winner.

It’s a prime example of the hockey It’s about team spirit! We can all learn from one another – and team spirit displayed by thou- sands of parents, relatives, coaches, each person has their strengths managers, on and off ice officials When all the players have PMA – and weaknesses. and administrators, who freely vol- positive mental attitude – the results unteer countless hours of their time will reward the whole team. It’s about team spirit! and work together to ensure the kids have a great experience. Hats off to your hockey and team spirit! When the best skater or stick We strive for excellence. handler can show the other Let us sustain good team spirit on players who may need help We reach for our goals as they in and off the ice – whether we win or with a particular skill the whole the Olympics – Altius, Fortius, Citius – lose. Remember Relax – its only a team can grow stronger. higher, stronger, faster game!

Good luck teams – enjoy this great The result will be each player We gain from each other. week of hockey in Canada! on the team will get into a more cohesive unit on the ice whether All for one and one for all! Michael White expresses what team they play offense or defense. spirit is all about. Thanks Michael for your inspiring words. It’s about team spirit! It’s about team spirit!

knee out to side, hold, return. 7. Upper trunk twists – side to side, feet wide CoachCoach Lyle’sLyle’s 8. Hands together, end of stick; bend over, hands between legs, raise arms and stick over head, toe of stick towards ice Note: #1 Static Only, #2-8 Static or Dynamic TipTip SheetSheet Dynamic Stretches Only Note: Use Flat-8 on whole ice: Speed down alley (middle); Warm Up do stretches coming back along the walls (alternate) Neutral Zone Overload at 60% or Less Speed Note: Combine #2-8 (Above) with these skating drills Coaches – Passive Stick Checking 1. Cut 2-foot “Cs” simultaneously (hourglasses) 2. Cut large “Cs” with inside and outside edges Stretches 3. Same as 1., 2. above using Backward Skating Quads, Hamstrings, Gleuteals, Hip Flexors, 4. Slow slo-motion skate: holding each extension. Adductors, Abductors, Lower Back, Core Muscles 5. Knee touch on back leg – use same side hand on stick and reach (maximum) forward). Alternate stick side when 1. Frog Position – spread knees, push seat over heels alternate knee touches ice. 2. Lateral Leg Raises 6. Backward outside edge, C-cuts with exaggerated high foot 3. Full leg swing – forward, toes up, backward, toes swing with opposite leg. out (90°) 7. Skate forward, stick horizontal – hold 2 hands – kick end of 4. Half Squats stick with skate, alternating feet 5. One knee up (upper leg parallel to the ice, knee 8. Finishing Dash – end to end dash with stick held horizontal bent), rapid ‘kick outs’ (foot to straight leg) at eye level (elbows slightly bent) – skate straight line – Static & Dynamic Stretching 6. Knee Up (as in #5) - point knee forward, rotate upper body no move, motion, dipping, swaying.

Winter 2006 page 7 Hockey Zones Winter 2006 page 8 Hockey Zones Coach Lyle Lateral Crossovers

This article is another in a series de- ing, you are also in an optimal signed to help hockey players enhance position to jump into a fast start in any their skating and hockey skills. What direction. we are putting into your hockey bag of new skills this month is the valuable The Hockey Defenseman’s Ready basic skill of Lateral Crossovers. Lat- Stance. Backward skating and its start, eral crossovers, so often trivialized or including lateral crossovers, is differ- misunderstood, is a fundamental build- ent from the above. First key is that ing block to help you skate better, the we want to shift our center of gravity potential to be a better hockey player towards the rear and is also a neutral Tucker Hockey and to enjoy the sport that much more position for moving laterally. To do this, as you progress using correct technique. we move our upper body (the torso) to Philosophy a vertical position, add slightly more Why Power Before listing some important roles for knee bend to help push your butt the use of lateral crossovers, let us first straight down towards your ankles. define it. Lateral crossovers are the This is the deep, sturdy sit position base Skating? skating skills by which you move side- from which we have to operate. As Skating is to hockey what running is ways (laterally) to the left or the right, you progress in hockey, this erect, to soccer. Skating is the foundation in a straight line using only your legs strange feeling sit position is referred upon which all other skills are built. and feet while your upper body stays to as “sitting high in the saddle”. It is the most important skill of ice squared to the front. A most impor- hockey. The level of performance tant point is to begin with the correct Add to the foregoing, a change in your attained by a player in passing, shoot- stance. stick control. You now grip it at the knob ing, checking and puck control are end with one hand. Keys here are to directly related to one’s skating abil- Begin with a hockey version of the keep your upper arm parallel to your ity. The time spent improving a Athletic Ready Stance common to all upper body, a slight (approximately 45 player’s skating is a worthwhile in- sports. Keeping in mind that “balance” degrees) bend at the elbow, with the vestment due to the carry-over value is a prime key to executing any action blade on the ice, the toe pointed straight to all the other aspects of the game. in any sport; it is the movement from a ahead and in line with your arm and position of optimal balance, executing hand holding the stick. The other free Becoming a strong skater depends on the action and returning to a new but hand is bent at the elbow, with the fore- a number of factors – the most im- similar in balance position. arm angled slightly towards the imagi- portant is skating technique. Other nary center line in front of your body. factors that enhance skating include For a refresher, we will sketch the This is referred to as the defenseman’s leg strength, leg quickness, leg flex- Hockey Ready Stance which is often start/ready position. ibility, balance and trunk stability. referred to as assuming the “three point stance”; your two feet near parallel, Before we get into the correct tech- hip width apart, inside edges biting into nique to execute lateral crossovers, let 50 Scorers Solution the ice, knees bent, weight evenly on us make a quick list of some of the very each skate, upper body leaning slightly important uses that you use this skill forward, both hands on the stick and for playing and training. in front of the body, and the stick blade on the ice, forming the third point; a • Defensive and Offensive Tactics. tripod effect. • Basic requirement for correctly using crossover strides in forward Note that the body is leaning slightly and backward skating. forward because the anticipation is that • Basic to transition from lateral you are likely going to skate forward movement to backward or forward and you just shifted your centre of grav- skating. ity to help propel you forward. Aside • Very important basic maneuver for from that key point for forward skat- Cont. page 19 Winter 2006 page 9 Hockey Zones Unleashing VoiceVoice “We“We wantwant toto hearhear youryour voice!”voice!” Athletic TELLTELL USUS WHATWHAT YOUYOU THINK!THINK! •• Share Share youryour OpinionsOpinions andand Thoughts Thoughts aboutabout thethe Game!Game! Potential •• Share Share youryour HockeyHockey Stories!Stories! •• Share Share youryour IdeasIdeas forfor FutureFuture ArticlesArticles

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A Coaching Creed Be a resource person able to assist the athlete to develop Elite Dryland Training his/her athletic potential and self-dependency.

Recognize individual differences in athletes and always for Peak Performance think of the athlete's long term best interests.

Aim for excellence based on realistic goals and the 1 on 1 athlete's growth and development. Lead by example. Teach and practice cooperation, self-discipline, respect for officials and opponents and proper attitudes in Group language, dress and deportment. Make sport challenging and fun.

Skills and techniques need not be learned painfully

Be honest and consistent with athletes. Call 667-5959 They appreciate knowing where they stand. Be prepared to interact with the media, league officials and parents. They too have important roles to play in sport.

for more information Coaching involves training by responsible people who are flexible and willing to continually learn and develop.

Physical fitness should be a lifelong goal for all Canadians. or visit us at Encourage athletes to be fit all year, every year and not just for the season. www.balanceinmotion.ca Source: Hockey Canada Winter 2006 page 10 Hockey Zones Creativity on the Ice (cont’d.) won’t be happy about it. There are ex- and a goalie, is perhaps the simplest she will have to try ceptions, when a player doesn’t realize hockey system. Everything else – face new ideas. Trying they’ve made a mistake, perhaps be- off alignment, man or zone defence, one to force a player to cause of the complexity of the play in- or two man forecheck, is an elaboration change – and it hap- volved, maybe the level of the game is from that starting point. For competitive pens often enough in higher than the player is used to, or the hockey development, players need to be hockey – is not a error happened early in the shift and the taught the appropriate level of systems, good plan. player forgot about it. There is an age and they need to work at decision-mak- Rather, factor, too. The youngest players under- ing for system failure. It’s also impor- keep up standing of the game is small enough that tant for players to understand the sys- the en- they don’t know a mistake has been tems their opposition may be using. It is courage- Creativity made. What the player needs in those rewarding of when the team responds to ment, and situations is not criticism, but help so that a system failure, their own or their oppo- wait until the time is right – when the he or she can understand what happened. nents. It can be as simple as a skate player decides he or she wants to take And there’s always the value in pointing catching a rut during a penalty kill. The the initiative – with the coach’s support. out what the player did right. This is true player falls, and there goes the box. Do at any age. It also pays to remember the other players have the flexibility to When a player expands his game, the that the player is trying very hard to do respond? whole team is strengthened. There are the right thing. more options for all the players. When Some players like to know their role, and gifted players like Iginla and Sakic play The development of creativity and the strictly play their position. Other players on the penalty kill, they read the play, tolerance, even the encouragement of always do what seems right to them at anticipate it, break it up, and often create mistakes, is an area that often gets over- the moment, regardless of what the rest shorthanded chances for their own team looked because of the focus on skill de- of the team is doing. Most players are – they make it very difficult for their op- velopment, systems that put structure in somewhere in between, but tend one way ponents to score. When Regehr added the game, and the emphasis on winning or the other. Players in the middle can offensive moves to his game, he became that permeates the “Competitive” Minor be encouraged to expand in both direc- able to contribute to the Flames offense, Hockey structure. tions; players at the extremes can be joining his partner Jordan Leopold in mak- encouraged to add another dimension to ing plays from the point. Dave King, former coach of the Calgary their game. Flames, has been quoted about the many Of course, for any creative play to work, challenges within today’s minor hockey The player decides what he’s going to the player needs the skills to execute it, system. He says that many coaches do on the ice; all the coach can do is as well support from the rest of the team. aren’t coaching to win, but rather, not to present options, try to open the player’s A player may reach a point where he lose! Such coaches emphasize systems, eyes, focus on adding tools to the player’s doesn’t have the skill to execute an idea that limit the way play develops on-ice, toolbox, and new ways to use what’s al- he has on ice, and doesn’t have the ca- and they train their players to play within ready in it, with the emphasis on growing pability to expand his game. The player the parameters of those systems, rather the player’s game. The player can take may have reached a plateau in his or her than build a team of skilled players who in the advice, or not. If a player sees development. When that happens, we play together in a flexible and dynamic that he – or she – will strengthen their have to be most careful. At any level, manner, a team that responds with fluid- game by expanding it, and he’s confident Kenneth Clark said, “I believe in cour- ity and poise as play evolves. he can expand it, then he’ll expend the tesy, the ritual by which we avoid hurting effort to get there. Expanding takes cre- other people’s feelings by satisfying our A system is a way of organizing play on- ativity and courage. The player is mov- own egos.” Courtesy is another element ice – the assignment of forward, defence, ing into an unfamiliar area, where he or in an environment that fosters creativity, confidence and optimism, the type of environment in which we can all thrive. Your Skates Are Your By the way, creativity begins when Most Important Piece we’re little kids, playing. But that’s an- of Hockey Equipment! other article. The right fit and sharpening will Editor’s Note: Life is a continuous learning improve your performance on the ice! process – whether a hockey player, a par- ent or a coach – no matter what your age. For Professional and Expert Skate Sharpening It’s important to keep the creativity in the check out Chris, Rick and the expert staff at game of hockey, but more importantly to Professional Skate in Marda Loop. keep it in the game of life!

Winter 2006 page 11 Hockey Zones Winter 2006 page 12 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey 2006 Winter & Spring Adult Recreational Programs Level 1 Level 2 Beginner/Intermediate Players Intermediate/Advanced Players Power Skating/Player Development Programs For players who have participated in and which focus on the technical skills of skating, passing, feel comfortable with the Tucker Hockey puck control and shooting plus scrimmage Level I technical skills program. (Ten Sessions) The Level 2 Program includes advanced Winter Group 1 – Father David Bauer technical skills, individual tactics – offensive and defensive, team tactics – breakouts, regroups Sundays 10:00 - 11:15 pm and defensive zone coverage and January 15th to March 26th conditioning drills plus scrimmage. (Ten Sessions) (inclusive except for February 19th) $299 New Participants/$269 Past Participants Winter Group 1 – Henry Viney Winter Group 2 – Stu Peppard Thursdays Wednesdays Noon - 1:00 pm Noon - 1:00 pm January 18th to March 22nd (inclusive) January 19th to March 23rd (inclusive) $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants

Winter Group 3 – George Blundun Winter Group 2 – Ernie Starr Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:00 am Saturdays January 18th to March 22nd (inclusive) $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants 10:15 - 11:30 pm January 28th to March 25th (inclusive) $299 New Participants/$269 Past Participants Spring Group 1 – Southland Leisure Centre Saturdays 11:00 am - 12:15 pm April 15th to June 24th (inclusive except May 20th) Spring Group 1 – Crowchild Twin Arenas $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants Thursday Evenings April 20th, 27th, 10:15 - 11:30 pm Spring Group 2 – Crowchild Twin Arenas May 4th - June 22nd, 9:45 - 11:00 pm Wednesdays Evenings (inclusive ) April 19th to April 26th 9:15 - 10:30 pm $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants May 3rd to June 21st, 8:45 - 10:00 pm (inclusive) $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants Spring Group 2 – Father David Bauer/Norma Bush Mondays Spring Group 3 – Father David Bauer/Norma Bush 9:15 - 10:30 pm Fridays Noon - 1:00 pm April 17th to June 26th April 14th to June 23rd (inclusive except for May 19th) (inclusive except for May 22nd) $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants

Winter 2006 page 13 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey 2006 Winter, Easter & Spring Minor Programs

Winter Power Super Power Skating Spring 2006 Skating & Hockey Skills Spring Break Programs Super Power Skating Development Ten Sessions Group 1: Ages 7-10 Group 1: Ages 7-10 Westside Rec Centre Monday, March 27th – 3:45 - 5:00 pm Monday, April 3rd to Group 1: Ages 9-12+ Southland Leisure Centre Thursday, April 6th George Blundun 6:00 - 7:15 pm Tuesday, March 28th – 3:45 - 5:00 pm Thursdays 7:00 - 8:00 am $169 per player JanuaryFULL 19th to March 23rd Southland Leisure Centre (inclusive) Wednesday, March 29th – 3:45 - 5:00 pm $210 per player (based on 10 players) Southland Leisure Centre Group 2: Ages 9-13+ Westside Rec Centre Thursday, March 30th – 3:45 - 5:00 pm Monday, April 3rd to Southland Leisure Centre Group 2: Ages 9-12+ Thursday, April 6th George Blundun 7:30 - 8:45 pm FULLFridays 7:00 - 8:00 am $169 per player January 20th to March 24th (inclusive) Makes a GREAT $210 per player (based on 10 players) Easter Gift Group 3: Ages 7-10 South Fish Creek Thursday, April 13th to Sunday, April 16th Group 3: Ages 9-12+ 7:00 -8:15 pm Southland Leisure Centre $169 per player MondaysFULL 4:30 - 5:30 pm January 16th to March 27th Group 2: Ages 9 - 12+ (inclusive except for February 20th) Monday, March 27th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm $290 per player (based on 10 players) Southland Leisure Centre Spring Break Tuesday, March 28th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm Southland Leisure Centre Super Power Skating Group 4: Ages 7-10+ Stu Peppard Wednesday, March 29th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm Just $169 per player! Includes GST, Practice Jersey Fridays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Southland Leisure Centre & Five Hours On-Ice January 20th to March 24th A Full Power Skating Curriculum (inclusive) Thursday, March 30th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm $290 per player (based on 10 players) Southland Leisure Centre

Register online at www.tuckerhockey.com or call 998-5035 Winter 2006 page 14 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey 2006 Summer, Fall & Christmas Minor Programs Summer 2006 Fall Power Skating & Super Power Skating Power Skating Hockey Skills Development Christmas Programs Ten Sessions Group 1: Ages 7-10 Group 1: Ages 7-10 Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Group 1: Ages 9-12+ Wednesday, December 27th – 5:45 - 7:00 pm Monday, August 21st to George Blundun Southland Leisure Centre Friday, August 25th Thursdays 7:00 - 8:00 am 5:30 - 6:45 pm Ocotber 5th to December 14th Thursday, December 28th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm $199 per player (inclusive except November 11th) Norma Bush $210 per player (based on 10 players) Friday, December 29th – 5:15 - 6:30 pm Group 2: Ages 9-13+ Southland Leisure Centre Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Group 2: Ages 9-12+ Saturday, December 30th – 5:30 - 6:45 pm Monday, August 21st to George Blundun Village Square Friday, August 25th Fridays 7:00 - 8:00 am 7:00 - 8:15 pm October 6th to December 15th (inclusive except November 10th) $199 per player $210 per player (based on 10 players) Makes a GREAT Christmas Gift Group 3: Ages 7-10 Group 3: Ages 9-12+ Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Southland Leisure Centre Monday, August 28th to Mondays 4:30 - 5:30 pm Group 2: Ages 9 - 12+ Friday, September 1st October 16th to December 18th Wednesday, December 27th – 7:15 - 8:30 pm 5:00 - 6:15 pm (inclusive) $199 per player $290 per player (based on 10 players) Southland Leisure Centre Thursday, December 28th – 6:45 - 8:00 pm Group 4: Ages 9-13+ Group 4: Ages 7-10 Norma Bush Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Stu Peppard Friday, December 29th – 6:45 - 8:00 pm Monday, August 28th to Fridays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Southland Leisure Centre Friday, September 1st October 6th to December 16th Saturday, December 30th – 7:00 - 8:15 pm 6:30 - 7:45 pm (inclusive except November 11th) $290 per player (based on 10 players) Village Square $199 per player

Group 5: Ages 7-10 South Fish Creek Christmas Super Power Skating Tuesday, August 29th to Just $169 per player! Includes GST, Practice Jersey Friday, September 1st & Five Hours On-Ice 4:15 - 5:30 pm A Full Power Skating Curriculum $169 per player

Winter 2006 page 15 Hockey Zones Tucker Hockey 2006 Summer & Fall Adult Recreational Programs Level 1 Level 2 Beginner/Intermediate Players Intermediate/Advanced Players Power Skating/Player Development Programs which focus For players who have participated in and feel comfortable with on the technical skills of skating, passing, puck control the Tucker Hockey Level I technical skills program. and shooting plus scrimmage The Level 2 Program includes advanced technical skills, individual tactics – offensive and defensive, team tactics – Summer Group 1 – Henry Viney/Stu Hendry breakouts, regroups and defensive zone coverage Monday, August 14th to Friday, August 18th and conditioning drills plus scrimmage. 8:00 - 9:30 pm $225 New Participants/$199 Past Participants Summer Group 1 – Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Monday, August 21st to Friday, August 25th 8:00 - 9:30 pm Fall Group 1 – Father David Bauer $225 New Participants/$199 Past Participants Sundays 10:00 - 11:15 pm October 15th to December 17th (inclusive) $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants Summer Group 2 – Henry Viney/Stu Hendry Monday, August 28th to Friday, September 1st Fall Group 2 – Stu Peppard 8:00 - 9:30 pm Wednesdays Noon - 1:00 pm $225 New Participants/$199 Past Participants October 18th to December 20th (inclusive) $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants Group 3 – Father Bauer/Norma Bush Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th Fall Group 3 – George Blundun 7:30 - 9:00 pm Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:00 am $129 New Participants/$99 Past Participants October 18th to December 20th (inclusive) $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants

Arena Locations Fall Group 1 – Henry Viney Crowchild Twin Arenas – 185 Scenic Acres Drive NW Thursdays Noon - 1:00 pm Father David Bauer – 2424 University Drive NW October 5th to December 14th Henry Viney Arena – 814 - 13th Avenue NE (inclusive except for November 16th) Stew Hendry – 814 - 13th Avenue NE $249 New Participants/$199 Past Participants Stu Peppard Arena – 5300 19th Street SW Southland Leisure Centre – 2000 Southland Drive SW Fall Group 2 – Ernie Starr George Blundun – 5020 26th Avenue SW Village Square – 2623 56th Street NE Saturdays 10:15 - 11:30 pm Norma Bush – 2424 University Drive NW October 14th to December 16th (inclusive) Ernie Starr – 4808 14th Street SE $299 New Participants/$279 Past Participants

Register online at www.tuckerhockey.com or call 998-5035 Winter 2006 page 16 Hockey Zones It’s “No Sweat”

gear! Besides cleaning and sanitizing traditional sports gear NO SWEAT can clean “hard to clean” items as well. A re- pair luggage company is also a regular client who get lug- gage/backpacks cleaned. One guy was so pleased with the service after cleaning his hockey gear. He had basement items cleaned too – sleeping bags, boots included... Yes, his wife liked it too!” After last Spring’s flood damage, Todd took care of cleaning moldy sports equipment damaged in the vari- ous basements throughout the city.

Editor’s note: After working in the corporate world for Todd remembers on one occasion a lady saying over the over 20 years, primarily in I.T., Todd Kurio decided a phone “I don’t want to touch the stuff! I may get the smell career change was in order. He aspired to be more inde- on my hands! Can you pick the bag up and clean my husband’s pendent and be involved in a business related to hockey gear? Please!” and other sports. He found the perfect fit – hockey, people and a service, which is definitely needed – NO SWEAT – During his many years of playing recreational hockey, Todd sports equipment cleaning. recalls times when sitting on the players’ bench, in the dress- ing room, and players skating by on the ice... the air reeking By Rex Tucker of a bad odor. Todd often being teary eyed because of the gross smell especially when sitting on the bench next to a While researching hockey related opportunities on the web smelly teammate! I am sure you the reader has experienced one day, Todd discovered the sports equipment cleaning busi- the same at one time or another at the rink? Yes! I know I ness. He foresaw it as a good service and decided to check have! it out a little more closely. Todd did his homework and talked to people in the industry. The more he educated himself on Besides the stink, it’s a health issue too! Rashes and infec- the business, the more he could see it becoming not a sec- tions are becoming a major concern. Todd did talk to one ondary business but a main business for himself. parent whose son’s friend had an amputation due to an in- fection from his equipment. Very sad but true. Todd felt this type of business provided a perfect fit to net- work with hockey people year-round. Todd plays a lot of Besides disinfecting the equipment, it preserves the equip- recreational hockey year – round, as well he has a daughter, ment too. Why spend more money on new equipment? “If who is very active in girls’ hockey. As a result, Todd has we take care of your gear it will last longer” says Todd, “ It always been hanging out at the rink. He saw a perfect com- increases the life of the gear especially goalie gear which bination of hockey, sports, people and providing a great ser- falls in the $4,000 to $5,000 purchase price range – it’s very vice, which is badly needed in the community. expensive”.

After doing his market research, Todd was now well aware Todd indicated that much of his business is repeat customers of the need for an equipment cleaning service and the pros- and referrals from satisfied customers. “Your equipment stinks, pects for strong business growth. With an increased passion and you try to treat it yourself but you won’t get the long and independence to be an entrepreneur, and a desire to ex- term benefits of a professional cleaning service” says Todd. perience a different lifestyle, at this stage of his life, Todd started his own business. “The process of cleaning sports gear involves more than put- ting the gear in the machine with a little detergent. There’s Since being in business, Todd’s customer base includes a lots to it”, says Todd. When people visit the shop they can strong hockey clientele as well as other sports such as la- view the machine and the process of cleaning the equipment. crosse, ball hockey, football, ringette, skiing, snowboarding, To understand more about the cleaning process and read up and soccer. Todd’s client list includes individuals both male on many interesting, shocking, and enlightening articles on and female, wives and girlfriends – getting the spouse’s gear athletes, who have experienced bad health due to unsanitary cleaned, clubs, teams and associations. Todd says, “ The busi- gear, check out Todd’s website, www.nosweatesporta.ca. ness is 50/50, female and male clients. Girlfriends and wives motivate many males, who want their guy to clean up his Cont. page 21 Winter 2006 page 17 Hockey Zones Can Goal Scoring be as Simple as ABC? Specific Areas Covered Yes! It Can! Individual Scoring Tactics Yes!with the It Can! • “1 on 1” drive skating attack to the defender’s weak side ABCs Maximum • “5 Options” attack through the neutral zone into the offensive zone Goal Scoring System - drive skating - turn backs - delay to the boards, deceptive “tuck and go” move - “stop up” delay - Gretzky middle cut • Breakaway shooting and/or deking strategies • Demonstrating the Goalie’s weakest areas

Individual Technical & Skill Development • Receiving passes with a “firm” stick, and to avoid “cushion/cradle” of the pass With • Shooting in stride of either leg Score with • Shooting back against the “flow or the grain” Morris • One time shooting the BEST! • Deflections in front of net • Deflections as player approaches the net Lukowich! Team Systems • Wrap around plays at the net • Puck protection and longer puck possession Team Scoring Tactics Team Scoring Tactics Individual Scoring Tactics • Cycling the puck back into the corner when under defensive pressure Individual Technical & • Various options available from Corner Cycling Skill Development • Setting a “pick and roll” play during the Corner Cycling • Setting a “pick and roll” during the offensive neutral zone attacks We will maximize goal scoring skills and improve team chemistry • Shorthanded goal scoring attacks and strategies for a complete goal scoring system that increases the number & • Powerplay goal scoring attack and strategies • End of the Game “Goaltender Pulled” scoring quality of scoring chances for the player & the team. strategies

We teach with goal scoring skills and strategies: Transition plays and passing • How to take the most advantage of offensive zone Empower players with a “Plan to Success” turnovers • How to take the most advantage of neutral zone Generate more scoring opportunities turnovers “Finish” plays around the net and score more goals • The optimum strategy for the wingers in transitioning from the defensive zone Create a “team goal scoring chemistry” that produces a distinct advantage over the defensive coverage.

Proud Call Luke Member of IncreaseIncrease youryour HockeyHockey PlayingPlaying SkillsSkills andand GoalGoal ScoringScoring Practice & Play Smarter • Enjoy & Have Fun 660-3006 Hockey’s a Great Game! [email protected] Winter 2006 page 18 Hockey Zones Coach Lyle – Lateral Crossovers cont. Manager (cont’d.) One Foot Stops with a quick, big knee and use a HIGH KNEE AC- Trevor took his teams a total of thirteen jump into accelerating in a direction TION... at the top of the lift over, times to a Calgary Flames or Hitmen 180-degrees to what you were trav- your upper leg, from hip to knee, game and one Rough Neck’s game as elling. should be parallel to the ice. You well! Just another example of his dedi- • Balance Drills. Note that learning will find this of additional importance cation and commitment to his teams! the correct way to skate backward as you progress to more lateral and laterally are in themselves a “bal- speed, fast, explosive starts in During the Winter season when ance skating drill” of a poignantly changes of direction, explosive Mother nature cooperates. Trevor man- different nature than when skating crossover starts from a one foot ages the Signal Hill outdoor rink between forward. Note: maintaining body po- stop, learning and doing forward and November and March. Trevor says “It’s sition while skating backwards or lat- backward skating crossovers, tran- a opportunity for the kids that do not erally, with balance while moving the sitions from forward–to-backward play minor hockey to get out and play feet and legs correctly (read: do your and backward-to-forward, among and for his teams to get some outdoor skating from the hips on down) pri- other agility and speed maneuvers. ice time too. marily requires very good core • Remember: skate from your hips on muscle development, not withstand- down (notwithstanding aids from the Trevor’s proudest moments as a man- ing the importance of all the leg and upper body, not so relevent to our ager happened last season when both butt muscles. discussion at this time) and remem- his teams – Atom and Peewee (pics • Agility Drills. Coaches can throw ber the importance of training your page 4) – won the city championships. lateral crossovers into a complex core muscles as we continue. I re- agility skating pattern to step up that mind you of this now because as you For the foreseeable future, Trevor will extra degree of difficulty, when it is do a single or multiple lateral cross- carry on managing teams to midget/jun- time for you to push a little more for over, your legs do the work and your ior levels, as a parent he is an advocate excellence. upper body “goes along for the ride”. for the kids but realistic on goals and • Quickness Drills. To do lateral That is to say, maintain your upper expectations. “Because of my manage- crossovers in triple quick time is a body posture (erect) and the deep ment experience over the years, I now wake up call for your feet to get sit (good knee bend). help train other managers over the sea- quicker and trains your body to help • Also a reminder, to keep the upper body son to do it right” he said. with your speed. Very important: square to the direction you are facing. Speed in skating is largely limited by • For high speed lateral movements, Teams often give a gift to the manager the genes that you were born with, take long, fast crossover steps and at the end of the hockey season to show despite strength building and skat- feel like you are throwing your body appreciation. It’s a nice gesture. How- ing miles-and-miles. The only way sideways, feel like you are throwing ever, Trevor sums things up nicely on to get the maximum speed out of your hip in that direction. Note that why he manages season after season. your body, is to improve and perfect the objective when you are keeping your skating technique. your shoulders and hips square to the “Hearing parents say it’s the best • Conditioning Drills. Tactics 1-thru- front, they as a unit perpendicular to hockey year they ever had kids re- 7 above, need a lot of work by you the ice (a “wall”, same as in your membering how good a time they had if you are to improve. You lose if two foot glide turns at less than all playing, remembering the variety of you get tired too soon. Your Coach out speed). tournaments., the out of town games and can tell you how much more fun the other off ice activities – it’s a great deal game is when your high techique For skaters that are young or older of fun for everyone great to see the level has the support of a high level rookies, who are learning to skate back- kids have fun and get as much hockey of conditioning. wards, remember the body posture is as they can. It teaches life skills in- much the same as for lateral crossover cluding team work... we win and lose Key Points and Key Concepts so what I am about to say applies for as a team – that’s what it’s all about for for Learning and Teaching both. There is a fear in “throwing” me and why I do it each season” states Lateral Crossovers your body backwards to the erect, up- Trevor with a very satisfied smile! • Player assumes the Hockey right position of the back, viz., the up- Defenseman’s Ready Stance. per torso. If you are not strong on your Editor’s Note: Reading this article • To move laterally to your left: lift skates otherwise, there is fear to over- about Trevor Wannop, hockey from your right skate, keeping the toes come, like all things new. Your a manager’s perspective, may benefit pointed forward, up and over your Coaches or Tucker Hockey has spe- current team managers as well as en- left foot and placing it parallel on the cific drills to teach you to get to a com- courage other parents to get more in- other side of your left foot, at least fort zone. volved with their kid’s teams. It can hip width apart and parallel to the be a very rewarding and enjoyable left skate. Good Luck, experience. Thanks, Trevor for shar- • Very Important Key: lead with the Coach Lyle ing your thoughts and expertise! Winter 2006 page 19 Hockey Zones No Sweat (cont’d.) Here’s a little informa- tion on the cleaning process. The process was invented in Kelowna, BC. Todd’s machine is a sixth gen- eration machine. The first machine came on the market eight years ago was manually op- erated. Now, the lat- est machine is com- puterized. Todd can control the temperature, speed and duration of the wash. A full cleaning and drying process takes 12 to 14 hours; it is usually 24 to 48 hour turn around time on the equipment. “Football equipment, helmets and skates need to be prepared prior to placement in the machine”.” High maintenance items include the goalie trapper. It’s the most difficult piece of equip- ment to clean,” says Todd.

Todd recently moved his business to a brand new location at #21B 8720 Macleod Trail SE, located in the Macleod Trail Co–op Shopping Center. Besides dropping equipment off at the shop, Todd has several drop off zones – including Pro Skate stores, Play It Again in West Hills, and Sports Traders. Todd provides other services besides cleaning sports equip- ment including skate sharpening, hockey supplies and misc. sports attire.

To clean a standard set of player hockey gear, the price is James F. McArdle, CRA approximately $45.95. If you would like more information or Residential Appraiser rates for groups/teams give Todd a call at 204-1401. Special promotion for all readers – 20% off a standard cleaning or a free skate sharpening. Editor’s Note: If your gear stinks! Don’t be embarrassed by some- one ( may be your spouse, teammate or even a stranger ) com- plaining about the awful stink of your sports gear! Check out the #1 Sports Hygiene Service in Calgary today!

Tucker Hockey welcomes your comments on any articles published in Hockey Tucker Hockey Bus: 403-569-7474 Zones: send your email to Fax: 403-569-7499 [email protected]. World of Instruction The Spectrum of past participants in Cell: 403-852-5722 The most interesting and Tucker Hockey Power Skating and Hockey noteworthy letters will be Skills Development programs have included E-Mail: [email protected] considered for “Letter of the Month” and will be pub- the following catagories of players: lished in the next issue of Collegiate • Junior A • Midget AAA & AA “AIC” Member • “CREB” Member • “AMBA” Member Hockey Zones and will re- ceive a Tucker Hockey prize. Bantam AAA & AA • Community – Novice to Midget 209 W. Lakeview Place, Chestermere AB. T1X 1K3 Initiation • Adult Recreational • Male & Female Yearly Father & Son • Mother & Daughter SUBSCRIPTION $10 Grandfather & Grandson • Husband & Wife

FEEDBACK [email protected] Professional Service – Trusted Values Winter 2006 page 20 Hockey Zones Winter 2006 page 21 Hockey Zones The Merits of Coaching Innovation One-on-One Coaching

Thoughout the year, there are many process every time a player skates improvements and enjoyment – love group hockey development programs to • Times and dates determined by par- of the game! choose from: power skating, hockey ents/players – better suited to a busy skills, checking, three-on-three and con- schedule (before and after school) Tucker Hockey Provides ditioning, etc. However, if a player is • Enhance hockey skills as well as life Proven One on One Coaching serious about reaching his or her short skills, self confidence and self esteem Please call Rex Tucker at 244-5037 to and long term hockey goals, they must • Qualified and experienced instruction discuss potential programs, customized consider one-on-one coaching to help achieve short and long term curriculums, hockey instruction and phi- hockey goals losophies, schedules and rate structures. Advantages Visit our website at www.tucker There are many advantages of private/ Benefits Outweigh Costs hockey.com for more information. specialized one-on-one sessions, including. Concerns often addressed are: • More personable – players receive • Programs are more expensive than Here are two rising stars who have ex- closer attention group programs but the benefits out perienced Tucker Hockey one-on-one • Proper assessment of a player’s skills weigh the costs if a player/parent are coaching and taken their game to a • Customized on-ice programs to suit serious about hockey advancement higher level: needs and abilities • Can’t afford 1 on 1? Get together 2 • More hands on approach/input from or 3 players of similar skill, age and parents/players desire from a club, team or neighbor- • More effective way to bridge the skill hood to help share the costs. gap and speed up the improvement • Participants experience guaranteed

“I thought Tucker Hockey really benefited my overall hockey skills and especially skat- ing skills. As a player, you may not realize you are doing anything wrong or you just think your doing everything right. However, it wasn’t until I did about a dozen one-on- one coaching sessions with Rex Tucker, one of the best power skating instructors out there, that I learned about my potential to improve.

I had Rex tweak my skating skills and I ‘Mac’ McIntosh have to say I improved dramatically. I 2005/06 Mount Royal Cougars learned a lot of little things to get an extra Female Hockey Team step on an opponent. Even though I was a good skater to begin with, I feel I have “Thanks for all your help with her reached another level of performance now in the one-on-one sessions and al- that I have had Rex Tucker’s personal lowing her to assistant-coach with instruction. your hockey camps this past August. Your coaching has made a huge im- There is no such thing as a perfect skater, provement in her skating, puck con- Mark Bomersback but there are great skaters. I now feel that a trol and most of all... her confidence. Alltime leading Scorer in AJHL player’s skating skills will always have room for improvement... no matter what Thanks again for all your coaching 3rd Year Player level you play. I plan to contine to hone my help with her this year! It has made Ferris State University skating skills to make it to the next level... the difference.” Future NHL Prospect the NHL! Thanks for the help Rexy!” -Roger, Jessica’s Father

Winter 2006 page 22 Hockey Zones Luke’s Lookout “One Timer” Shooting Brett Hull Style

power to have an effective and pow- the goalie. This allows the player to erful one timer shot. The key is the continue skating towards the goal as By former NHL & WHA Player/ positioning of the lower elbow, which the “T” one timer shot is taken. Goal Scoring Mentor Morris will result in producing a powerful one Lukowich (Luke) timer shot. Aim Very important is where the player “One Timer Shooting” is a great goal Lower Elbow Position “aims” the one timer shot. Most im- scoring skill to learn. Former NHLer Think of a powerful golf swing. The portantly is that the player hits the net Brett Hull perfected the skill. powerful one timer shot is similar to with his shot, even if he hits the goalie this. The position of the lower elbow with the shot. Yet many times we see In my years in the NHL, “One Timer must be kept inside, nearly on the hip. players hit the end boards with the Shooting” was a “scoring weapon” This allows for the whole body to be shot/puck instead of the net and scor- that assisted me in getting into the compact and all the joints used pow- ing what really looked like a wide open NHL and to beat goaltenders and light erfully upon releasing the shot. Also, net goal. up the red light behind them. Brett this allows the hips to rotate and gen- Hull was one of the very best one timer erate power on the shot, with the The puck has a certain force (momen- shooters that I have ever seen. Brett player’s chest facing the net after tum) as it is being passed across to had not only the strength for a great shooting the puck. So, very impor- the shooter and if the shooter “aims” one timer shot, but he also had incred- tant, keep the elbow in tight on your the puck into the open 1/4 part of the ible “mechanics” which produce a side in order to have a powerful shot. net he will often miss the net as the consistently powerful one timer shot. puck continues it momentum. If the elbow is away from the side, Key Points to Having a the player will use only his shoulders The key point here is to “aim” the one Great One Timer Shot and arms and will eliminate his hips in timer shot, both mentally and physi- the shot. This causes many “flubbed” cally, back towards the 1/4 of the net Preperation of the Stick one timer shots. from which the puck is coming, in- Most one timer shots that get stead of the 1/4 of the net that looks “bungled” are because the player at- Skate Position open. tempts to “wind up and slap down” For the “Loaded” One Timer and the while the puck is coming at him. Typi- “Wall” One timer the skates are fac- This way the puck will hit the center cally, there is not enough time to “wind ing the direction that the puck is com- of the net or the 1/4 part of the net up and slap down” and still make ing from. The makes for a well pre- that is open. The most important thing good contact (good wood) with the pared stance that allows the weight is to hit the net or hit the goalie and puck. to be transferred from the back skate score on the rebound. to the front skate as the player un- I have my players either have the stick winds the either pre-cocked (Loaded One slapshot release, and allows the Luke’s Bio Timer) or on the ice with no wind up Morris Lukowich (Luke) is a former (The Wall One Timer). body to rotate at NHL & WHA Goal Scorer who the hips as the played with the Houston Aeros, If the stick is precocked (already shot is taken. Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins and pulled back) then the player only has L.A. Kings. Luke scored more than For the “T” One 300 Goals during 11 years in the to perform the downward slapshot National Hockey League and World movement and will contact the puck timer the front Hockey Association between 1976 more consistently. skate is already and 1987. Morris (Luke) currently facing the net coaches the “Maximum Goal Scor- If the stick is on the ice, with no wind and the body is ing System”. If you have suggestions already slightly or comments you can reach him at up, then the player must execute the 660-3006 or [email protected]. correct mechanics to produce enough open towards Winter 2006 page 23 Hockey Zones Winter 2006 page 24 Hockey Zones Coach Rex’s Corner Forward Striding

In today’s game of hockey, especially at the NHL level, speed All great skaters in the NHL have tremendous knee bend. is everything. The definition of speed is power times quick- Its important to keep the skate edge in contact with the ice ness. Power ( from the quads / thighs) times quickness ( as long as possible and finishing each stride by pushing from movement of the feet ) equals speed. It’s important to have the hip through the knee to the ankle. A good drill to practice lighting quick starts and to get from “A” to “B” on the ice as striding is the “ striding with two hands on the stick”. quickly and efficiently as possible especially when chasing for loose pucks! The glide – the glide part of skating is often very short. A player is gliding not pushing and recovering with the opposite Forward skating is the basis for almost all skill development skate i.e. bringing the drive leg back under the body. During in hockey. Start, stride ( i.e. full extension ), glide, recovery, the glide portion, the skate blade of the support leg is mainly and proper arm swing are the basic components of forward on the flat of the blade. A good drill to practice gliding is the skating. If these basic components are the same for every “ one legged glide”. skater, why can’t everyone skate like Scott Niedermayer? The recovery - a good recovery consists of bringing the The problem is learning and properly applying these compo- drive leg back under the body close to the glide leg, the next nents of forward skating. Technically all strides are basically leg performs a long stride and transfers/shifts body weight the same, however, the difference is really the length of the onto the new glide leg smooth / flowing motion, and the glide i.e. how long a player spends gliding before the next thigh muscles should feel strain of each push. Recovery re- skate takes to the ice. Many players move their feet with quires a circular motion .skate low to the ice passing un- rapid speed but forget to apply effective force. While a player der the center of gravity and shoulders perpendicular. A good needs rapid leg movement to gain speed , he or she must drill to practice proper recovery is the “ tap the glide skate learn to use the skate blade edges, their legs and body weight with the returning drive skate”. properly and forcefully. The arm swing - players should not pitch fork the stick or The following analysis of forward skating will describe many pass arms across the mid point of their body, rather the left of the teaching points as well as several of the on ice drills arm back / left leg forward, right arm forward / right leg which Tucker Hockey incorporates into its power skating in- back motion should be used. If a player is skating too close struction. behind he or she may get an elbow in the face trade marks of Mr. Elbow i.e. Gordie Howe and Mark Messier’s games The start - a player’s first two strides is a pushing back mo- respectively. A player should keep one hand on the stick i.e. tion, knees over the ankles over the toes, greater knee bend, top hand on the stick shaft when skating without the puck forward lean of the trunk ( requires strong abs ), lead with and understandable place two hands on the stick when re- the chest, and head is up. A good drill to practice proper ceiving a pass or when stick handling or taking a shot. A starting is the “v – start stick switch”. good drill to practice arm swing is the “ railroad drill”.

The stride (i.e. full extension ) - a player’s next three to four Food for Thought : Frank Mahovlich and Paul Coffey, great strides require a greater push on the inside edges with a full skaters of the past and Scott Niedermayer, a great skater extension of the hip, knee, ankle, and toe locked. It results in today have all played the game with such ease and grace wider / longer strides i.e. full extension now a lateral because they displayed great forward skating technique. It thrust to the side, . returning the skate blade to the ice quickly often appeared these superstars were not skating very hard i.e. quick feet, . stride/push edge to glide edge .i.e. “ but they deceptively moved quite fast and in the process stride and glide ”. If there is good power exhibited, a player conserved a great deal of energy i.e. striding and gliding. will hear his / her skates cutting the ice i.e. push legs hard resulting in full speed within three or four strides and using When a player is not a good skater, he or she is constantly ankle flex i.e. the ankle is turned in more to maximize leg focused on trying to keep up with the play. When a player extension. Often players substitute bending too much from is a great skater, he or she does not have to think about the waist not the knees . always bend the knees! When their skating while playing the game. As a result, the teaching power skating, I see too many beginner players at- elite hockey players can channel their thoughts and tempt to skate like they walk .its so important to bend the energy into excelling at other parts of the game i.e. knees! making great plays on the ice!

Winter 2006 page 25 Hockey Zones NHL Players at 2006 Women’s Olympic 2006 Men’s Olympic Hockey Schedule Hockey Schedule the 2006 Start times listed in Mountain Time Start times listed in Mountain Time Preliminary Round (Round Robin) Preliminary Round (Round Robin) Olympic February 11th February 15th Finland vs. Germany 5:00 am Kazakhstan vs. Sweden 3:30 am Winter Games Sweden vs. Russia 7:30 am Italy vs. Canada 5:00 am As in 1997/98 and 2001/02, the NHL’s USA vs. Switzerland 10:00 am Switzerland vs. Finland 7:30 am 2005/06 regular season will be inter- Canada vs. Italy 12:30 pm Germany vs. Czech Republic 9:00 am rupted in order to allow the League’s Russia vs. Slovakia noon players to represent their countries at February 12th Latvia vs. USA 1:00 pm the Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Russia vs. Canada 8:30 am Italy. Germany vs. USA 11:00 am February 16th Finland vs. Italy 4:00 am February 13th Twelve teams, divided into two groups Czech Republic vs. Switzerland 5:00 am Sweden vs. Italy 7:00 am of six, will play for Olympic Gold. Each Sweden vs. Russia 8:00 am Finland vs. Switzerland 9:30 am team will play the five opponents in its Slovakia vs. Latvia 9:00 am group from February 15th to 21st. February 14th Canada vs. Germany noon Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Ger- Italy vs. Russia 5:00 am USA vs. Kazakhstan 1:00 pm many, Switzerland and Italy will com- Canada vs. Sweden 7:30 am pete in Group A, while Group B will Switzerland vs. Germany 10:00 am February 18th consist of Sweden, Slovakia, USA, Rus- USA vs. Finland 12:30 pm Kazakhstan vs. Russia 3:30 am sia, Latvia and Kazakhstan. Italy vs. Germany 5:00 am Playoff Round (single elimination) Canada vs. Switzerland 7:30 am The top four teams from each group will February 17th Sweden vs. Latvia 9:00 am advance to the quarter finals where the Classification Game A3 vs. B4 5:00 am Russia vs. USA noon two groups crossover: A1 vs B4, A2 vs. Semifinal A1 vs. B2 9:00 am Czech Republic vs. Finaland 1:00 pm B3, B2 vs. A3 and B1 vs. A4. Classification Game B3 vs. A4 10:30 am Semifinal B1 vs. A2 1:00 pm February 19th Single-game playoffs will then deter- Germany vs. Switzerland 4:00 am mine the winner of the quarter finals February 20th Russia vs. Latvia 5:00 am (February 22nd), the semifinals (Feb- 7th Place Game 5:00 am Slovakia vs. Kazakhstan 8:00 am ruary 24th), the bronze medal game Bronze Medal Game 8:30 am USA vs. Sweden 9:00 am (February 25th) and the gold medal 5th Place Game 9:00 am Czech Republic vs. Italy noon game (February 26th). Gold Medal Game 12:30 pm Finland vs. Canada 1:00 pm February 21st Quick Reference Latvia vs. Kazakhstan 3:30 am Switzerland vs. Italy 4:30 am Cumulative Medal Standings Canada vs. Czech Republic 7:30 am Finland vs. Germany 8:30 am Sweden vs. Slovakia noon Men’s Olympic Hockey 1924 - 2002 USA vs. Russia 12:30 pm Gold Silver Bronze Total Last Medal USSR/Russia* 8 2 2 12 Bronze02 Playoff Round (single elimination) Canada 6 4 2 12 Gold 02 February 22nd USA 2619Silver 02 Quarterfinals A1 vs. B4 8:30 am Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic 1438Gold 98 Quarterfinals A2 vs. B3 9:30 am Sweden 1247Gold 94 Quarterfinals B2 vs. A3 12:30 pm Great Britan 1012Gold 36 Quarterfinals B1 vs. A4 1:30 pm Finland 0123Bronze 98 West Germany 0022Bronze 76 February 24th Switzerland 0022Bronze 48 Semifinals 8:30 am Semifinals 1:00 pm Women’s Olympic Hockey, 1998-2002 Canada 1102Gold 02 February 25th USA 1102Silver 02 Bronze Medal Game 12:30 pm Sweden 0011Bronze 02 Finland 0011Bronze 98 February 26th Gold Medal Game 6:00 am Winter 2006 page 26 Hockey Zones You Could Win! Tucker To be eligible to win the Danny Cammack Memorial Award, you Hockey must be an avid hockey player 13 years of age or younger. Awards

To enter, show us your passion! Write a 100-200 word essay on why you love playing the game of hockey. Send your Minor Hockey submission along with your Danny Cammack name and phone number to [email protected]. Memorial Award Danny Cammack had many of the The winning entry will passions of a typical 13 year old receive a scholarship but none was greater than the one to a Tucker Hockey he had for hockey. What Danny Spring Break/Easter Super lacked in size, he more than made Power Skating Program. up for with smooth powerful strides, soft hands and an uncanny puck sense.

Danny As much as he loved the game, he loved the camaraderie that Cammack came with being a member of a hockey team. Perhaps this is why Memorial Award he was such a good team player. Dan loved to win but it was not the Congratulations to Scholarship Recipients "be all and end all". He always kept Christmas 2005 Zach Urban • Winter 2005 Alexander Bearinger things in perspective. Doing his best and having fun on the ice was Spring 2005 Darren Martin • Summer 2005 Carson Elliott Thank you to everyone who entered – with the high calibre of entries it was difficult to select just one winner! what Danny was all about!

Adult Hockey Bradley Mersereau I Love Hockey! e than anything else is because Memorial Award The reason I love hockey mor This quarterly award is named the all the great friends I make. I was in the hospital for six "Brad Memorial". It is in memory of Bradley Mersereau, who was an weeks with a bone infection. All I could think about is getting avid participant in Tucker Hockey Adult Programs. Brad never rep- back on the ice. resented himself as a great skater, or, for that matter, a good hockey player. He just loved getting out I’ve played many sports which I’ve been good at. Even and being active. He always found a healthy balance between family, winning gold and silver medals at the Provincials for work and the enjoyment of hockey. He was a "true friend" and swimming. Nothing though is like playing hockey with "hockey enthusiast". your friends and dreaming about one day being in the Award Recipients bout. Winter 2004 – Jeff Okamura NHL. This is all I ever think a Spring 2004 – Wilfred Budduke Summer 2004 – Ronald Wong Fall 2004 – Homer Two Young Men Winter 2005 – Angelito Ponce I’m very lucky that I can play hockey and travel all over Spring 2005 – Roger McIntosh Summer 2005 – Neil Fleming meeting a lot of great people. n Fall 2005 – Wayne Newby Zach Urba Winter 2006 – Paul Zorgdrager

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Winter 2006 page 28 Hockey271-4101 Zones