OZP Off Puck Movement & Cutting Through Defensive Structure Purposeful movement by offensive players without the puck to disrupt the defensive posture • Creates space • Forces defenders to communicate and switch • Opens up passing lanes and scoring opportunities

Attacking on diagonals (with change of pace) to switch sides of the ice and draw multiple defenders is a great to "destabilize" an opponents structure –– turning a numerical disadvantages into quality scoring chances Drew Carlson Nick Smallridge

Passing between two checks on breakout retrievals—“line-breaking” passes—effectively disrupts defensive structure. They create space, open up clean exit lanes, and can generate numerical advantages by drawing in additional defensive pressure Drew Carlson Nick Smallridge

Where chaos and control meet, skill takes shape. If we want adaptable players, we can’t just train patterns, we must train those moments of tension where choices emerge. That’s where the real talent is forged. Read more below. ⬇️ 🔗 nicksmallridge.substack.com/p/in-the-tensi…

Another nice example below - PHI6 sprints back to puck - Scan up ice to see options & pressure - Hides intentions in his feet (neutral) - Quick cut up strong side with forechecker on his back - Eyes up and to the inside finding middle option between both forecheckers

D Forward Angling - "Check forward" to eliminate time and space; forcing plays to the outside or to turn back - Importance of stick detail & finishing contact in front of puck carrier to cut routes & forward momentum - Timing/Skating/Stick Detail/Awareness = Confidence

Situational awareness in D-zone coverage; reading cues + recognizing triggers On puck defender does a great job taking away time and space, not allowing puck carrier to get off wall. Allows a read by the off puck defender to double up knowing the puck carrier is "trapped"

Pre-Scan 1st Touch: Identify pressure & available support Deception w/ Feet & Body: sell intent/misdirection & manipulate forechecker Wall Separation: Pull puck off the wall into space to gain control Eyes Up & Inside: Scan & find dot line support Love these two centre clips

Dont know if I can think of a time an athlete at the top of his sport has been this open and honest about their craft

"Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken." -Buffett Many coaches are stagnating in this 'heavy chain' attractor state (status quo drills) Questioning it all might destabilize you enough to get out: x.com/drewcarlsonhp/…

Initiating Contact - Establish Body Position To Protect Puck & Extend Possession - Manipulate Defenders/Putting Off Balance To Create Separation - Persevere Space Off Wall & Attack Options

Drawing Two/Duplication In Coverage - Create separation on defender - Opportunity to attack in a manner to draw defensive support - Coverage adjusts & additional defenders arrive to help - Quick decisions to exploit the breakdown and the space/advantage created

Purposeful routes cutting through structure to disrupt defensive shape - Drawing defenders to create space for teammates - Potential pass option on the timed cut A great tactic in all invasion based sports

OZP High Tips Creating layered offence on the inside to find space between coverages and/or draw defenders from the net front - Work to space - D eyes up to find available sticks - Sticks (tools) to the net

Power

This! Listen to this man, if you want to get better play against people, not cones, not air.

Drew Carlson Kyle MacLennan Another one of his is along the lines of: “My job is to prove to players, through practice, they have the right to be confident in themselves and what they can accomplish.” Can’t remember the exact quote, but it’s one of my favorites.

John Brother MacDonald Stadium 😢 Miss that rink!

Spent a lot of time this summer watching clips of Adam Nicholas working with their guys. Love his drill design and teaching methods!