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Player development

What to work on, in what order, at what age — with a clear standard for when a skill is actually finished.

Most development advice online is a drill library with no sequence. These tracks are ordered, each node has a pass condition, and every one links to the local coaches who teach it.

skating
Ages 510

Skating Foundations

Edges, balance and stride mechanics — the base every other skill sits on.

Stage 1
  • Two-Foot Glide

    Glides the length of the neutral zone in a stable athletic stance.

  • Inside Edges

    Holds a controlled inside-edge circle in both directions.

Stage 2
  • Outside Edges

    Holds a controlled outside-edge circle in both directions.

  • C-Cuts

    Generates speed with C-cuts on one foot, both directions.

Stage 3
  • Forward Crossovers

    Full-circle crossovers with a complete under-push, both directions.

  • Backward Skating

    Backward C-cuts with head up for a full zone.

Stage 4
  • Tight Turns

    Turns inside a faceoff circle without losing speed.

  • Transitions

    Forward-to-backward and back, both shoulders, under control.

puck skills
Ages 614

Puck Skills

Handling, passing and shooting progressions from first touches to deception.

Stage 1
  • Stationary Handling

    60 seconds of controlled handling with head up.

  • Forehand Passing

    Tape-to-tape at 20 feet, 8 of 10.

Stage 2
  • Toe Drags

    Executes a toe drag around a cone at speed.

  • Wrist Shot

    Hits all four corners from the hash marks.

Stage 3
  • Saucer Pass

    Clears an obstacle and lands flat, 6 of 10.

  • Snap Shot

    Quick release in stride without a full wind-up.

Stage 4
  • Deception & Fakes

    Beats a passive defender 1-on-1 with a look-off or shift.

goaltending
Ages 716

Goaltending Core

Stance, movement and tracking fundamentals for developing goaltenders.

Stage 1
  • Athletic Stance

    Holds a repeatable stance with hands ahead of the body.

  • T-Push

    Post-to-post T-push arriving square and stopped.

Stage 2
  • Butterfly

    Seals ice on the drop with knees together.

  • Puck Tracking

    Head stays on the puck through release and into the body.

Stage 3
  • Butterfly Slide

    Slides across the crease and stops square to the puck.

  • Rebound Control

    Directs rebounds to the corners on 7 of 10 shots.

Stage 4
  • Reverse VH

    Seals the post on a sharp-angle attack and recovers.

off ice
Ages 1018

Off-Ice Athlete

Strength, speed and durability work that is appropriate by age, not by trend.

Stage 1
  • Movement Screen

    Passes a basic squat, hinge, lunge and overhead screen.

  • Bodyweight Strength

    Controlled push-ups, split squats and hip hinges.

Stage 2
  • Plyometrics

    Lands broad and lateral jumps quietly and in balance.

  • Recovery Habits

    Consistent sleep, hydration and post-game routine for four weeks.

Stage 3
  • Linear Speed

    Maintains mechanics through a 20-yard sprint.

Stage 4
  • Loaded Strength

    Technically sound trap-bar deadlift and split squat under load.

Who teaches this

Coaches in the region

Vilardo Goaltending
Goalie Coach
Buffalo, NY

Vilardo Goaltending

Complete goaltender development across Western New York.

Co-ed
Unrated
Leggio Goaltending
Goalie Coach
Buffalo, NY

Leggio Goaltending

Private goaltending lessons built around the individual goaltender.

Co-ed
Unrated
Pro Performance Hockey
Skills Coach
Buffalo, NY/Verified

Pro Performance Hockey

Skills and development training with Scott Rutherford in Buffalo.

Co-ed
Unrated
SP
Strength Coach
Buffalo, NY/Verified

SAQ Performance

Speed, agility and quickness training plus hockey clinics and a college exposure camp.

Co-ed
Unrated

Track a player's progress

A free account lets you attach a player, mark nodes complete, and get recommendations for camps, clinics and coaches that target the gaps.