The only thing better than when the coach puts your line on the ice in the last minute to get that all-important tying goal or take the lead is actually scoring the goal. You want to be there for your team to get the W, but even the most team-oriented player takes pride in being the one to bury a goal.
Hockey is an exciting sport, whether you’re training or playing in game seven. But, it’s more fun when you’re winning and scoring the go-ahead goals. Let’s look at how modern training gear can help you enjoy the game 12 months a year and sharpen your skills so you get first-line minutes.
Shoot for Accuracy
A player who is a scoring threat every time they get the puck is nearly impossible to defend. D-men need to take their shot seriously, and when they go to block the shot, they open up passing lanes. If they play the pass, the shooter can read that and decide to go top corner. The ability to shoot fast and accurately keeps defencemen guessing and keeps your options open.
Off-season training used to mean renting ice in the summer, but now anybody can shoot pucks with an ice-like feel right from home. Industry leaders like HockeyShot Canada make a Roll-Up Shooting Pad that lets anybody fire wristers from anywhere as if they’re on the ice.
Whether you’re in the driveway, the basement, or wherever you need to set up, you can take the rollout artificial ice with you. Put a tarp over your net with cut-outs in the top corners and 5-hole, or setup some targets, and snipe 12 months a year.
Stick Handling
First-line players have dangles. If you’re in the slot, you might have to evade a stick check or pull a quick manoeuver that lets you maintain possession and get a pass or a shot off.
The ability to stickhandle in tight quarters helps your team keep the puck and buys you time to either dish it to a teammate or get a scoring chance. Poise with the puck is one intangible quality that will help get you choice minutes on the first power-play — even defencemen need the skills to walk that blue line and keep the puck in the zone.
Pick from various tools to help you practice stickhandling, from versatile and durable deke trainers to imitation defencemen whose fake skates and sticks you put the puck through. Create endless stickhandling drills with the Speed Deke and work on your speed and agility with the Rush Defender. Trainers are available for on-ice and off-ice training, so you can work on your toe-drag wherever you are.
Hockey is a very cerebral game, where you need to out-think opponents at top speed. But it doesn’t matter how well you think the game if you can’t keep the puck on your stick. So, develop the skills to keep up by working on your game all off-season long with the right training gear.
Players who seem like they’re born blessed with skills probably just worked harder in practice. Whether you want the quick and accurate release of Auston Matthews or the filthy dangles of Connor McDavid, you need to develop that first-line skill by working harder than ever. Get modern training gear that lets you practice effectively in the off-season, and your coach will never take you off the first line.
