Hockey Tip Reminders

1. Skate, skate, skate. If you can't skate, you can't play this game. Get as much skating practice in as the body will permit and work on conditioning too. Bicycle riding is a good supplement, or even running or the treadmill.
   
   
2. Head up, stick down. Stay alert and on your skates.
   
   
3. Know what you're going to do with the puck before you get it. It's a mistake to wait to get the puck, then fumble around, and then decide upon a course of action. Have a plan before the puck is in your possession!
   
   
4. Play for next goal. One goal at a time.
   
   
5. Avoid turnovers at the red line, or anywhere in general. If in doubt, clear the puck deep.
   
   
6. Put the puck on net. Good things can happen if you just shoot on goal.
   
   
7. Develop hockey awareness where your teammates and opponents are at and are heading. Anticipate the play. Be ahead of the game, not behind it.
   
   
8. Avoid retalitory strikes after receiving a cheap shot hit or vicious stick work. Maintain poise, wait for the enemy player to head into the corner or boards in pursuit of a loose puck, then extract vengeance.
   
   
9. Don't let a shift disrupt your spirit, or become too elated. Hockey is a game of bounces where the unexpected can erupt instantly. Every shift is a new shift, every rush is a new rush, etc.
   
   
10. Communicate and deal with teammates in a harmonious manner. Win and lose as a team.