Where Hockey Smarts Meet Winning Strategies.

This is your ultimate resource for understanding the game of hockey. Whether you’re a player looking to elevate your game, a coach striving for innovative techniques, or a parent supporting your athlete’s development, you’ll find valuable insights here.

But hockey is more than just X’s and O’s. The way we coach, teach, and develop players at the youth level has a lasting impact on the future of the game. Too often, youth sports become hyper-focused on winning instead of learning, and coaches are left without the proper tools to teach the game effectively. We need to shift the focus to education, player development, and building a strong hockey culture that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term results.

On this site, you’ll find not just breakdowns of plays and strategies, but also deep dives into the issues facing youth hockey today—from coaching education and player development to mental performance and leadership. Our goal is to help coaches become better teachers, create smarter and more confident players, and foster an environment where young athletes thrive both on and off the ice.

From foundational skills to advanced tactics and analytics, this site is designed to inspire, educate, and empower the hockey community. Join us as we break down the game’s complexity, tackle the biggest challenges in youth hockey, and work toward a brighter future for the sport we love.

“Possession Over Position”

In June 2023, I found myself sitting at a table with four other minor hockey coaches and Todd Reirden—former Washington Capitals Head Coach and, at the time, Assistant Coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins. During our conversation, one of the coaches asked Todd, “What’s the one thing we should always keep in mind as coaches?”

Todd chuckled and said he didn’t want to give away too many secrets but then shared three powerful words: “Possession over Position.”

Those three words resonated deeply with me and perfectly capture the essence of the modern game of hockey. It’s not just about your starting position on the ice—it’s about reading the game, making smart decisions, and using a combination of physical and mental ability to dictate the flow of the game.

The goal of this Hockey IQ page is to celebrate that evolution. Here, players, coaches, and parents will find valuable insights, tools, and resources to understand and master the game’s mental and strategic side.

For Players: Unlock Your Hockey IQ

Step into the mind of an elite player and discover what it takes to elevate your game. This section is packed with tips, strategies, and insights to help you make smarter decisions on the ice, anticipate plays, and stay one step ahead of your competition. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to take your skills to the next level, you’ll find the tools you need to become a more intelligent, impactful player..

For Coaches: Building Smarter Teams

Coaching is more than drills and systems—it’s about teaching players to think the game. In this section, you’ll find tools, techniques, and strategies to help you develop hockey IQ in your players, use analytics to drive decision making, foster smarter decision-making, and implement modern, effective tactics while building a winning culture. Elevate your coaching and guide your team to play with purpose, precision, and creativity.

Our Breakdowns & Articles

Dive deep into the game with detailed breakdowns of key plays, coaching tactics, and player development strategies. This section goes beyond X’s and O’s, exploring coaching education, analytics, culture, and mental performance—all essential to developing successful teams and players.

Learn how to apply modern coaching techniques, use data-driven insights, build a strong team culture, and support mental resilience. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this is your go-to resource for elevating performance and creating a smarter, stronger hockey community.

WHAT THE PROS HAVE SAID ABOUT HOCKEY IQ

  • “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

    Wayne Gretzky

  • “The best players aren’t the fastest or the strongest—they’re the smartest.”

    Sidney Crosby

  • “The game is so fast now, but the smartest players find ways to slow it down for themselves.”

    Connor McDavid

  • “Being in the right place at the right time beats speed and strength every time.”

    Nicklas Lidström

  • “Goaltending is 90% mental. The smartest goalies aren’t just making saves—they’re making the shooter doubt himself.”

    Henrik Lundqvist