Apologies first. It wasn’t my intent to focus my first two installments of “At the Buzzer” on, of all people and teams, Ken Dryden and the Montreal Canadiens. I’ve cheered for two professional hockey teams in my life — the New York Rangers while I was a snot-nosed kid growing up in New Jersey, and … [Read more...]
At the Buzzer: Dryden’s ‘The Game’ never has been more on point
The reality that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on kids playing hockey this season reveals a glaring shortcoming in the game’s development: We’ve become a nation dependent on “organized” hockey. The pandemic hasn’t prevented youngsters from playing street hockey (based anecdotally on … [Read more...]
Goalie Guru: Kids know best if they’re made for the crease
Where did the last 10 years go? As I head into my second decade of “The Goalie Guru,” it's only natural to think about how the position has changed since I started tapping out this column in late 2010. The evolution has been nothing short of revolutionary, building on the incredible, athletic styles … [Read more...]
O’Connor: Hey, goalies, let’s hear you talk out there
February is usually playoff month for many hockey programs (high school in particular). At the very least, the month is a sign of the final push to the playoffs (college and many youth programs). So, there’s one topic I want to address — communication. At this point in the season, there’s no magic … [Read more...]
Don’t curb your enthusiasm
To paraphrase the great poet Gertrude Stein, coaching is coaching is coaching. There are principles that apply seamlessly across a broad spectrum of different sports. That means you can take concepts that work in one sport and apply them with equal effectiveness in other sports. I’ve try to learn … [Read more...]
Anxiety is a performance crusher for goalies
Any goaltender who has strapped on a set of pads — regardless of whether it’s ice hockey, street hockey or roller hockey — knows fear. Last month, we explored the fear of physical injury and suggested a number of key gear improvements designed to minimize that risk. This month, I’m going to look at … [Read more...]
