How To Score More Goals in Hockey

Scoring goals isn’t just about having a hard shot or fancy hands. The best goal scorers in hockey are smart, opportunistic, and consistent. Whether you’re a forward trying to boost your stats or a defenseman looking to contribute offensively, you can score more — if you focus on the right habits. Here’s a full breakdown of what actually leads to more goals in hockey. 1. Shoot More — and Shoot With Purpose One of the biggest reasons players don’t score is simple: they don’t shoot enough. Good scorers: Shoot quickly Shoot from dangerous areas Shoot through screens Shoot when the goalie is moving Shoot even when the angle isn’t perfect Stop waiting for the “perfect play.” Most goals come from rebounds, deflections, and chaos — not highlight-reel moments. Quick Release Matters More Than Power A fast, unpredictable shot forces goalies to react. If you take too long to stickhandle or wind up, the goalie is already set. 2. Get to the High-Danger Areas If you want to score more, you need to go where goals are scored: the slot, the crease, and the low circles. Scorers win: Net-front battles Inside positioning Second-chance puck scrambles If you’re always shooting from the…

What Do Scouts Look For In Hockey Players

If you want to play at the next level — juniors, college, or even professional — you need to know exactly what hockey scouts are looking for. Too many players think it’s only about scoring goals or dangling through defenders. Yes, skill matters, but scouts evaluate much more than highlight-reel plays. Whether you’re aiming for college showcases or hoping to get noticed at a tournament, here’s what scouts actually focus on when evaluating a hockey player. 1. Skating: The Foundation of Everything If there’s one thing scouts evaluate more than anything else, it’s skating ability. You can have great hands, hockey IQ, and a hard shot, but without strong skating, none of it matters. Scouts look for: Acceleration — how fast you reach top speed Edge control — ability to escape pressure and stay balanced Agility — quick changes of direction Smooth stride — efficient mechanics Backward skating (especially for defensemen) You don’t need to be the fastest on the ice, but you must be strong, stable, and efficient on your edges. 2. Hockey IQ: Playing Smart, Not Just Hard Hockey IQ is one of the most underrated traits players overlook. Scouts thrive on finding players who think the game…

How To Prepare For A Hockey Game

Preparing for a hockey game is more than taping your stick and lacing your skates. True game-day readiness begins long before you step onto the ice. Whether you’re playing in youth leagues, competitive travel hockey, or adult leagues, your preparation routine can be the difference between a sluggish first period and a dominant performance from puck drop. Here’s a complete guide to preparing for a hockey game so you can perform at your best every time. 1. Start Your Preparation Long Before Game Day Game-day success starts with habits formed throughout the week. You can’t make up for missed sleep, poor conditioning, or sloppy nutrition the day of the game. The best players build consistency. Sleep Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Your reaction time, focus, and endurance depend heavily on proper rest. Think of sleep as part of your training. Nutrition Hydrate well the night before. On game day, you should already be ahead, not chugging water at the rink. Stick to balanced meals: lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Light Activity The day before a game, loosen up with light movement — stretching, mobility routines, or a relaxed skate. Stay activated without draining energy. 2. Build…

Maximizing Your Off-Season: The Ultimate Hockey Player’s Training Plan

If you're serious about how to get better at hockey, your off-season is just as important as your in-season. It’s the perfect time to focus on building strength, refining skills, and developing the mental toughness necessary to take your game to the next level. While the regular season often keeps you in a routine of practices and games, the off-season offers you the freedom to hone in on specific areas of your game that need improvement. Whether you're looking to increase your speed on the ice, improve your stickhandling, or get in peak physical shape, the off-season is when you can lay the groundwork for success in the months ahead. In this post, we’ll outline the ultimate training plan for hockey players—one that targets the essential components of hockey performance: strength, endurance, agility, and skill. 1. Conditioning: Building a Solid Aerobic Base The off-season is the ideal time to focus on your conditioning. Hockey requires a combination of high-intensity bursts and endurance, so improving both your aerobic and anaerobic fitness will pay off during the season. Interval Training: Incorporate HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts that simulate the on-ice action. These workouts should include short bursts of intense exercise followed by…