http://www.omha.net/news_article/show/457989?referrer_id=1063069-omha-news
The name ‘Defenseman’ or ‘Defender ’used to be an accurate title but no longer properly captures the role of the modern Hockey ‘Defenseman’. Now we ask our players to “Attack as five and defend as five” and our defensemen to be our ‘Quarterbacks’ – playing with poise, vision, and awareness.
So, how do players see the ice and make decisions? We need to teach this.
Repetition is key for neurological change and developing these skills so players are able “to do” without thinking – good skills practices build confidence.
Drills should try to simulate game-like scenarios and teach how to read and decide the best option in all zones including two on ones, one on ones, shooting, first passes, regroups, and stretch passes. Once individual and partner skills are introduced, the entire team can be included in the drill.
The neutral zone regroup is a situation that calls on the ‘Quarterbacks’ to transition from a defensive mindset to an offense mindset. This provides a great game situation opportunity that happens countless times per game at all levels and ages.