Sho’s blog of all things hockey!
Defensive Zone Faceoff Setup
Similar to the Offensive Zone Faceoff Set Play article, this article suggests a coordinated setup at the faceoff dots in the defensive zone. Credit to beerleaguetips.com for the first writeup on this setup I've seen on the internet. Issues with ...
Forecheck 101
What is Forechecking? Forechecking is what hockey players do (and the strategy a team systematically employs) to regain possession of the puck. This means we forecheck when we do not have the puck, and our opponents forecheck when we possess ...
Offensive Zone Faceoff Set Play
As discussed in the Power Play article, being assertive with what we do, and having a plan is very beneficial when we're on the ice. If you get to the faceoff circle and wait to see which direction the puck ...
Breakout 102 – Variations
Here we cover some variations of the breakout and some things to keep in mind as we execute the breakout. If you haven't read Breakout 101 about the basics of the breakout, it's suggested that you do. Variations of the ...
Breakout 101 – Intro
What is a Breakout? A breakout is a team strategy to coordinate an escape out of the defensive zone with 1) puck possession, 2) speed, and hopefully 3) numbers. When a breakout is successful, the team will have exited their ...
Defense 101
Introduction Here are some pointers to keep in mind to play proper, systematic team defense. Never Join the Rush with your Partner Especially when there are three people in the rush already, do NOT join them to make it a ...
Power Play 102 – Set Plays
In the previous section, Power Play 101, the issues with traditional beer league power plays without a system, how penalty kills are more effective than power plays, basic formation, and what to expect from each position. This section will highlight ...
Power Play 101 – Setup
This is part one of a two-part blog regarding common issues with beer league power plays and its ineffectiveness. In part one of this two part Power Play Series, I will discuss some common issues I have noticed in beer ...
[Update 2023 – it broke!] Bauer Vapor 1x (2018) vs VH (2016)
I wrote this as a comment to a Reddit post asking about the differences between Bauer's custom skates and True (formerly VH) custom skate. Since I have both, I was hoping it will help anybody wondering which brand to go ...