Skills

Sample Recruiting Video

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Some of you have been asking what a good highlight video looks like to send to University recruiters. Here’s a good example.

A few key points:

  1. It includes contact information.
  2. It includes some practice drills that show off your skill.
  3. It makes it easy for the viewer to tell which player you are.

The first step is to start collecting highlight clips of your play. Until you have some game clips start with some practice video.

Can you do the one knee stickhandling drill at the start of the video?

How to Practice Changing Your Shooting Angle

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Great video here on changing your shooting angle and why it is so important.

Auston Matthews may be one of the best in the league at changing the angle before he shoots. Just look at this snipe where he fools the defense and goalie in one motion.

Takeaway Skills – Pavel Datysuk

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Pavel Datysuk is the master at taking the puck away from opponents.

He uses three primary methods.

  1. The Canoe Stick Lift. This is a stick lift with a flat, horizontal blade (so it doesn’t get stuck) just under the hands of his victim.
  2. The Blindspot Takeaway. Watch how he gets in the blind spots of his victim and then waits for the moment.
  3. The Stick-to-Puck Poke Check. He suddenly extends his stick, usually with one hand on his stick to extend his reach, and jabs the puck off his opponent.

Most importantly, his feet never stop moving so he can quickly accelerate away after he gets the puck.

How many examples of each can you find in the video?

D-Man Joining The Rush

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Here’s a great example of how defencemen should look to join the rush. By coming late with speed the defender completely misses him.

Beauty goal for the OT winner by my nephew, Ben Chiarot!

The Art of the Fake

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Here is a fantastic article on how to add deception to your game. At the core of being deceptive is trying to make your opponent think you are doing one thing but then do another (typically in a different direction).

The Art of the Fake by Rick Traugott

To summarize, here are four simple steps to improving your deception skills:

 1) Work at keeping your head up when you have possession of the puck and when you shoot.

2) Learn to “look off” opponents. An eye fake can be just as effective as a fake pass or shot.

3) Work on tight turns and changing direction. This can begin with no puck and progress to puck handling.

4) Practice faking shots. Sell a shot then do something different. Fake a pass! This can be with a shoulder feint, stick movement, or head fake.

Check out these video examples which are also in the article: