One of the best tools to elevate your game right now isn’t more gear, extra ice, or highlight reels.

It’s your own shift video. Not just goals. Not just cool clips. The full picture.

And the Helios app makes that possible (Message me if you need help logging in).

But video only helps if you know how to watch it.

Here’s your guide to watching with intention

Print off a copy and keep it with you whenever you are watching your game video.

Step 1: Watch With a “Coach Brain”

Don't just watch like a fan. You're not looking for cool moments—you’re looking for patterns and decisions.

Step 2: Study These 3 Key Areas

1. On-Puck Plays

Ask yourself:

• How many times did I touch the puck?
• What happened after each one?

Look for:

• Did I make a hockey play or a panicky hope play?
• Did I create time and space? Move the puck to a better area?

Bonus questions:

• Was I predictable or deceptive? Did I pretend to do one thing and then do another?
• Did I force it—or read the play and adjust?

2. Practice → Game Transfer

Did the things you worked on this week in practice actually show up in the game?

• Puck protection – Did I shoulder check and use my body to hold space?
• Defensive habits – Did I angle early and hold my gap?
• O-Zone details – Was I staying above the puck and pressuring on the reload?

Training only matters if it shows up when it counts.

3. Off-Puck Availability

This is the separator. Most players without the puck disappear.

Elite players stay connected.

Ask yourself:

• Was I available to support?
• Did I face the puck and keep skating with purpose?
• Was I reacting or anticipating?
• Did I play with urgency, or wait for something to happen?
• Did I loudly call for the puck?

Availability = opportunity. Want more touches? Get open, stay open, stay engaged. Be relentless!

Step 3: Learn From Each Other

Your teammates are your best study group.

• Who’s consistently available and effective?
• Who makes quiet plays that drive possession?
• Who wins puck battles and why?

Be curious—not critical.

Step 4: Learn From the Good and the Bad

Don’t just focus on mistakes.

Find:

• One thing you did really well
• One moment you didn’t read/react fast enough
• One moment where you weren’t involved or, but could have been

Video doesn’t lie. But it also doesn’t judge.

This is about learning, not labeling. Watch like a player who wants to win and get better.