Here I was, early on a recent Saturday evening, on the Predators team bus from Los Angeles to Anaheim after a hard fought 6-3 victory over the Kings. As I gazed out the window at the seemingly endless line of cars on the busy freeway, I came to a revelation of sorts – that I must be one of the luckiest people in the world. I mean, how many people can say that they truly LOVE their jobs. Count me as one of them. I actually make my living in professional sports!

By now I’m sure most, if not all of you have heard about the new standard of rules enforcement that will be implemented by USA hockey this coming season. Perhaps you have already seen the DVD explaining various situational calls and non-calls as they pertain to obstruction and restraining penalties. If  I can recommend one thing to everyone involved in this great game – from coaches to parents to players to referees, it’s to be PATIENT.

I recently wrote about individual skills and how critical it is for players to refine them and continually learn to make themselves better. What about coaches?

We have all heard the announcers describe a goal that beat the goalie “through the 5-hole.” The 5th hole is the one between the goalie’s pads. Actually there are a total of 6 holes, or areas we isolate in order to teach goalies how to “close holes” and shooters how to score.