Core things good hockey teams consistently do, at every level:
1. They Maintain High Pace and Discipline
- Push the tempo but don’t lose structure.
- Change hard and on time—no long, lazy shifts.
- Minimize “free mistakes” like too-many-men, late changes, or lazy backchecks.
2. They Communicate Constantly
- Call for pucks.
- Talk in the D-zone (“I’ve got net,” “Reverse,” “Middle!”).
- Support teammates with clear, simple cues.
Good teams sound loud on the ice.
3. They Support the Puck
- Never leave players isolated.
- Provide close support options (F1 pressure, F2 support, F3 high).
- Defensemen move with the play to stay connected.
A well-connected team looks like they move as a 5-man unit.
4. They Backcheck Hard
- Turn over the puck? Everyone’s a defender instantly.
- Track inside-out and take away the dangerous lanes.
- No glide zone in the neutral zone.
Great teams treat the backcheck as a weapon.
5. They Win the Boring Details
- First to loose pucks.
- Strong walls and breakout habits.
- Clean zone exits and entries.
- Winning puck battles with body positioning, not just effort.
Championships are often won in the details nobody notices.
6. They Play Smart Situational Hockey
- Protect the middle of the ice.
- Manage the puck with the score, time, and matchup in mind.
- Know when to chip, when to regroup, and when to attack.
7. They Stay Emotionally Even
- Don’t unravel when a bad bounce or bad call happens.
- Keep shifts short, don’t chase mistakes.
- Bench stays positive and focused.
Great teams don’t get too high or too low.
8. They Trust Their Identity
- Play to their strengths: speed, physicality, puck possession, counterattack—whatever their DNA is.
- Don’t deviate under pressure.
- Everybody buys into the same style.
9. They Develop Leadership at All Levels
- Veterans teach younger players habits.
- Leaders model work ethic, calm, and accountability.
- “Star players” drive the culture, not separate from it.
10. They Prepare Like Pros
- Warm-ups with purpose.
- Consistent recovery habits (hydration, stretching, sleep).
- Video and scouting taken seriously.
By Andrew Trimble
Andrew is the GM of the New England Wolves- www.ne-wolveshockey.com
To Purchase Andrew’s book, The Hockey Planner, follow this link here- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
