Coach Joey — Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play
Choose your age-specific lesson
Coach Joey’s NHL example is adapted into five separate lessons. Each has its own Coach–Player and Coach–Parent exchange, practice steps and Parent quiz.
U5–U7 — Wait for the Clear Call
U11–U14 — Confirm the Change Signal
U15–U18 — Prepare Before Entering
Junior — Review Bench Communication
Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. This lesson uses that perspective to improve the conversation after a line-change mistake. The goal is a useful exchange between Coach and Player, and a clear explanation between Coach and Parent.
All conversations are suggested THTR language, not quotes from NHL Coaches. Return to the series guide for the full approach.
Start with the NHL example
Colorado took two too-many-men penalties against Dallas in Game 2 of their 2024 second-round playoff series. NHL Game 2 analysis.
This can involve bench communication as well as Player decisions. The Coach should check whether the instruction was clear. A rules error still has consequences; the response should explain how to prevent another one.
Coach Q&A: a recommended response
Question: How should I respond after a confusing line change?
Coach: “Johnny, NHL Teams get changes wrong too. Let’s make your instruction clear: know who you replace and wait for our signal.”
Johnny: “I thought you called me.”
Coach: “Let’s check that together. I need to give you a clear call. You need to know who you replace and wait for the agreed signal.”
This is an example exchange. Listen to the real Player’s explanation and adjust the instruction to the actual play. The NHL example puts the setback in perspective; the teaching gives the Player something to do.
Coach to Player: adapt the words by age
| Age group | Suggested exchange |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny, wait here until I call you.” |
| U8–U10 | “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny, tell me who you are changing for.” |
| U11–U14 | “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny, know your replacement and wait for our agreed signal.” |
| U15–U18 | “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny, confirm the match and the timing before you enter.” |
| Junior | “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny, review the change with the bench. Was the call clear, and was the replacement ready?” |
Use the short cue during a game and demonstrate it at practice. Age is a starting point: experience, readiness and the program’s purpose also matter.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Was that penalty because Johnny wasn’t listening?”
Coach: “Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. We need to establish what was called and heard. I will check my bench communication as well as his response. Then we will rehearse the change.”
Coach, on support at home: “Encourage him to ask when an instruction is unclear. We want a clear exchange, not guessing.”
| Age group | What the Coach can explain to the Parent |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. The adult organizes the change and gives a short, clear invitation. |
| U8–U10 | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Johnny is learning who he replaces and when to go. |
| U11–U14 | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. We will check that Johnny knows the match and can repeat the signal. |
| U15–U18 | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. The Player should prepare for the change and confirm the timing within our bench routine. |
| Junior | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. Staff and Player will review the communication and execution together, then address the specific failure. |
For older Players, involve the Player in the conversation and let them explain their learning goal. A Junior Player should lead their own performance discussion.
Change the exchange
| Common phrase | A more useful exchange |
|---|---|
| “Pay attention.” | Johnny, NHL Teams get changes wrong too. Let’s make your instruction clear: know who you replace and wait for our signal. |
| “He just doesn’t listen.” | Even NHL Teams make line-change mistakes. We need to establish what was called and heard. I will check my bench communication as well as his response. Then we will rehearse the change. |
Practice the recovery
1. Assign who replaces whom and demonstrate the agreed signal.
2. Rehearse entering and leaving without game pressure, using local substitution rules.
3. Add a simulated game situation and check that both the bench and Players communicate clearly.
What progress looks like: The Player identifies the replacement and waits for the correct signal. The Coach’s call is clear and consistent.
Keep the expectation clear: A rules error still brings its penalty. Explain the consequence and teach the solution without assigning blame before checking the exchange.
What the Parent can say to the Player
“Did you understand the instruction? You can ask the Coach to explain it again.”
The Parent’s role is to listen, encourage and support the agreed learning goal. In House League, keep the primary objective—having fun—visible in the conversation. Competitive development programs should explain their expectations honestly.
Even in the NHL, mistakes and setbacks happen. Put the play in perspective. Teach one adjustment. Practice the recovery.
Explore all eight lessons in Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play.
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