6 – PRESIDENT MARK — NHL: U11–U14 — Notice the Opponent’s Move

President Mark — Even in the NHL. U11–U14 · Faceoffs · 

President Mark’s U11–U14 faceoffs lesson connects an NHL example to specific conversations between Coach and Player, and Coach and Parent. Johnny repeats the same unsuccessful draw without recognizing the opponent’s action.

The immediate learning goal is: Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. These are suggested THR conversations. They are not quotes from NHL Coaches or claims that children should perform at NHL speed.

Begin with the NHL perspective

In 2022–23, Patrice Bergeron won 1,043 of 1,706 faceoffs, a 61.1% win rate. Subtraction gives 663 faceoffs lost. NHL career retrospective.

A lost draw is not automatically a technical error. The opposing Player competes too. Across all recorded faceoff participants, each win has a matching loss; the event-weighted league rate is 50%. NHL percentages are perspective, not targets for children.

Why the instruction fits U11–U14

Listen to the Player’s read. Separate a reasonable idea with poor execution from a pass forced through a closed lane.

For this lesson, keep the target narrow: Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. The Player should understand the action and have a suitable chance to try it. Adjust the pace and difficulty to match experience, rather than assuming everyone in the age group can handle the same pressure.

Coach Q&A: What should I say to the Player?

Coach: “Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Johnny, what did the other center do? Let’s practice one adjustment.”

Johnny: “He keeps getting his stick there first.”

Coach: “Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. Tell me what you notice on the next attempt.”

Listen to the real explanation before choosing the correction. Check whether the problem was the read, the execution, an opponent’s play or an unclear instruction.

Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson

Parent: “Why isn’t Johnny winning more if he practices?”

Coach: “Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Johnny will identify one technical adjustment and his responsibility after the draw. The learning goal is simple: Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. What I will watch for is this: Johnny identifies a relevant action and attempts the adjustment.”

Support at home: Ask whether the Player wants to talk, then let them describe the lesson before offering advice.

Practice it with U11–U14 Players

1. Let two appropriately matched Players take several supervised draws.

2. Ask Johnny what the opponent did with the stick or timing.

3. Demonstrate one permitted adjustment and replay the contest.

Begin with a level of difficulty where the Player can notice and attempt the cue. Increase pressure when the action is understood.

What recovery looks like

Johnny identifies a relevant action and attempts the adjustment.

Notice the adjustment specifically. A useful next action can occur even if the next result is imperfect. If the same difficulty returns, change the demonstration, the practice conditions or the amount of information.

Keep the expectation clear: Do not use an NHL percentage as a pass-or-fail threshold for a child. Match the lesson to the rules and game format.

Age-specific takeaway: This matches the U11–U14 learning goal: Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. Johnny identifies a relevant action and attempts the adjustment.

Take one conversation to the rink

The shared message is: Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Notice one feature of the contest and practice one adjustment. The Coach teaches the action; the Parent understands the focus and supports the Player’s next opportunity.

In House League, the primary objective is to have fun. Advancement programs should explain role expectations honestly. In every setting, speak respectfully and make the next instruction clear.

See this theme across all five age groups. · Explore President Mark’s complete Even in the NHL series.

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