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 — Look Up Before Passing
U8–U10 — Look Before the Puck Arrives
U11–U14 — Read the Passing Lane
U15–U18 — Use the Team’s Outlet
Junior — Prepare a Second Option
NHL Players have passes go wrong too. This lesson uses that perspective to improve the conversation after a pass goes wrong. 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
Brett Kulak’s failed pass led to a Dallas goal during Game 1 of the 2024 Western Conference Final. NHL report.
A pass can fail because of the decision, the execution or an opponent’s intervention. Ask what happened before choosing the correction. Use these cues when the Player missed the available information.
Coach Q&A: a recommended response
Question: How should I respond when a young Player’s pass is intercepted?
Coach: “Johnny, even NHL Players have passes go wrong. What did you see? Next time, take a look before you get the puck.”
Johnny: “I thought my teammate was open.”
Coach: “That makes sense. The defender moved into the lane. Next time, take a quick look before you receive the puck, then check whether that lane is still open.”
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 | “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, look up before you pass. Watch me.” |
| U8–U10 | “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, take a quick look before the puck arrives.” |
| U11–U14 | “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, where was the defender’s stick? Next time, check the lane first.” |
| U15–U18 | “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, the middle closed. Next time, use our support option.” |
| Junior | “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, what changed as you received it? Identify your second option before the next reception.” |
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: “Johnny keeps giving the puck away. Shouldn’t he stop trying that pass?”
Coach: “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We’re teaching him to recognize when it is available. We will practice an early look and a second option. I’ll notice whether he reads the lane, as well as whether the pass gets through.”
Coach, on support at home: “After the game, you can ask whether he wants to talk about what he practiced. Please give him room to answer before adding another instruction.”
| Age group | What the Coach can explain to the Parent |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We are helping Johnny look toward a target. A short, playful passing game is enough. |
| U8–U10 | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We are practicing an early look. Ask about that one cue if Johnny wants to talk. |
| U11–U14 | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We will ask Johnny to explain the lane he saw before agreeing on a correction. |
| U15–U18 | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny will help choose the next adjustment and describe how it fits our Team’s plan. |
| Junior | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. The Player should lead the performance conversation. Support the practice plan they choose with the Coach. |
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 |
|---|---|
| “Stop giving the puck away.” | Johnny, even NHL Players have passes go wrong. What did you see? Next time, take a look before you get the puck. |
| “He just needs to be more confident.” | NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We’re teaching him to recognize when it is available. We will practice an early look and a second option. I’ll notice whether he reads the lane, as well as whether the pass gets through. |
Practice the recovery
1. Set up a partner and a target. Demonstrate looking before receiving the puck.
2. Add a defender who closes one lane slowly. Let the Player name or show an available option.
3. Repeat with suitable pressure. Pause when necessary and ask what changed.
What progress looks like: The Player looks earlier and identifies an available option. A completed pass is useful evidence, but it is not the only evidence.
Keep the expectation clear: If an older Player repeatedly ignores an understood Team instruction, discuss that pattern and its consequences directly. First establish that the read was taught and understood.
What the Parent can say to the Player
“That pass bothered you. Would you like to tell me about it, or leave Hockey at the rink for now?”
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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