🏒 The Building Blocks of Elite Hockey Players

Hockey has one of the most complex and demanding skill sets in all of sports.

Unlike running-based sports, hockey requires players to master the unnatural motion of skating, execute high-speed plays, and make split-second decisions under pressure.

All while opponents try to take the puck (or take you out).

If you want to play at your highest potential, you need to develop both your physical and mental skills.

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At Pro Performance Hockey, we break this down into two key areas:

Physical Skills – The Foundation of Every Great Player

Speed & Edgework

If you can’t skate at an elite level, you won’t be able to keep up.

This includes forwards, backwards, crossovers, pivots, sharp turns, and explosive starts and stops.

Skating is the hardest skill in hockey to master.

It takes years of proper training to develop efficiently.

Shooting & Scoring

Goal scorers aren’t born, they’re made.

We break down how shot mechanics, release speed, and accuracy can turn you into a lethal scorer.

Stickhandling with Eyes Up

Controlling the puck while scanning the ice is one of the toughest skills in hockey.

Add an opponent trying to put you on the ice, and it gets even harder.

Keeping your head up helps you make plays before the defense can react.

Passing & Pass Receiving

One of the most undervalued and least practiced skills.

A missed pass means a turnover and a goal against.

We show you how to deliver crisp, accurate passes and catch hard passes cleanly on both your forehand and backhand.

Checking & Physical Play 

Knowing how to give and receive contact is essential.

We cover the right way to separate opponents from the puck, protect yourself from big hits, and play with confidence and strength.

Mental Skills – Separates Good Players from Great Ones

Defensive Tactics

From gap control to net-front defending and angling, the best defenders think the game at a high level.

Offensive Tactics

Ever wonder how top players always seem to make the right play?

We teach you attacking strategies, including one-on-ones, two-on-ones, zone entries, and more.

Compete Level

This is the single biggest factor in a player’s success.

If you don’t bring 100 percent effort every shift, you’re already behind.

The good news is that compete level can be trained.

Timing 

The best players aren’t just fast, they’re in the right place at the right time.

We show you how to create space, anticipate plays, and control the pace of the game.

Vision

Without great ice awareness, even the most skilled players struggle to make plays.

Seeing the game before it happens is what separates elite players from the rest.

The Reality of Player Development

The bad news? Most coaches don’t have the expertise or experience to develop all of these skills at a high level.

The good news? With expert training, proper coaching, and the right mindset, any player can elevate their game.

We help players at all levels develop elite skills and hockey IQ.

Stay tuned - our next emails will break down each of these skills in detail so you can train like a pro and take your game to the next level.

When you’re ready to elevate your game, here’s how I can help you:

1. Elite private training to provide the 1 on 1 attention you deserve.

2. Spring 2025 clinics for offseason skill development.

3. Summer Camp 2025 to prepare for the upcoming season.

See you on the ice,

Coach Scott Rutherford
(716) 912-4465