🏒 The Hockey IQ Edge: How to See the Game Before It Happens

Hockey is one of the most mentally demanding sports in the world.

Not only do you have to skate at high speeds and execute precision plays, but you also have to process a constant flow of information in real time. 

All while being pressured by opponents trying to take the puck.

The best players don’t just react to the game.

They see the play before it happens.

At Pro Performance Hockey, we teach players how to improve their on-ice awareness, so they can process the game faster than their opponents.

(If you prefer to watch instead of read, check out the video newsletter above)

The Difference Between Elite Players and Everyone Else

Poor Players – Constant Breaks in Information

•  Always looking down at the puck

• Breaks the flow of information every time

• Misses developing plays, open teammates, and pressure

Average Players – Some Awareness, But Too Many Breaks

• Looks up more, but still breaks the flow of information too often.

• Reacts late because of gaps in visual awareness

• Can make plays, but not consistently

Good Players – Limited Breaks in Awareness

• Looks down only when necessary

• Keeps head up more often, allowing for quicker decisions

• Processes most of the game in real time

Elite Players – Constant Flow of Information

•  Almost never looks down

• Sees the entire ice, passing lanes, defenders, open space

• Reacts instantly and makes plays before the opponent can adjust

Think of your brain like a computer.

Every time you look down at the puck, you’re pulling the plug on your system. 

The more you do it, the harder it is to reboot and process the game.

How to Improve Your On-Ice Awareness

1. Train Your Hands to Work Without Looking

The more confident you are in your puck control, the less you need to check it.

2. Use Peripheral Vision

Instead of looking directly at the puck, train your eyes to scan while keeping it in your lower vision.

3. Force Yourself to Play With Your Head Up

Work on stickhandling, passing, and shooting without looking down.

4. Develop "Pre-Scan" Awareness

Before you even receive the puck, scan the ice so you already know your options.

The Bottom Line

The best players don’t just have great hands, they have a great hockey brain.

By training yourself to process information without breaking the flow, you’ll make faster, smarter plays and control the game instead of reacting to it.

And always remember:

"Do the common thing uncommonly well."

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