Elite Hockey HQ Glossary

The intensity at which lactic acid starts to accumulate, crucial for repeated sprints on the ice.

Coach tip: Program slideboard or bike intervals around this intensity to extend your shift endurance.

A measure of aerobic capacity and overall conditioning.

Coach tip: Retest every 6–8 weeks to confirm that base conditioning blocks are moving the needle.

Explosive jump exercises that increase leg power for stronger strides.

Coach tip: Pair plyos with heavy lifts for contrast training so speed carries over to the ice.

Alternating bursts of intense work and rest to build endurance for shifts.

Coach tip: Use 30–45 second bursts with full-speed intent, matching a game shift before easing down.

Movement-based prep that readies muscles and joints before skating.

Coach tip: Include lateral lunges, glute activation, and thoracic mobility so you feel springy before you lace up.

Short, high-intensity sessions distributed through the week to maintain capacity without overloading.

Coach tip: Stack two 12-minute micro sessions on heavy travel days to keep legs alive without draining them.

A fake move to dodge an opponent.

Coach tip: Sell the move with head and hip fakes before pulling the puck to space.

A solo rush toward the net with no defenders to beat.

Coach tip: Stay relaxed, pick a spot early, and change speeds to keep the goalie guessing.

Precise control of inside and outside skate edges to change direction quickly.

Coach tip: Layer 10–15 second edge bursts into every skill session to sharpen agility.

Quick shoulder checks to read pressure and options before receiving the puck.

Coach tip: Scan twice before the puck arrives so you already know your next play.

Light hands on the stick that absorb the puck for smoother control.

Coach tip: Use off-ice stickhandling balls to train a relaxed top hand that guides instead of squeezes.

Engaging defenders near the crease to create screens or tips.

Coach tip: Anchor your inside leg and keep your stick free so you can win tips and rebounds.

Pressuring opponents in their zone to regain puck control.

Coach tip: Stay above the puck so the second forechecker can jump loose plays quickly.

Offensive advantage when the other team has a penalty.

Coach tip: Move the puck before you move your feet to stretch defenders out of their lanes.

Maintaining control of the puck to create scoring chances.

Coach tip: Use support triangles so the puck carrier always has a short outlet.

A defensive formation that clogs the middle of the ice to slow transitions.

Coach tip: Keep sticks in passing lanes and angle carriers toward your strong-side support.

Stacking attackers on the puck side to create quick-touch options.

Coach tip: Rotate a weak-side player high to seal the blue line and keep the cycle alive.

The coordinated movement defenders use to protect the slot while shorthanded.

Coach tip: Read the puck carrier’s hands and rotate as a unit so no seam stays open.

Call this out after a brutal turnover to twist the knife.

Coach tip: Float it as you skate by their bench right after you pick off the breakout.

Perfect for the shooter who keeps sending muffins into the glass.

Coach tip: Drop it after a third straight miss so the whole rink hears.

For the forward whose crossover looks like a three-point turn.

Coach tip: Fire it off after they wipe out on a routine pivot.

Tease a sniper whose best shots keep padding your tendy’s stats.

Coach tip: Point to your goalie as he freezes another low-danger shot.

When the puck hops off their stick like it’s allergic.

Coach tip: Yell it right after another failed zone entry toe drag.

Hit the guy who keeps taking unforced spills in open ice.

Coach tip: Let it fly after the third time they trip over the blue line.

Reminder for the passenger who hasn’t sniffed a point all night.

Coach tip: Glance up at the clock as you deliver it for extra sting.

Use on the player who’s swinging lumber with no jump.

Coach tip: Time it during a dead puck so the stripes can hear too.

Needle the depth guy glued to the pine.

Coach tip: Lean over the boards as they finish another ten-second shift.

Aim at a line that keeps feathering floaters into the crest.

Coach tip: Pat your trainer on the shoulder for comedic effect.