Many times, teams that are loaded with highly skilled players end up losing games and wondering why they are unable to score goals. They often believe that there is some secret "chemistry" they are missing, or haven't "gelled" yet as a team. While these are valid influences to scoring and winning, strong defensive zone play is key to building success. Controlling the puck in our defensive zone, leads to many good things:
We get the opposing team out of our zone, preventing them from scoring
It sets up the "transition" through the neutral zone
Which enables the attack in the other team's zone
More time in the opposing team's zone leads to more shots on net
More shots on net leads to more goals
It's amazing how quick a team seems to "gel" or "build chemistry" when they learn how to control their play in the defensive zone. A very good video from Hockey Canada has been posted on the Resources->Homework tab. Please review this and the "Stick on Puck" video before next game. They are complimentary and can provide immediate results from our players.
Remember, any day is a good day for hockey. See you at the rink!