Youth Hockey Coaches, Managers, Parents and Players:

Many Teams will soon be participating in a Holiday Tournament and
I want to help you be completely prepared for this fun filled challenge.

Since most of the Teams will be new to you, here are 10 general tips
to help you compete against all Teams that you will face.

1. Tournaments are like playoffs, the team that gives up the least goals
against competes right to the final buzzer.

2. Defensive hockey wins tournament and playoff games.

3. On offence, get the puck in deep, forecheck, recover and cycle the puck,
shoot and score on shots, screens, tip-ins, deflections or rebounds.

4. Be hard on the puck in all 3 zones and win the 1 on 1 battles.

5. On defence, make sure you cover their wide winger thru the neutral zone.

6. Forwards help your D by backchecking all the way back to your goal line.

7. Don't give up any odd man rushes.

8. Defensive zone coverage is essential for preventing goals. Keep the puck to the outside.

9. Cover the man in front of your net and the slot area at all times as most goals are scored from here.

10. When you recover the puck, clear your defensive zone quickly by headmanning the puck.

Coaches, inform your players that these 10 tips will help them compete in any tournament game even against the very best "AAA" teams.