By Jan Hejda
This hockey drill starts with a quick 2 on 1 in the slot area against a passive coach that acts as the defender. After the 2 on 1 both players will stop at the net and then play a puck out of the corner, once again versus the passive coach. The players will do a scissors cycle to create another scoring chance, and again, both player will end up in front of the net. After the second scoring chance they will then sprint out of the zone as though they are backchecking.
The first key point of this drill is the F1 makeing a move on the stationary net. Encourage the players to pull the puck way outside and use their feet to make a good lateral move.
The second point of emphasis is reading the situation that is given by the coach. The coach will give the puck carrier a clear option by either attacking the puck carrier or taking away the passing option. F1 needs to read this and wither shoot or pass. Both players need to stop at the net.
The next phase is getting to the loose puck. F1 has to explode into the corner to get the puck played into the corner by the other coach. F2 should sprint out to the high slot and transition backwards to survey the zone. As F1 gets control of the puck they need to move up the wall. F2 needs to keep moving, transition forwards, and support F1. F1 should play the puck back down low into space which creates a scissor cycle and then find space in the slot to receive a return pass from F2. Again both players stop at the net.
The last part of this drill is simple. Both players pretend like there is a turnover and backcheck hard all the way out of the zone.
About Jan Hejda
Jan brings a wealth of experience both on and off the ice, having had a distinguished career as a professional hockey player and former Olympian.
Over his 627-game NHL career, Jan played for the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche. Internationally, Jan represented his Czech Republic national team in multiple tournaments, earning gold at the 2005 IIHF World Championship and silver in 2006. He also competed as an Olympian in the 2010 Vancouver Games.
After retiring from professional play, Jan transitioned to leadership roles in hockey operations and coaching. At GFSA Mt. Prospect, he oversees operations, ensuring our programs continue to provide top-tier training, academics and development for athletes.
