Glossary: The Give-and-Go

It’s frowned upon for hockey spectators to get up while the puck is in play. In fact, it’s more than frowned upon at NHL games, where the ushers won’t let you back into your section until the play stops. And if you know anything about hockey, you know that the puck is almost always in play—unlike those bathroom-break friendly sports of football, basketball and (of course) baseball. A big part of this is offensive tactics such as the give-and-go, which keeps the puck and players in motion.



My son has been talking about the give-and-go for years, alternately bragging and complaining about its execution. I figured it meant “give the puck” and “go somewhere.” But who gets the puck? Where do you go? What happens after that?

Fundamentally, a give-and-go relies on a one-touch-pass to create a scoring opportunity. While skating towards the opposing team’s goal, a player passes the puck off to a nearby teammate, in hopes that the defenders will follow the path of the puck. The second player only touches the puck once to send it back in the direction of the first player. This player has become more open—in theory—giving the player a higher chance of getting off a threatening shot.

Check out Phoenix Coyotes’ successful give-and-go against the Tampa Bay Lightning.



Need practice with your give-and-go? Check out HockeyShare’s three-man give-and-go (in French and English!) here.

Editor's Note: Thank you to Rose Conry, an intern with the Grow the Game Initiative, for this story. Rose studies journalism at Northwestern University, loves all sports and sails competitively with the university’s club team.

Survival of the Fittest: Girls on Boys Teams

Girls hockey has come a long ways in the past several years, but many areas still lack a good all-girls teams. So if a girl wants to play good hockey—or sometimes even hockey at all—she will likely find herself on a coed team, which we all know means almost all boys. Playing on a boys team is not a big deal before checking is introduced (at PeeWee, age 11) and puberty hits. But as the game and players change, girls have to decide whether to continue playing with the boys or not.



To Play or Not to Play

Not every female hockey player will be able to handle playing with the big boys, nor does every girl want to. But there are girls capable and willing to do just that. If a girl wants to play hockey in a checking league, she should:

• Be at the same skill level as her teammates


• Thrive on competition


• Not be intimidated by the size and strength of the boys around her


• Be focused on the game and skill development


• Not be in it for the social aspect alone


• Want to be the best player she can be

Overcoming the Gender Barrier

No matter how good a female athlete is, if she’s playing on a boys team, she may face teasing, unequal playing time and/or a bruised ego. But if she really wants to play, she needs to step up and prove her worthiness to her teammates and coach.

Tips for Girls to Survive with the Boys

• Push hard: Competition is usually high in boys hockey, so girls are naturally pushed hard during practices. Come game time, they might not see many minutes if they are weaker players or have unfair coaching. Even though it can be frustrating, always work hard at every practice—so when you do get ice time you can play your best and be happy with your performance.


• Don’t be the “odd man out”: Be aware of everything your coach and teammates are talking about. Older girls generally change in another area, possibly missing out on important locker-room talk. Join the boys after you’re done changing if you have to, so you don’t miss out on any tips from the coach, hear what you’re teammates are thinking and hopefully develop a sense of camaraderie with them.


• Be vocal: It’s easy to ignore a quiet teammate, so whether you’re on the bench or out on the ice, let teammates know you’re there and you support them. In turn, they’ll do the same for you.


• Don’t give up: It can take time for teammates to warm up to a newcomer, especially one of the opposite sex. Prove to them you want to be there and you deserve to be there. They’ll respect you for sticking it out.

Says Heather, 17, “Hockey will always be a male-dominated sport, but I’ve found everyone just thinks it’s really cool I play.”

Editor's Note: Thank you to Kristin Carlson, member of Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota.

Q&A: How to Fuel Up for Hockey

Q: It feels like planning and feeding my son to sustain his activity level and performance in hockey has become my third full-time job (behind parenting and my day job). It can be a little overwhelming and time consuming to make sure he eats properly before a practice or game—with enough time for the food to be digested and accessible to his muscles—and planning for his recovery drink, planning what he should eat between games at tournaments, etc. Any “fuel” guidance or tips you suggest would be appreciated. —Chef Mom



A: It’s hard enough to keep busy young athletes full—and it seems impossible when they’re experiencing growth spurts. They wake up hungry, come home from school hungry, go to bed hungry. For help, we called in sports nutritionist Marie Spano.

Hello Chef,

I completely understand your position. Feeding active children takes time, planning, and sometimes, large quantities of food! The calorie needs of young athletes are so high because they must fuel both growth and physical activity. A few easy tips:

• The bottomless pit: If your children are constantly hungry, with stomachs that seem like bottomless pits, take a close look at what they are eating now. Adding protein and healthy fats—such as peanut butter, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil and guacamole—to their meals and snacks, helps create a bottom for that bottomless pit!


• Keep snacks available at all times: Since hockey rinks inevitably have vending machines and/or snack bars, you have two choices: be nagged and nickel-and-dimed for snacks or be prepared. I choose preparation. Keep a little cooler of snacks and beverages in your car and stick nutrition bars or granola bars in a small pocket in the front of your child’s hockey bag. Work with the coach to ensure the team has sports drinks available while playing.


• Pre-game/practice meals: Try a sandwich, small sub, bowl of cereal, fast-food grilled chicken sandwich, or leftovers—something low in fat and fiber and high in carbohydrates. For younger players such as Mites, offer this meal 2 to 4 hours before the game or practice. As kids get older and the intensity of their games increase, roughly Squirt and up, allow 3 to 4 hours for digestion. Younger kids can consume small meals just a few hours beforehand with no problem. If the older kids get hungry again before a game/practice, keep easily digestible snacks on hand such as PowerBars, Clif Bars, Clif Z Bars and salted pretzels.


• Game-time snacks: Salted pretzels make fantastic snacks between games. They are easy to digest and the salt helps prevent dehydration (kids are more likely than adults to become dehydrated). Other ideas include low-fat granola bars, small bagels with jelly, bananas, dry cereal, nutrition bars (look for ones that are low fat, high carbohydrate, and moderate in protein). Don’t forget sports drinks for hydration—kids tend to drink more when the beverage tastes good—plus these drinks are formulated to help them replace electrolytes.


• Post-game recovery beverage: Flavored (real) milk is one of the best post-game recovery drinks to refuel young athletes. The sugar quickly replaces their depleted carbohydrate stores and the protein helps fuel muscle tissue growth. In addition, milk is the best source of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. If your child doesn’t drink milk, try string cheese or yogurt.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, for this story. Spano is a sports nutrition expert who works with athletes throughout the country. Her website is: www.mariespano.com.

Total Hockey: Off-Season Training Equipment

Overview: A lot of training aids are available out there, but what will help a developing hockey player improve their on-ice performance the most off the ice? This is a matter of opinion, but a ton of products will help in off-ice skill development. What better time to invest then right before summer starts?



Improve your stride: Slide boards have been on the market for a while, but seem to be creating a new buzz among hockey players. This product helps hockey players enhance their stride and it helps goalies with their lateral movements. Basically, it is a slide board with a bump at each end. It comes with booties that go over your feet and you push on the bumps to slide back and fourth across the slide-board surface. I grew up using this training aid and it helped me develop leg strength and a better stride.

Improve your hands: OK, so this is where it gets tricky. A ton of balls and pucks are intended to improve hockey players’ hands, but which ones really work? Truthfully, most of them work well, especially the balls. So what it really comes down to is weight, feel and what surface you plan on practicing on, which is really up to you. Look into the following stickhandling balls and pucks.

Stickhandling balls:

• Sweet Hockey Stick Handling Balls


• Smart Hockey Training Balls


• Swedish Stickhandling Balls

Stickhandling pucks:

• Green Biscuit: This is a really cool product that is as close to the real thing as you can get. We recommend using it on a smoother surface for best results.


• Fly Puck: This puck comes in different weights for a variety of training purposes. Instructional videos provide tips for using the Fly Puck.

Goalies: We didn’t forget about you. You can benefit from all the above products as well, but let us introduce you to a special training aid designed specifically for you: The Reaction Ball. This is an odd ball—like many goalies—that really tests your reflexes. Throw this thing against the wall and try to catch it or block it as if you are reacting to the bad bounces and deflections you commonly see on the ice.

Conclusion: Fire pucks all summer long, work on your hands, train, run, do pushups and use ANY of the aforementioned products to improve your game this summer. Oh yeah, try to drink more water, too.

Retailer: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the widest variety of training aids. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey, We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Practice Your Shot & Protect Your House with the EZ Goal & Backstop Combo

The EZ Goal Professional Steel Foldable Goal and Backstop combo is perfect for the driveway or pond. Strong and durable steel construction with rugged and rip-resistant weatherized netting, this is not your typical flimsy goal. An affordable goal that will withstand hard shots, the EZ Goal is your perfect solution for home shooting. It has been the top-selling goal on HockeyShot.com for the last two years. Buy the two together for a great price.



EZ Goal Product Features

• Heavy gauge, 1-1/2'' or 2'' diameter powder-coated metal tubing


• Top-quality professional style with top shelf


• All-weather, heavyweight polyester net


• Pocketed net makes attachment easy


• Dependable goal for practice or team play


• 3" precision-fit connections for stability


• Official regulation size 6' x 4' x 30''.


• Top-quality goal for a great price (not a flimsy street hockey goal)

EZ Goal Backstop Product Features

• This system puts a final end to "Lost Puck Syndrome"


• Fits all 6' x 4' goals


• Protects garage doors and windows from stray balls and pucks


• No more chasing pucks and balls!


• Perfect for rebound shot practice


• Folds back for games and flat storage


• Heavy-duty steel frames


• Premium quality netting

Special Combo Pricing:

• $139.95 – 1.5” goal & backstop combo ($179.90 when purchased singly)


• $149.95 – 2.0” goal and backstop combo ($199.90 when purchased singly)

Final period: EZ Goal is a great goal for home shooting. The Backstop is also great to help protect the garage or drywall. It’s an affordable combo well worth the price.

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Total Hockey: Tour Code Tabu Inline Skates

Overview: The Tabu skate offers a high level of comfort, support, grip and speed. The secret is in the wheels. Every inline player knows the importance of the wheel. It is the “drive train” of the skate. It’s what propels you through hard turns. Other than assisting in speed production, the wheels main job is to help your feet grip the playing surface when you skate and these wheels do just that.



Tour knew that in order to build the best skate possible, they must have the best wheels available. The wheels Tour selected were three years in the making. These wheels are the new LABEDA Addiction wheels and they love to do two things—grip the playing surface and produce speed.

• Frame: LABEDA HUM’ER 9000


• Bearing: BEVO ABEC-9 ULTRA PRO (8mm)


• Carbon Graphite Structure: The sole and frame of the skate consist of durable carbon graphite. This means there is no torque in the boot, which makes the skate more durable and protective—plus it reduces its weight.


• A New Standard of Comfort: The Code Tabu skates have Maximum Memory Comfort, which allows a customized and much more comfortable feel inside the boot. The comfort lining, a request from the pros, is another feature that puts these skates in a class all of their own.

Skill Level: This skate is intended for a high level inline hockey player, as most of these concepts and technologies come directly from the pros themselves.

Competition: The Tour Cobalt Q, Bauer RX-60 and Mission Commander SE skates are comparable skates.

Conclusion: Tour has produced the most “pro” inline skate on the market.

Retailer: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Code Tabu skates from Tour. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey, We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Skate at Home with Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice!

Train with the latest technology in Synthetic Ice and create a skating experience almost identical to real ice. Our Synthetic Ice panels can be easily laid out in the matter of a couple of hours. Skate or train on your very own ice surface at home 365 days of the year at your own convenience!



Purpose: Extreme Glide is a solution for hockey, figure skating or recreational home skating use. Extreme glide only has 10–15% more friction than real ice and will not damage your skate blade.

Price: Price varies depending on the quantity and thickness. Each panel measures 45.5" x 45.5". Available in three thicknesses: ¼", ½" and ¾".

Product Features:

• Designed for basement, garage and outdoor or applications where leveling is more of a challenge.


• Panels measure 45-1/2" x 45-1/2" x 1/2".


• Our Interlocking Dovetail panels significantly outperform traditional spline and square-edge styles.


• 41 lbs per panel.


• Quick and easy installation.


• Only 10–15% more friction than real ice, perfect for training and exercise purposes.


• No messy liquids required.


• Perfect for commercial and residential use.


• Practice your hockey skills or figure skating at home.

The latest technology in Synthetic Ice:

Extreme Glide is made with the latest technology in Synthetic Ice. It has the lowest co-efficient of friction properties in comparison to any other synthetic ice product currently available on the market today. No messy liquids are required to skate on our ice. If used for recreation purposes only, a liquid enhancer can be used to reduce even more the friction but is NOT necessary like some other brands. We have a Non-Grease liquid product that we can specify you to use if you prefer.

Our interlocking dovetail panels will not separate when expansion and contraction occurs due to humidity and temperature changes, No worries or down time re-adjusting your panels means more time skating or training on your home ice surface. At 45.5" long by 45.5" wide, our panels are easy to handle making installation a breeze. Custom size rinks can be made at no extra charge for cutting. Contact us for a quote on the specific size you require.

See it in action:




Frequently Asked Questions:



Question: Can you do all types of skating on synthetic ice?
Answer: Any skill performed on ice can be performed and perfected on the Extreme Glide synthetic ice, including hard stops and backwards skating.

Question: How long will Extreme Glide synthetic ice last?
Answer: At normal residential usage, you should get about 7-10 years on both sides (each Extreme Glide panel is reversible for skating on both sides). For commercial usage like hockey training facilities, you will typically get 5-7 years on both sides.

Question: Can anybody skate on your Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: Yes! Extreme Glide is perfect for all hockey players, including forwards, defenseman and goalies, ranging from minor to professional levels. Extreme Glide is also ideal for figure skaters to work on spins, jumps and various other skills.



Question: Where can Extreme Glide synthetic ice be installed?
Answer: Extreme Glide can be installed on mostly all stable and flat surfaces, such as your basement, garage, driveway and patio. We do not recommend installing on carpeted surfaces; however our 1/2" or 3/4" thick ice can be installed over a very low/tight hard piled carpet.



Question: How hard is it to install?
Answer: It is very easy to install your Extreme Glide synthetic ice. An area of approximately 15'x30' should only take about 1 hour of installation. A complete instructional brochure on the installation process is included with your order.

Question: Is Extreme Glide synthetic ice hard to skate on?
Answer: Some brands of synthetic ice can be hard to skate on and require lots of messy liquids for consistent usage. Extreme Glide synthetic ice has the lowest co-efficient of friction properties in comparison to any other Synthetic Ice product available on the market. Extreme Glide is quick and easy to adjust to; most skaters acclimate within minutes Our ice has been thoroughly tested and we currently have many happy users ranging from North America and Europe. Our panels only have 10-15% more friction than real Ice and are perfect for training and exercise purposes. For recreational usage, a liquid enhancer can be used to reduce the friction but is NOT necessary like some other brands. We can specify you a great Non-Grease liquid product if you prefer. The little extra friction you get with our ice gives you great exercise and will help you get more speed when you get back on the ice.

Question: Can I use my ice skates on Extreme Glide or do I need special equipment?
Answer: Extreme Glide was designed for use with regular hockey & figure skates and we assure you that our ice will not damage your blades. Any figure, hockey or rental skate works perfectly on Extreme Glide.



Question: Will Extreme Glide wear out my skate sharpness?
Answer: Compared to other brands, Extreme Glide synthetic ice will not affect your skate sharpness. You will not need to sharpen your skates more with the use of our ice.



Question: What maintenance is there and how do you clean Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: Maintaining your Extreme Glide synthetic ice is very easy. Simply sweep the surface with a damp mop to keep your product looking like new. This is indicated in the instructions included with your order.



Question: Can Extreme Glide synthetic ice be installed outdoors?
Answer: Extreme Glide synthetic ice is perfect for outdoors, all you need is a flat well maintained surface. Great outdoor areas to install include the driveway, backyard, patio or park. For outdoor installations, we recommend covering your surface with a tarp when it is not being used to protect the synthetic ice panels from dirt, dust, pollen, sap from trees, bird droppings, as well as leaves. When leaves become wet they will leach colors and stain any surface they come in contact with.

Question: Will sunlight or water affect Extreme Glide?
Answer: No, our synthetic ice has UV protection to protect it from sunlight. Water doesn’t affect our ice; it can withstand rain, snow or sleet.

Question: Will cold or warm weather affect Extreme Glide?
Answer: No, our synthetic ice is not affected by cold or warm temperatures. Our dovetail connection is the best connection



Question: Are there installation instructions with the synthetic ice?
Answer: Yes, each synthetic ice order comes with detailed instructions including a layout for proper panel positioning. Each panel is marked with a small number on the side to assure proper alignment. There is also and up and down side to each panel.



Question: Should a felt/cloth/ or plastic sheet be laid down on the plywood floor before putting down the panels.
Answer: You don’t have to lay anything underneath the panels. Most don’t put anything however you can put a thin rubber underlay to reduce the sound when skating, but it is really not necessary.

Question: What is the best method to cut the panels if one wants to cut a couple of inches off one side or make a notch for a pipe in the way?
Answer: You can cut the panels with a table saw with a blade with a higher tooth count. If only a notch is needed, you can notch with a jigsaw using a coarse blade. There is also and up and down side to each panel so make sure you lay the panels down to be sure you cut the panels from all 1 end of your surface.

Question: What is the liquid enhancer that goes with the synthetic ice?
Answer: The liquid “enhancer” is a simple liquid wax. Turtle wax "liquid ice" is what we prefer, though any liquid ice will suffice as they all go on wet, and dry within a limited time frame. Just pour on and spread the fluid evenly. It's really not that technical, just make sure you cover the surface.

Question: Some problems reported in hockey forums regarding synthetic ice is the dust and flakes produced. Does this apply to Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: There will be some dust and flaking produced just like real ice but not very much. With our Extreme Glide synthetic ice, since there are no greasy liquids, you can easily sweep or vacuum your surface.



Question: Can I use Extreme Glide synthetic ice in temperatures above and below freezing?
Answer: Developed for indoor and outdoor use, our synthetic ice can be enjoyed year-round and in all temperatures. Extreme Glide panels are UV protected and stress relieved. They will not degrade in sunlight or warp / deteriorate as temperature increases or decreases.

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Help, My Kid Wants to Play Goalie!

Starting your child in hockey is a big decision. First, you have to figure out how much it will cost for equipment, transportation and registration, and then you have to fit games and practices into your busy schedule. Then, just when you think everything is running smoothly, your child tells you he wants to play goalie—the most expensive position in youth sports. What should you do?



Take a deep breath.

Many parents try to talk their child out of playing goalie. Maybe it would just be easier if she plays out (of the net, that is). Maybe it will be less stressful (for you) if he’s not the goaltender. It will definitely be cheaper—now you have to fit your child for goalie equipment! Maybe you just don’t want to help buckle those pads! The fact is that if your child wants to be a goaltender, there may be nothing you can do to change her mind. It may be a tough pill to swallow, but here are a few tips to help you through.

• Let him try it out first. Don’t go out and buy all new goalie equipment right away. Talk to the local hockey arena, the team or another goalie and see if you can borrow a set of goalie equipment for a day. You could even get some roller hockey goalie equipment and let your child play in the driveway to make sure they she really likes being the keeper of the net.


• Look for used equipment. Kids grow out of equipment fast, and it will be easier on your wallet if you get most of the equipment pre-owned. If there are no used sports stores in your area, ask around at your local rink or check online (just make sure you get the right sizes).


• Try all positions. A lot of children enjoy playing goalie—and playing out. It is not a bad thing to start playing as a forward or defenseman because it allows your child to gain confidence on the ice and develop her skating. Most children decide what position they want to play at 7 to 9 years old.


• Consider your child’s personality: Goalies may feel little stress in games with no scorekeeping—but that will end at Squirt or sooner. When the time comes, can she bear criticism? Is he confident in the face of blame? What if she doesn’t get to play in every game? Can he be a good, supportive backup? Some children do not have the temperament for goalie.


• Talk to your child. Make sure that your child really wants to play goalie. I had to make this same decision myself as a child. For awhile, I had the best of both worlds: I played in the net some games, and right wing for the rest. I loved playing goalie, but I also loved to score goals. At 7 years old I had to pick what I loved more, and I chose to play out.

I remember my parents telling me that I had to pick a position. I knew it was coming, and I was happy that they let me try both positions. If my parents never let me try both, I couldn’t have made a well-informed decision. If your child wants to be a goaltender, the best way to handle the situation is to embrace the decision and let him try it. Who knows, your child could be the next Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur or Molly Schaus.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Jeremy Rupke of HowToHockey.com for this story. If your child is starting hockey, check out how to ice skate on Jeremy’s hockey tips blog.

Q&A: How Not to Get Hurt Playing Hockey

Q: My biggest concern as a new ice hockey parent is how to keep my son from getting hurt. It is so physical and I cringe every time he goes flying across the ice. As soon as someone gets the puck, they are a target! He has been playing inline hockey since he was 5, and is now playing high school ice hockey for the first time. —First-time hockey mom



A: Making the switch from inline hockey can be a culture shock as you encounter parents and players who have become accustomed to checking over several years. Ice hockey players start checking at PeeWee (ages 10–11) and most take a checking clinic to learn how to safely give, take and avoid checks. This is an investment that inline hockey players transitioning to ice almost certainly need to make. Ask your coach or another parent for a checking clinic or hockey camp recommendation for this summer.

In the meantime, a local player shares these reminders about avoiding and powering through those big hits.

1. Speed changes—skate at 90–95% of your full speed and save that last burst for when a check is coming your way.


2. Keep your head up and your feet moving.


3. Stay either along the boards or way off them.


4. Stay low and bend your knees.


5. Don’t turn your back at the last second to the hit.

I’ll never forget my son’s coach telling him he was so proud of him for making the good pass—rather than just dumping the puck—when he knew a hit was coming. Certainly a different mindset for mothers who spend years protecting their kids! Good luck!

Editor's Note: Thank you to Kelly Anton for this story.

Why to Play Soccer and Lacrosse

Everyone pays lip service to the idea that playing other sports in the off-season will make you a better ice hockey player. But how can that be true? How can kicking a ball on grass improve your ability to balance on a skate blade the width of a steak knife? How will whacking a player with your lacrosse stick translate to legal play in hockey? Skills aside, other sports start by helping you maintain your fitness level in the off-season. And many skills you acquire and perfect in other sports do directly relate to ice hockey.



Let’s take a look at two favorite sports of hockey players: soccer and lacrosse. If you doubt their application to ice hockey, consider this: The Vancouver Canucks’ Sedin twins played soccer on the Swedish junior team and Wayne Gretzky was known for being great at lacrosse.

How soccer makes you a better hockey player:

• Foot speed and foot skills (helps in playing the puck with your feet)


• Acceleration and speed (your legs get a great workout)


• Cardio, aerobic and anaerobic energy systems


• Ability to read plays and make plays


• Fakes and dekes (shoulder and head fakes)


• Sportsmanship and team play


• Quick movements and changing direction


• Great for defensemen

How lacrosse makes you a better hockey player:

• Lateral movement and foot speed


• Avoiding hits


• Dekes and fakes


• Positional play


• Explosive power


• Passing and setting up plays


• Hand/eye coordination


• Sportsmanship and team play


• Acceleration and speed


• Shooting and aim/accuracy


• Core strength, follow-through and second efforts


• Checking and physical presence, dodge and roll off hits

My son used to say, “When I play hockey, it’s so fun I don’t know why I bother with lacrosse. And when I play lacrosse, it’s so fun I don’t know why I bother with hockey.” The great thing is, he doesn’t have to choose.

Editor's Note: Thank you to Kelly Anton for this story with details from HowToHockey.com.

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