The CT Breakers are dedicated to promoting confidence and maximizing each player’s potential by actively, intently, and intensely training the individual skills, tactics, and competitive approach which are vital to success in hockey. All skills and concepts taught are products of USA Hockey & Hockey Canada development curriculums.
Player’s environment
- Coaches communicate with players and parents in a positive & constructive manner.
- Players are expected to lead by example and show a positive attitude toward the game and all its participants.
- Practices are active, dynamic and challenging. Growth, development and learning as a player are paramount.
- Along with skills, compete level and a winner’s mentality will be taught to each and every player.
Individual Skills
Skaters will regularly train Skating, Puck Control, Shooting & Passing & Receiving skills which are fundamental pillars that require constant, consistent and proper development to achieve any form of success in ice hockey.
Goalies, in addition to twice weekly team practices, have a Goalie Clinic on Sundays led by coaches from CT Crease.
Offensive Tactics
Players will be taught and encouraged to:
- Maintain possession of the puck in all situations
- Actively support the puck during team possession in all zones.
- Drive the middle lane and attack the front of the net
- Take the puck wide with speed and attacking defensive opponents
- Use deception and change of pace as means to gain time and space
- Anticipate and find open seams, lanes & ice for puck movement & creating offensive chances
Defensive Tactics
Players will be taught and encouraged to:
- Support the middle of the ice in the defensive zone with sound position
- Retrieve loose pucks and win 50/50 battles by outpacing their opponent
- Win positional battles with age appropriate body contact technique
- Actively anticipate opponent mistakes & bobbles to forcibly create turnovers and gain possession.
Allowable contact with opponents is a large component of the game in which many players face challenges. Players will be taught what types of physical contact are allowed with an opponent. Players must learn the importance of having their stick and body in proper positions during puck battles so that good body contact habits are established early.
Players will learn that they are part of a team and are expected to act accordingly. Respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, officials and all those involved in the game will be instilled by coaches.
Players will continue to develop the foundation of a strong work ethic by consistently participating in practices with a high level of engagement & activity.