PHOTO CREDIT: SERGEI BELSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS via Oilersnation
You never know when that extra bit of attention in practice is going to pay off.
It’s a dark Tuesday night in Vancouver. I’m sitting in a coffee shop watching the Edmonton Oilers beat up on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Naturally I’m watching the game a few hours later than it was aired because I coach hockey for a living, so hopefully they’re able to pull this one out.
Sure enough, just as I open up a document and look for some inspiration to start writing this post, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Burnaby native, Burnaby Winter Club grad, and former Red Deer Rebel scores on the powerplay to put the Mighty Oil up 2-0 in the middle of what can only be described as a disappointing season so far.
Now, you might think it’s crazy for a former first overall National Hockey League draft pick to be referred to as forgotten, but the razzle dazzle of two guys named Connor and Leon means that’s exactly what the Nuge seems to be. Hell, even when Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and fan favourite Nail Yakupov were still in town RNH was generally considered chopped liver.
But after a powerful exit meeting following their disappointing playoff defeating at the hands of the Godless Anaheim Ducks, perhaps Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn’t an after-thought any more.
PHOTO CREDIT: SERGEI BELSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS via Oilersnation
You never know when that extra bit of attention in practice is going to pay off.
It’s a dark Tuesday night in Vancouver. I’m sitting in a coffee shop watching the Edmonton Oilers beat up on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Naturally I’m watching the game a few hours later than it was aired because I coach hockey for a living, so hopefully they’re able to pull this one out.
Sure enough, just as I open up a document and look for some inspiration to start . . .
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PHOTO CREDIT: SERGEI BELSKI-USA TODAY SPORTS via Oilersnation
You never know when that extra bit of attention in practice is going to pay off.
It’s a dark Tuesday night in Vancouver. I’m sitting in a coffee shop watching the Edmonton Oilers beat up on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Naturally I’m watching the game a few hours later than it was aired because I coach hockey for a living, so hopefully they’re able to pull this one out.
Sure enough, just as I open up a document and look for some inspiration to start . . .
SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE
Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches.
Already a member? Login
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See Also
- Pro Players Panel with Natalie Spooner, Brendan Gaunce, & Mike Duco
- Travis Green: The Education & Evolution of a Hockey Coach
- Practice is Everything: Learning From Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks
Kelvin Cech
Steady contributor in multiple roles over the years at The Coaches Site, current General Manager and Head Coach of the MJHL Niverville Nighthawks, former Assistant Coach with the UBC Thunderbirds Men's Hockey team.
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