Skill Pillar

Teamwork

The best teams make five players feel like one unit. Teamwork connects communication, spacing, and support habits so everyone anticipates the same solution.

Teammates celebrating on the bench after a goal
Micro-connections—touches on the bench, quick reminders, and shared celebrations—build the trust required to execute under pressure.

Snapshot

Definition

Teamwork is the ability to synchronize your play with the four teammates on the ice and the ones waiting on the bench. It shows up in how quickly you support the puck, communicate switches, and cover for a teammate’s mistake without hesitation.

Key Behaviors

  • Talks every shift change
  • Touches the puck and quickly moves it
  • Fills open ice instinctively
  • Tracks back for second support
  • Keeps bench engaged
  • Shares scouting notes

Communication Cues

Use consistent language: “Wheel” for the breakout, “Bump” for a reverse, “Push” when activating the weak-side D. Build your own dictionary and stick to it.

Training Blueprint

On-Ice Habits

  • Start every practice with a touch and talk lap—tap all linemates and share your focus for the day.
  • Run small-area games (2v2 + support) where a point is only awarded if all players touch the puck.
  • Use flow drills like the Avalanche or 6-pass sequence to rehearse puck movement and lane filling.

Bench Workflow

Assign a bench captain each period to track communication.

  • Between shifts ask “What did you see?” and “What’s next?”
  • Identify one forecheck cue and one defensive cue to emphasize.
  • Celebrate small wins (good stick, hard backcheck) loudly.

Off-Ice Alignment

Schedule 15-minute unit meetings once a week.

  • Review upcoming opponents and assign matchup responsibilities.
  • Build set plays (faceoff counters, neutral-zone entries) on a whiteboard.
  • End with a gratitude lap—each player thanks another for a recent effort.

Peer Review Checklist

Use before playoffs or showcases to confirm your line is connected.

  • Every player can describe teammates’ tendencies (strong side, preferred exits).
  • Line calls are loud enough for the defensemen to hear through the rush.
  • Bench body language stays positive—even after turnovers.
  • Players rotate through hard areas (net-front, corners) without being asked.
  • The unit recovers structure within three seconds after losing the puck.

Video Study

Watch one clip together, then recreate the spacing and communication in practice.

Avalanche Flow Drill. Fast-paced passing pattern that forces all five players to fill lanes and communicate timing. Open on YouTube

Six Pass Shooting Drill. Excellent for teaching quick puck movement and verbal cues before attacking. Open on YouTube

High Intensity Team Drills. Miami (OH) coach Enrico Blasi demonstrates drills focused on pace and group connections. Open on YouTube

Cutting Edge Ice Academy

Make Team Play Automatic

Layer communication, support routes, and puck movement that matches the Teamwork pillar.

View the Full Schedule

3-on-3 Spring League

Fast-paced mini games that force constant talk, support, and puck exchanges with short benches.

Small Group Training

Coach-led reps that focus on spacing, give-and-go timing, and shared problem solving.

3-on-3 Games

Rotate roles quickly so you read, react, and cover for linemates even when shifts get chaotic.

Additional Resources

Playbook

USA Hockey Small Area Games

Collection of team-based drills to build communication and quick support.

Browse drills
Meeting Agenda

Line Identity Worksheet

Define each player’s role, forecheck trigger, and breakout responsibilities.

Download PDF
Podcast

Hockey Think Tank – Building Culture

Episode with college coaches on creating player-driven standards for teamwork.

Listen online
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