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The Coach’s Secret Weapon: Developing Coachable Players
As a hockey coach, you know that success on the ice isn’t just about having the most talented players. It’s about cultivating a team...
Jay Zealand
Sep 1, 20245 min read


Chasing Greatness: What Young Athletes Can Learn from Canada's Best
Since childhood, the dream of becoming an Olympian has always lingered in the back of my mind. My earliest memories trace back to the...
Jay Zealand
Aug 18, 20244 min read


Anticipation and Preparation: How to Start the Hockey Season Strong for Players and Coaches
After just coming back from a fantastic Northern Ontario vacation, the cusp of hockey season is upon us. Much like those days leading up...
Jay Zealand
Aug 4, 20244 min read


From Grassroots to Glory: A Pathway for Ensuring the success of Women's Hockey in Canada
It may be summer, but hockey planning is already well underway for players across the country for the upcoming season. As a coach and...
Jay Zealand
Jul 14, 20245 min read


Building Trust and Growth with Players: The importance of honest feedback in player development
I recently discussed the transition from high school to university with some elite-level coaches, and the topic of reference letters came...
Jay Zealand
Jul 6, 20244 min read


Lessons in Leadership with McDavid: What He Taught Us About Grit and Grace in The Oilers Quest for the Stanley Cup
There's nothing more joyous than watching the celebration at the end of the Stanley Cup, witnessing players revel in the achievement of a...
Jay Zealand
Jun 29, 20245 min read


A Lesson in Kindness - How Our Hockey Network Came Together
Taking a different approach with this article, I want to share a personal inspirational story from this recent week, highlighting some...
Jay Zealand
Jun 23, 20243 min read


Embrace the Off-Season: Train Like a Champion, Striving to Be Your Best Self
Photo Credit - Getty Images (Gallo Images/Jim Rogash) Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for reading athlete autobiographies (you...
Jay Zealand
Jun 16, 20244 min read


The Power of Commitment: Achieving Athletic Excellence Through Sacrifice and Self-Accountability
Having the internal strength to stay relentlessly committed to a goal is a priceless skill that separates the exceptional from everyone...
Jay Zealand
Jun 9, 20245 min read


Navigating Fairness in Hockey Tryouts - Striving for an equitable process for all players
Every year, as tryouts come to an end and players head into a well-deserved summer break, a familiar murmur of 'the process wasn't fair'...
Jay Zealand
Jun 2, 20248 min read


Elevate Your Game: Essential Off-Season Training Tips for Hockey Players
As much as I love the hockey season, I LOVE the off-season. Inspired by my days as a trainer and kinesiologist, I've always enjoyed...
Jay Zealand
May 25, 20247 min read


Finding Balance: Navigating the Spring Hockey Debate for Young Players
As the season winds down for many, the pursuit of championships comes to a close, late evenings at the rink for practice are over, and...
Jay Zealand
May 19, 20244 min read


How can coaches effectively prepare for both success and failure in their coaching careers?
In the world of sports, victory is often the ultimate goal. But what happens when defeat comes knocking, and how do coaches navigate the...
Jay Zealand
May 11, 20243 min read


Part III - Surviving Hockey Tryouts: Guide to help Players navigate the challenges
Getting ready for hockey tryouts is about more than just physical fitness. It's about being mentally prepared, showing off your skills,...
Jay Zealand
May 6, 20244 min read


Part II - Surviving Hockey Tryouts: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Their Young Athlete
In my previous installment, I delved into the strategies and tactics coaches employ to prepare for tryouts. Now, let's pivot to a...
Jay Zealand
May 1, 20245 min read


Part 1 - Surviving Hockey Tryouts for Coaches: A Coach's Guide to Preparing and Selecting the Team
In the exhilarating yet emotionally charged world of hockey tryouts, coaches face a whirlwind of challenges and decisions. Whether you're...
Jay Zealand
Apr 26, 20244 min read


Skating Towards Inclusion: Empowering Women and Minorities in Hockey
In recent years, the momentum behind women's hockey has surged, yet beneath this excitement lies a crucial need for greater diversity and...
Jay Zealand
Apr 22, 20243 min read


Swimming with Success: The Tale of the Hockey Goldfish
In the dynamic world of coaching, inspiration can emerge from the most unexpected sources. Enter Ted Lasso, the charismatic coach whose...
Jay Zealand
Apr 19, 20242 min read


Crafting a Coaching Philosophy: Lessons from Legends and Personal Reflections
Embarking on a journey of self-reflection often leads to unexpected revelations. Recently, I was approached for my insights on developing...
Jay Zealand
Apr 18, 20243 min read


What’s it really like being a coach - Navigating the Hockey Highway
In the world of coaching, the road in a season is often paved with unexpected obstacles—construction zones and hail storms instead of...
Jay Zealand
Apr 17, 20243 min read
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