New role

[McCabe24 0]

alright here's the deal

I play in three leagues, play house for fun because all my friends play there and the A team has yet to win a game this season, play high school and then there is this other league which is starting playoffs next week

It has been a pretty loosey goosey league so far but many of the players are old AAA, AA and A players who are either to old or gave it. Now our team is implimenting specific roles for each line for the playoffs beginning next week. I find myself on the checking line, in tonights game I am on the ice for all 3 goals in a 3-3 tie. I am a center and tend to be out of position quite a fair bit because I consider myself an offensive minded player. What are some tips or things to think about that may help me improve the defensive part of my game in order to help out the team.

[kosydar 0]

If you are on the checking line, then your coach will probably expect nothing but defense from you. If you chip in a goal or an assist, thats an added bonus, but defense must come first. When the puck is in their zone, don't go below the faceoff dots, unless you are the first forechecker. Try to read the breakout and break it up. I don't know what type of defensive system your team plays, so I can't help you out there as far as positioning goes. Just know that as a checker, going out there, skating hard, throwing a big hit, and playing good defensive hockey will do a lot more good for your team than trying to get goals. If you go out and your line scores one goal, but lets in two for the game, then you have failed. Being an even for the game for the checkers is ideal.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I drew a crappy Diagram. See Crappy Diagram to help illustrate some fundamentals.

You'll want to be on "the fence" for alot of the times when you are unsure of positioning. The fence is the edge of the red line coming towards the net. Anyone inside my crappy triangle poses a threat. The more red the more danger, if someone has the puck you must force them in the high danger zones. Other than that you basically want to help you wherever is needed whether and try not to leave the zone till the pucks out. Make sure your guys are out manned in a certain area of the ice. If you are unsure, the strong side "fence" is the safest zone because your in a passing lane and can jump to either zone once you realize help is needed. Hope that helps.