5.1.1 - Pillar - Serve the Puck Carrier
1. Work to Be Available
Being available for a pass means there is an open lane of ice between you and the puck. If there is not a clear, open lane between you and the puck carrier you are not open. Additionally, if there is a defender close by who can hit you as soon as you touch the puck, you are not open.
In these instances, you need to sprint to open space as fast as possible. And once you are open and available, work hard to maintain that open lane between you and the puck. The goal is to always be available and to never accept being covered.
2. Always Be Talking
Communication is absolutely vital to the success of a team. When the puck carrier has the puck, most of the time they will be under pressure. You need to verbally tell them whether you are open or not. A simple “yep” or “nope” will do the trick.
You need to talk early and talk often.
Talking early means you are calling for pucks before your teammate even acquires the puck. If they are about to receive a pass or retrieve a loose puck, talk to them before they get the puck to let them know if you are an option for a quick pass.
Talking often means you call for the puck once, and if you don’t get a pass within 2-3 seconds, you call for the puck again. Game conditions are always changing and just because you didn't get a pass initially doesn't mean you should give up on the play.
3. Be Puck-Ready
Being puck-ready involves two main things: be facing the puck carrier and have your stick down to give them a clear target.
To face the puck carrier, you will often have to pivot and skate backwards. This is totally fine as long as you pre-scan (shoulder-check) before you receive a pass. By facing the puck, you are putting yourself in the best position possible to cleanly receive the pass.
Having your stick down and showing your blade tells the puck carrier you are ready and want the puck. You will acquire a lot more pucks if you just show them you want it. Additionally, having your stick already on the ice makes it much easier to receive passes and react to bad passes.
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