I've consistently been a vocal hockey player—my words echo across the rink, whether on the ice or on the bench in between shifts. It wasn't about being excessively loud, though I'll admit to some good-natured "chirping" with opponents occasionally. Instead, my verbal presence aimed to motivate my teammates and, more importantly, foster communication among us. The goal was to collectively enhance our gameplay, offering my teammates an extra pair of eyes on the ice. My voice played a crucial role in assisting our defensemen to oncoming forecheckers when their backs were to the play or calling for the puck from an offensive linemate when I found myself open.
Listen to any advanced-level hockey game, whether high school, juniors, college, or the pros, and you'll hear constant communication among players. For instance, if a center is available in the offensive slot, you might hear calls like "open... slot, slot." Similarly, when a forward wins a corner battle in the o-zone and gains possession of the puck, you might catch their defensemen shouting "point, point, or calling the teammate by name," letting the forward know they are open for a shot and alerting their teammate to get them the puck,
In the defensive zone, a goalie or backchecking forward may shout something like "one on you" to alert a defenseman/teammate about an approaching forechecker with their back to the play. Conversely, a player may tell a D teammate they are under no pressure by yelling something like "You got time" or "No one on you."
Consistent communication and the ability to project one's voice are crucial for player development. This enhances individual skills and contributes to elevating teammates' performance. As a coach, I consistently emphasize the importance of vocalizing during scrimmages and games, urging players to communicate loudly. Please, I strongly advise against relying on stick-banging on the ice as a signal for the puck (as a coach, it drives me nuts and looks like mite and squirt-level stuff). While voices, especially those of teammates, are distinguishable, all stick bangs sound the same, creating an equal chance of a clever opponent attempting to trick you into a turnover, as it could be your teammate. So please, please, please stop doing it!!!
The game moves fast, and players are engaged in small-area battles all over the ice, so they can't always clearly see the best available play. Getting input from a teammate (being their second set of eyes, if you will) can help them stay a step ahead of the pressure or guide them to making the right play.
The video below showcases a prime example of effective communication. It features Brenden Dillon, previously with the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals, and currently a Winnipeg Jet. Dillon utilizes extensive communication and vocalization to assist his teammates in making plays and staying informed about the on-ice situation. His vocalization exemplifies the level of communication that EVERY player should bring to the rink whenever they step onto the ice.
Specifically, watch the video's 0:37-0:49 second mark, the 0:50-1:12 mark, the 1:49-1:57 mark, and the 2:03-2:26 mark.
The challenge for a coach, parent, or team captain is that not every player feels comfortable being vocal. While being loud and assertive is second nature for some, it may not be the case for others. Nevertheless, like life's challenges and hurdles, continuous encouragement can assist a player in developing their vocal skills. As a coach, I consistently stress the importance of vocalization to players during every practice and game, underlining the need for it to become a habitual practice.
One effective way to reinforce this vocal behavior is through peers, especially team captains, particularly at the Junior, High School, Semi-Pro, and Pro levels. Captains should play a crucial role in educating players during practices and games when they observe a lack of effective communication. Peer guidance tends to be better received and can contribute significantly to the development of vocal skills among players.
The role of team captains becomes pivotal in ensuring that every teammate embraces effective communication, making it a continuous and ingrained practice. Captains must stay vigilant, consistently urging their teammates to buy into the importance of communication. This reinforcement should be a focal point at every practice until each team member adopts improved communication as a natural and integral part of their play. Team captains play a crucial part in fostering a communicative team culture, actively encouraging and reminding teammates to consistently prioritize and commit to better communication.
Being an effective communicator is also a critical life skill that will translate off-ice. Vocal people tend to be respected by their peers and looked to as leaders, and they are always heard as opposed to those who take a back seat and remain passive.
Cheers, and keep enjoying the game, whether you're a player, coach, or spectator !!!
Coach Kevin
Follow us on Instagram.