Friends! We received a huge amount of questions – honestly, I didn’t expect that . It was really nice and I want to thank everyone who wrote. We selected the ones that are most relevant to hockey. Please keep it hockey-related – tactics, training, equipment, leagues – not politics or personal life outside the game. Sorry for the delay in publishing, there were so many messages. Thank you again ❤️
– Coach Mark
Tactics & Strategy
Why 1-3-1 works better for power play than 1-2-2?
1-3-1 creates more passing lanes, especially the bumper in the slot. 1-2-2 is more about forecheck in neutral zone, not PP.
Mark, is trap hockey still alive today?
Yes, 1-3-1 trap is alive. Not always full-time, but situationally it works.
Why do coaches love dump-and-chase so much?
Because controlled entry is not always possible. If D stand up on the blue line, it’s safer to dump it behind and battle.
How do you teach young players a forecheck system?
F1 pressure, F2 cut the first pass, F3 stay high. Think triangle pressure and lanes.
What’s the best advice if your team is down 0-3 after the first period?
Don’t panic. The game is 60 minutes. Get the first one – momentum flips. Sometimes I switch the goalie to spark the bench.
Do you prefer line matching or rolling four lines?
Depends on context. In playoffs line matching is huge. In regular season I like rolling four lines for pace and energy.
Best approach in shootouts – dekes or pure shots?
Depends on the player. Elite hands – deke. Elite release – shot. Always read the goalie first.
Why does PK look passive at times?
Over-aggressive PK opens the seam pass. Sometimes a tight box, wait for a mistake, clear the puck is the right call.
How often do you train special teams during season?
Usually 2-3 times per week. If numbers dip, I add short daily refreshers.
Is fighting dead in hockey?
It’s less frequent, but team toughness still matters. Protect teammates, set identity without dumb penalties.
Best time to use a time-out?
When momentum is fully against you or in the last minute on PP to draw a set play. A timeout must change the flow.
Mark, do you trust analytics or your eyes?
Both. Numbers frame the discussion, but feel and context from the bench are crucial.
Pulling the goalie early – crazy or smart?
Risky but useful if you dominate possession. I’ve pulled with 3 minutes left when we had sustained ozone time.
Why do some teams still dump the puck on PP?
Zone entries are hard against tight blue-line stands. A smart soft dump with speed can be better than a turnover.
Which neutral-zone forecheck is most effective today?
1-1-3 is popular because it funnels plays wide and forces low-quality dumps.
Does double-shifting stars work over a long season?
In playoffs yes. In regular season it burns them out. Balance matters.
Best drill to teach a clean breakout for youth teams?
D-to-D behind the net, strong-side winger on the wall, center low support, weak-side winger timing. Repetition builds habits.
How important is faceoff strategy?
Huge. A clean win equals instant possession. I prep 3-4 set plays per zone and handedness.
What’s the biggest mistake in 3-on-3 overtime?
Over-pressuring the puck and giving up a 2-on-1. Possession and patience beat chaos.
Aggressive pinches by D-men or conservative play?
Score and time dictate it. Chasing the game – pinch with support. Protecting a lead – keep layers behind.
Fitness & Training
What off-ice exercises are musts for hockey players?
Squats and core. That’s the base for power, balance and edge control.
How many kilometers do players usually skate per game?
Roughly 4-7 km depending on role. Centers typically more, D shorter bursts but higher intensity.
Do you recommend creatine for hockey?
Yes. Well-studied, helps with recovery and repeated efforts. Hydration must be on point.
Running or cycling for conditioning?
Mix both. Bike is kinder to joints, running mimics change of pace. Intervals are king.
Does yoga help hockey players?
Yes. Mobility, breathing, and injury prevention. Many NHL guys use it twice a week.
How often to train in the off-season?
At least 4 days per week with a balance of strength, cardio and skill sessions.
Best warm-up before games?
Dynamic moves – bands, mobility, quick feet, short activation. Skip long static stretches pregame.
Should kids under 12 lift weights?
No heavy loading. Focus on coordination, bodyweight, technique and fun.
Are sweets allowed in the diet?
Sometimes. After a big win a small treat is fine. Daily habits matter more.
What’s more important for young players – skating or shot?
Skating. Without edges and acceleration the rest doesn’t show.
Best recovery after back-to-back games?
Sleep, hydration, light bike, stretching. Sauna and contrast showers help many players.
Do you use mental training?
Yes. Short visualization and breathing protocols before games calm the mind and sharpen focus.
Is interval training useful for hockey?
Absolutely. 30-40 seconds high effort, 90 seconds recovery – similar to shift rhythm.
What strength to cardio ratio off-ice?
About 60 percent strength, 40 percent cardio. Hockey is a power-endurance sport.
Do you recommend taurine or magnesium?
Yes. Taurine for energy regulation, magnesium for muscle function and sleep. Food foundation first.
Equipment
Mark, wood or composite sticks?
Composite – lighter and more consistent. Wood is now niche and for feel.
How should beginners choose a stick curve?
A mid curve is the safest start. Easy puck control and versatile shooting.
Favourite skate brand?
Bauer for ankle support and fit, but individual foot shape rules the choice.
Do you sharpen skates every game?
Not necessary. Every 3-4 games on average, depending on ice and player preference.
Do you tape the blade full or half?
Full. Better puck feel and more consistent releases.
Best helmet for junior players?
CCM with a full cage for safety. Fit it properly – comfort equals consistency.
How important are shoulder pads today?
Still very important. Hits happen and angles close fast even with stricter rules.
Visor or full cage?
As a coach visor, as a junior player always full cage. Eyes are priceless.
What flex do you recommend?
Rough guide – about half of body weight. Example: 80 kg means around 80 flex, then adjust to feel.
Do you use grip tape on the shaft?
Yes, a short section near the top for control without chewing gloves.
NHL & European Hockey
Best NHL player today?
Connor McDavid. Clear number one for impact and pace.
Why are Finnish coaches so successful?
Systematic development, discipline and strong hockey IQ culture from juniors up.
Do you like 3-on-3 overtime?
Great for fans, a headache for coaches. Possession first, zero low-percentage shots.
Best goalie of the last decade?
Andrei Vasilevskiy. Clutch, calm, technical and durable.
Is European big ice better than the NHL’s smaller ice?
It depends. Big ice favors skating and spacing, small ice forces faster decisions and more contact.
Most disciplined team profile in Europe?
SHL clubs like Färjestad – structured, detail-oriented, strong habits.
Do you watch KHL?
Sometimes. Quality players there, but NHL sets the standard.
Dark horse in the NHL this season?
Buffalo Sabres – young core, hungry group.
Do you like shootouts deciding games?
Not really. Hockey is a team game, shootouts are a skills contest.
Best captain ever?
Steve Yzerman – leadership on and off the ice.
Long NHL season or shorter European schedules?
Long NHL grind builds character, shorter seasons help recovery. Different challenges.
Favourite hockey rivalry?
Canada vs USA – pace, emotion, history.
Most underrated NHL player right now?
Aleksander Barkov – elite two-way center.
Should the World Cup of Hockey return?
Yes. Best vs best on international stage is great for the sport.
Which country develops the best goalies today?
Finland – technical base, calm style, great coaching pipeline.
Personal
Do you still play hockey yourself?
Sometimes beer league games 😅. Competing keeps the mind sharp.
Favourite football club?
Liverpool – fan for 25 plus years ❤️⚽.
What music do you like?
From classical to Metallica. Depends on mood. Before practices Metallica and The Prodigy – perfect motivation 😂.
Do you drink beer?
Sometimes after a big win, never before practice or workouts.
Favourite food?
Salmon with potatoes – classic Finnish comfort.
Which country did you enjoy living in most?
Finland is home, but the UK is special to me as well.
What’s your morning routine?
Coffee and hockey news. Short notes for practice prep.
Favourite hockey movie?
Miracle (2004) – about the Miracle on Ice. Pure team spirit.
Do you play video games?
Sometimes the NHL series, but time is limited during season.
How do you relax after the season?
Fishing and sauna. Simple and effective.
Favourite city you’ve visited?
Prague – great vibe and hockey culture.
Do you speak many languages?
English and Finnish. I understand some others too, but not fluent.
Favourite coach of all time?
Scotty Bowman – unmatched adaptability and detail.
Do you read books outside hockey?
Yes. Biographies and history give perspective for coaching.
Do you like winter or summer more?
Winter – the energy of hockey season is hard to beat.
Closing
Thanks for all your questions. Keep sending them📩 – we will publish new editions. Hockey is passion, discipline and joy.
– Coach Mark