It's hard to believe that 2018 is nearly over. There have been so many memorable moments in the hockey world - from Alex Ovechkin winning his first Stanley Cup to Canada reclaiming gold at the World Juniors - and the best part is we get to do it all over again this season.

Here are some of our favourite articles that we published this past year. Thank you being avid readers over the last 12 months and we will continue to share helpful, informative articles in the coming year.

The Benefits of the Early Pass

Skilled plays and players are often noticed by the ability to make difficult plays though sticks and feet and having the patience to hold onto the puck under pressure. While this is true, there are also times when a simple, early pass makes sense – creating clean plays that make time and space for your teammates.

The Video Coach series reviews a video clip from game action and then breaks down the sequence into frames identifying key skills, individual and team tactics, strategy and hockey IQ.

ASSOCIATIONS EMBRACING MODIFIED ICE PROGRAMMING

Many associations have shared the fun and engagement their players are having in their cross-ice and half-ice programming. By using the boards to divide the ice, more players are able to participate at the same time. Limited whistles and rules emphasis in the programming has allowed players to stay involved and engaged in the play. It puts the focus back on the physical literacy part of movement skills while introducing the basic, fundamental technical skills specific to hockey.

BOOST YOUR LEG STRENGTH WITH THIS DRILL

Being a good skater is vital for any hockey player. Becoming comfortable on the ice and all that comes with it like changing speeds and direction can help players focus on other areas of the game. Players expend a lot of energy over the course of a game and players need to use their effort effectively. Learn how to boost your leg strength with this drill from Elite Training Systems.

a fast and easy pre-game meaL

One of the most important factors in player performance is what kind of 'fuel' they eat before a game. Unfortunately due to busy schedules, families can find themselves eating on the fly. While fast food can be a quick lifesaver, making that the habit can have negative effects on everyone in the family. HelloFresh solves that problem by creating stress-free dinners that take less than 40 minutes to cook. Learn how you can save 50% on your first box.

Comparing the Best Hockey Nation's Development Models

There hasn’t been a repeat winner at the World Juniors since Canada won five in a row from 2005 to 2009, proving just how even the playing field has become. There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ model when it comes to creating the best development model for a country. From population to geography to the number of registered players, each nation presents a different set of challenges and are trying a number of solutions.

Change Direction without Losing Speed or Balance

There’s a difference between a slow, wide turn and a quick, tight turn. How well are you performing this crucial skill? urning is one of the most important skills for a skater to learn. With this drill, players should be able to change direction in a sharp manner without losing speed or balance. We break it down in Chalk Talk, teaching age-appropriate skills, drills and progressions.