Ep.43 | Foundations for Centermen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.3*
About this episode
Coach Eric Palazzolo discusses the foundational skills and responsibilities of centermen in youth hockey.
In the third episode of this Built From Steel Podcast mini-series, Coach Eric covers positional play for centermen, from acting as a third defenceman in the defensive zone to protecting middle ice, supporting battles, and sorting out coverage when the puck changes sides. He also breaks down getting underneath the puck on breakouts, creating short passing options and speed, staying connected through the neutral zone, and shifting into F1, F2, or F3 in the offensive zone. The episode closes with faceoffs and the responsibility that starts as soon as the puck drops. Key Moments 4:30 – Third-defenceman responsibilities in the defensive zone 7:00 – Protecting the middle of the ice 11:00 – Supporting a defensive-zone corner battle 15:30 – Moving through the middle when the puck switches sides 19:00 – Reading the play as the defensive-zone quarterback 23:20 – Common defensive-zone mistakes for centermen 26:15 – Getting underneath the puck on breakouts 29:00 – Creating short passing lanes and support 33:00 – Questions to ask when supporting a breakout 35:00 – Staying low and connected in the neutral zone 40:00 – Forechecking inside-out in the neutral zone 44:00 – Forward roles on…
More episodes of Built From Steel Podcast
- Ep.42 | Foundations for Defencemen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
- Ep.41 | Foundations for Wingers in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
- Ep.40 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Ice Time, The Car Ride Home, Phones & Player Confidence
- Ep.39 | 5 Undervalued Qualities of A Great Coach
- Ep.38 | 5 Undervalued Qualities All Hockey Players Need
- Ep.37 | The Key Lessons You Learn Playing Hockey
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