Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast

Coaches at every level can be tempted to 'go for the win.' At the minor hockey level, the decision to shorten the bench to squeeze out an extra win sends the wrong message. Taking away ice time in any situation just might take away interest in the sport altogether. A coach skipping over the third line in the final minutes of a tight game may not seem like a big deal to an adult. But the sweetness of whatever victory gained from such a move likely will still taste sour to all those kids deemed not worthy of playing.