player development

The Next 2-on-1: The Art of Solving Hockey Problems

Darrell Hay

Published on: 22/09/2026

A conversation with Brett Hull sparked a deeper reflection on hockey IQ, creativity, and problem solving, and why the game’s greatest principles continue to guide players and coaches, no matter how much hockey evolves.

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Permission to Fail: It’s Okay to Not Be Perfect

Darrell Hay

Published on: 04/09/2026

Why failure, honest feedback, and adversity often teach us more than success, and how accepting correction without losing confidence helps young athletes grow in hockey and in life.

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Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? Choosing Your Hard

Darrell Hay

Published on: 28/08/2026

Success is rented, not owned. A blog about discipline, sacrifice, and the daily price of becoming the player—and person—you say you want to be.

disciplinerelentlesschoicespaying the pricelong term developmentthe grindsuccess habitsTim GroverJocko WillinkDavid GogginsMichael JordanKobe Bryantsacrificewing wednesdayearlsis the juice worth the squeeze

Kids Aren’t Your Scorecard

Darrell Hay

Published on: 13/08/2026

A reflection on when pride in our kids becomes validation for us, and why the real measure of sports parenting is how we support their journey, not the level they reach.

parentingplayer developmentcomparisonbelongingathleteshockey parentslong term developmentBetter Sports ParentsJason StrudwickScott RintoulKamloops BlazersPodcastDon Hay