Hope all of our American readers had a great Labor Day.

📈 Learn: How changing pace can help you beat pressure and create separation.

🌟 Watch: A toe-drag release, wall work under pressure, and a four-goal highlight reel.

📊 Vote: Which skill is hardest to translate from practice into games?

Jonathan Larsson
Rögle BK Coach & Read & Act Player Development

Not every player creates separation by simply going faster. A lot of the time, the better answer is changing pace at the right moment.

Slowing down can draw the defender in and force them to close space early. Once that pressure commits, a quick acceleration gives the puck carrier a better chance to attack into the space created.

That’s what makes this concept so useful. It trains players to stay under control, manipulate pressure, and create room instead of skating straight into traffic. It’s not just about speed. It’s about using tempo with purpose.

This shows up all over the game — on zone entries, off the wall, through the neutral zone, and in one-on-one situations. Players who can change pace effectively give themselves more options and put defenders in tougher spots.

More standout work from across the HPC community this week.

Mason Alcorn — Toe Drag Release →
Mason shows off a Connor Bedard-esque toe drag release, using deception to change the puck angle before snapping it top left.

Greg Wolfe — Winning Pucks Off the Wall →
Greg Wolfe breaks down the details of beating pressure along the wall: disrupt the stick, secure the first touch, separate, get your eyes up, and find support.

Hugo Holstensson — Four Goals, Four Finishes →
Hugo Holstensson puts together a four-goal highlight reel featuring a mix of finishes, including a slick backhand around the net.

Show the hockey world what you’re working on.

Upload a highlight, training clip, drill, or coaching insight to your free Hockey Players Club profile.

Every week, we feature standout members from across the community.