Stop playing your position. Start playing the game.

From: Dustin Donathan of Hockey Coach Life (YouTube | Instagram | TikTok)

Too many players stunt their development by boxing themselves into one identity: “I’m a winger.” “I’m a center.” “I’m a defenseman.”

Hockey doesn’t work like that—not anymore. The game is too fast, the flow is too unpredictable, and modern systems demand fluid roles, not fixed labels.

A rush can flip instantly.
Forechecks collapse and stretch.
Gaps open and close.

A winger becomes the first man back.
A defenseman activates, rotates high, and suddenly becomes the support option.

If you only understand your position, you freeze when the picture changes.

But when you study every role—F1, F2, D1, D2—you start anticipating instead of reacting. You see patterns in real time. You adapt under pressure. And you make smarter decisions because you’re not confused when responsibilities shift… you’re already prepared.

The best problem solvers in hockey aren’t the ones who memorize where to stand. They’re the ones who understand what every role is trying to accomplish… no matter what jersey number they wear.

Learn the jobs. Learn the rotations. Learn the entire system.
Your hockey IQ will jump immediately.

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