President Mark — Even in the NHL. U5–U7 · Passing · Theme 1 of 8.
President Mark’s U5–U7 passing lesson connects an NHL example to a specific conversation between Coach and Player, and between Coach and Parent. Johnny looks down at the puck and passes without seeing the nearby teammate.
The immediate learning goal is: Find the teammate before moving the puck. These are suggested THR conversations. They are not quotations from NHL Coaches or a claim that children should perform at NHL speed.
Begin with the NHL perspective
Brett Kulak’s failed pass led to a Dallas goal during Game 1 of the 2024 Western Conference Final. NHL report.
A pass can fail because of the decision, the execution or an opponent’s intervention. Ask what happened before choosing the correction. Use these cues when the Player missed the available information.
Why the instruction fits U5–U7
Use a demonstration and an immediate, playful attempt. Skip the statistics lecture. If the child does not know the NHL, say “grown-up Hockey Players.”
For this lesson, keep the target narrow: Find the teammate before moving the puck. The Player should understand the action and have a suitable chance to try it. Adjust the pace and difficulty to experience, rather than assuming everyone in the age group is ready for the same pressure.
Coach Q&A: what should I say to the Player?
Coach: “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Johnny, look up before you pass. Watch me.”
Johnny: “I didn’t see where she was.”
Coach: “Find the teammate before moving the puck. I’ll show you, then you can try with me.”
Listen to the real explanation before choosing the correction. Check whether the problem was the read, the execution, an opponent’s play or an unclear instruction.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Should I keep reminding him to look up from the stands?”
Coach: “NHL Players have passes go wrong too. We are helping Johnny look toward a target. A short, playful passing game is enough. The learning goal is simple: Find the teammate before moving the puck. What I will watch for is this: Johnny briefly looks toward the receiver before the pass.”
Support at home: Offer reassurance, interest and another enjoyable visit to the rink. Technical reminders from the stands are not needed.
Practice it with U5–U7 Players
1. Stand a short distance apart and point to the receiver’s stick.
2. Show a gentle pass after lifting your eyes toward the receiver.
3. Let Johnny try, then change the partner’s position slightly.
Begin with a level of difficulty where the Player can notice and attempt the cue. Increase pressure when the action is understood.
What recovery looks like
Johnny briefly looks toward the receiver before the pass.
Notice the adjustment specifically. A useful next action can occur even if the next result is imperfect. If the same difficulty returns, change the demonstration, the practice conditions or the amount of information.
Keep the expectation clear: If an older Player repeatedly ignores an understood Team instruction, discuss that pattern and its consequences directly. First establish that the read was taught and understood.
U5–U7 Parent quiz
Johnny looks down at the puck and passes without seeing the nearby teammate. According to this U5–U7 lesson, which next step connects NHL perspective to a useful recovery action?
A. Show one look toward the teammate, then let Johnny try.
B. Tell Johnny to stop attempting passes whenever pressure appears.
C. Review every turnover before allowing another practice attempt.
D. Judge improvement only by whether the next pass succeeds.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer A. This matches the U5–U7 learning goal: Find the teammate before moving the puck. Johnny briefly looks toward the receiver before the pass.
Take one conversation to the rink
The shared message is: NHL Players have passes go wrong too. Find the teammate before moving the puck. The Coach teaches the action; the Parent understands the focus and supports the Player’s next opportunity.
In House League, the primary objective is to have fun. Advancement programs should explain role expectations honestly. In every setting, speak respectfully and make the next instruction clear.
See this theme across all five age groups. · Explore President Mark’s complete Even in the NHL series.
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