President Mark — Even in the NHL. U5–U7 · Faceoffs · Theme 3 of 8.
President Mark’s U5–U7 faceoffs lesson connects an NHL example to a specific conversation between Coach and Player, and between Coach and Parent. In a format using faceoffs, Johnny loses the puck at the drop and stands still.
The immediate learning goal is: Find the puck and stay involved. 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
In 2022–23, Patrice Bergeron won 1,043 of 1,706 faceoffs, a 61.1% win rate. Subtraction gives 663 faceoffs lost. NHL career retrospective.
A lost draw is not automatically a technical error. The opposing Player competes too. Across all recorded faceoff participants, each win has a matching loss; the event-weighted league rate is 50%. NHL percentages are perspective, not targets for children.
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 puck and stay involved. 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: “Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Johnny, find the puck and keep playing.”
Johnny: “The other kid got it first.”
Coach: “Find the puck and stay involved. 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: “Does losing draws mean he should stop trying center?”
Coach: “Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. We are learning to find the puck and keep playing. Some young-age formats do not need a faceoff lesson. The learning goal is simple: Find the puck and stay involved. What I will watch for is this: Johnny stays involved after possession is decided.”
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. Show the drop and a simple next direction without an opponent.
2. Add a partner and keep the contest gentle and brief.
3. Let the game continue and invite Johnny to find the puck.
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 stays involved after possession is decided.
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: Do not use an NHL percentage as a pass-or-fail threshold for a child. Match the lesson to the rules and game format.
U5–U7 Parent quiz
In a format using faceoffs, Johnny loses the puck at the drop and stands still. According to this U5–U7 lesson, which next step connects NHL perspective to a useful recovery action?
A. Judge the Player’s position from one unsuccessful draw.
B. Require the Player to match an NHL faceoff percentage.
C. Teach Johnny to find the puck and continue playing.
D. Stop the activity as soon as the draw is lost.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer C. This matches the U5–U7 learning goal: Find the puck and stay involved. Johnny stays involved after possession is decided.
Take one conversation to the rink
The shared message is: Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Find the puck and stay involved. 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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