President Mark — Even in the NHL. U15–U18 · Faceoffs · Theme 3 of 8.
President Mark’s U15–U18 faceoffs lesson connects an NHL example to a specific conversation between Coach and Player, and between Coach and Parent. A center and wingers react differently after a lost draw.
The immediate learning goal is: Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. 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 U15–U18
Use the actual Team system. Discuss the decision privately where possible and make the next expectation clear.
For this lesson, keep the target narrow: Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. 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, tell your wingers the plan and know your job if we lose the draw.”
Johnny: “I thought my winger was taking that Player.”
Coach: “Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. We’ll review whether that adjustment fits the situation and our Team plan.”
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: “Was the lost draw entirely the center’s fault?”
Coach: “Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. We will review communication with the wingers and execution of the planned assignment. The learning goal is simple: Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. What I will watch for is this: The unit communicates and performs the agreed assignments.”
Support at home: Give the Player room to explain the agreed focus. Offer support without adding competing instructions.
Practice it with U15–U18 Players
1. State the planned draw and each Player’s recovery responsibility.
2. Rehearse both a win and a loss at reduced speed.
3. Add realistic opposition and review the unit’s response.
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
The unit communicates and performs the agreed assignments.
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.
U15–U18 Parent quiz
A center and wingers react differently after a lost draw. According to this U15–U18 lesson, which next step connects NHL perspective to a useful recovery action?
A. Judge the Player’s position from one unsuccessful draw.
B. Rehearse the center and winger assignments after both outcomes.
C. Require the Player to match an NHL faceoff percentage.
D. Stop the activity as soon as the draw is lost.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer B. This matches the U15–U18 learning goal: Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. The unit communicates and performs the agreed assignments.
Take one conversation to the rink
The shared message is: Even excellent NHL faceoff Players lose draws. Communicate the plan and the jobs after either result. 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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