Sylvania North Stars • Player Zone

Traffic ahead?
Use your team.

A pass sideways or backward can open the fastest way forward.

THE PLAY: SCAN → SUPPORT → COMPETE
From behind a North Stars puck carrier, two gray defenders block the path ahead. A teammate in navy, red, and white calls from open ice to the left as a red pass trail curves toward him.
PRESSURE AHEADFIND SUPPORT ↖
D ZONE

Break pressure together

See the pressure. Move the puck sideways to your nearby D partner. The second D can use an open lane or a short forward option. Stay close enough to help.

O ZONE

Keep the attack alive

Don’t force the middle. Drop the puck to a teammate behind you, then move into a new lane. Keep possession and attack again.

5 quick cues

  1. SCAN: Look before the puck arrives. Where is pressure?
  2. SHOW: Teammates give a short, clear passing lane.
  3. USE THE SIDE: Move the puck away from traffic.
  4. RESET: A backward pass buys time and opens ice.
  5. GO AGAIN: Pass, move, call, and compete for the next play.

Your shift. Your call.

Two opponents close the straight path to the net. A teammate calls from behind you.

Force it through? Or pass back and move?

★ Pass back, move to open ice, and be ready for the return pass. The puck can go backward while the team moves forward.

Watch the support play

Two quick looks: help the puck carrier, then move for the next pass.

1. Support Your Puck Carrier

Where can you skate to give your teammate a short, clear passing lane?

Open on YouTube ↗

2. Pass back. Move. Get it again.

Kaprizov gives it to Zuccarello, moves into space, and finishes the return pass. Spot the support player.

Open on NHL.com ↗
Print the 3-page locker-room handout ↗