Kill the Wheel

Objective: Take away the D's favorite escape — F1 cuts off the wheel at the net, F2 eats the forced exit above. Setup: Opponent D retrieves and tries to wheel behind the net at speed. Two forecheckers work as a pair; a wall winger gives the D an outlet. Execution: The D retrieves and wheels — F1 attacks the SHORT side of the net, cutting the wheel path off. The D is forced to stop up or chip the wall; F2 has already capped the up-ice exit. Win the puck back and play out a quick 2v2 to the net; rotate roles every rep. Coaching points: F1 takes the net-side lane away first — chasing the wheel from behind never wins. F2 stays a stick-length above the play: patience above beats panic below. When the D stops up, that's the steal window — close together, body then puck.