Team Play Book
The Moose Knuckles System

INTRODUCTION
The Moose Knuckles System is based on total team defense in all three zones. The basic premise is that by frequently forcing the puck deep into the opponent’s zone, applying consistent fore checking pressure, and utilizing a neutral zone trap, the team can force opponents to make mistakes in the attacking zone and neutral zone leading to offensive opportunities for our team.

Applying pressure in the offensive and neutral zones also has the additional benefit of minimizing opposition time in our defensive zone and thus diminishing the risk of goals against. The system emphasizes the use of two players on the puck at all times. When combined with specialized zone coverage, this approach is not only effective against average teams, it is especially effective when used to shut down faster teams or neutralize highly skilled individual players. The key is that every player on the team must make a commitment to playing two-way hockey and staying within the basic system at all times.

It is important to note that the system is not intended to represent the only plays that can be utilized during a game. Rather, it is a starting point from which creative players can improvise to create scoring opportunities. However, while there are numerous individual plays that can be executed within this system, it is best to learn the basic operation of the system prior to attempting more complex variations. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with each scenario, visualize the plays, and remember your positional role in each so that we can start to put them into practice.

If everyone makes the commitment to the system, it will be much easier to know where other players are on the ice at all times enabling faster break-outs, crisper passing, better scoring chances, and fewer odd-man breaks against.
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PART A - OFFENSE
One of the keys to the Moose Knuckles System is simplicity. Keep it simple to reduce mistakes. Therefore, our offense divides attacks into just two basic scenarios that anyone can recognize. These are:

A. We are unchallenged at the blue line. Example: One-on-one coverage or an odd-man break.

B. We are challenged at the blue line. Example: Two-on-one coverage or all players back on defense.
Simply break every attack into one of these two situations. If we are unchallenged, we should attack using a variation of the 1-2-3. If we are challenged we will use the dump & chase.
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OFFENSIVE SCENARIO #1 – UNCHALLENGED = THE 1-2-3
If upon reaching the offensive blue line our puck carrier is met by a single defender (one-on-one) or is able to cross into the attacking zone without a significant challenge, we should attack using the 1-2-3. Very simply, the 1-2-3 means:

1. The first player into the zone (puck carrier) penetrates deep with speed.
2. The second player rushes the net.
3. The third player remains high (top of the slot) for support.

This is a simple triangular formation (two players in front, one behind) that allows for open passing lanes, rebound support, and quick transition to defense. It prevents our entire offensive line from over-skating the play and keeps it spread out in a way that makes covering individual players more difficult for the defense.

The I-2-3 is simply a framework on which to build the attack. From this basic formation, the forward with the puck has several play-making options. For instance, he can carry the puck to the goal for a shot using the second forward as a decoy; he can draw the defender then pass to the second forward for a shot; he can cross with the second forward to set a pick; or he can drop a pass back to the third forward then set a pick.

Figure 1 - The 1-2-3

Depending on the outcome of the initial run on goal, the puck should be deep inside the offensive zone. Now it is time to set up and establish puck control.
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THE OFFENSIVE TRIANGLE
Once the initial run on goal is complete and the play is established in the offensive zone, the forwards should maintain a triangular formation. The triangle may put one man in the corner or at the goal line, one along the boards or just inside the circle, and one at the top of the slot. This formation allows quick, short passes around the perimeter or through the triangle that will draw the defense out of position and create an imbalance that results in a scoring opportunity. The defensemen on the blue line can also be brought into an extended triangle to further draw out the opposition defense as play develops. Quick puck movement around the triangle is essential. Holding the puck too long makes you an easy target.

By itself, the triangular formation can be very effective at establishing puck control in the attacking zone. However, when put into motion, it can be overwhelming as demonstrated in the next section describing Cycling.

Figure 2 – The Offensive Triangle

Figure 3 - Cycling

The key to cycling is player movement. If you enter the zone and set up in stationary positions, you are easy to defend. However, if you and your teammates are in constant motion, you are much more difficult to cover. If you and your line mates maintain the triangle and cycle as play progresses, you will keep constant pressure on the defense from multiple attack points and quickly confuse and overwhelm them resulting in a goal.

In summary, all you have to remember is this: if your line gets to the blue line and can skate in unchallenged, attack in a triangle formation following the 1-2-3 plan. Then sit on it and rotate. However, if you get to the blue line and are challenged by the defense, it is time to dump & chase.
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OFFENSIVE SCENARIO #2 – CHALLENGED = DUMP & CHASE
Okay, you've reached the blue line with the puck, but are challenged by two or more defenders. Trying to split two defenders is a low percentage play. Doing so will more often than not result with you being bumped off the puck and the defense starting a counter attack. Instead, take the path of least resistance and make the safe, smart play - dump the puck past the defense deep into the attacking zone. The dump & chase play accomplishes several important goals including:

A. It guarantees entry into the attacking zone.
B. It puts the puck into a good position for setting up the attack.
C. It puts the puck into a position that sets up the fore check.
D. It keeps your opponents deep in their own zone where they cannot score on your goal.
E. It wears out your opponents by making them skate all the way back to their goal line to start again.

Figure 4 – The Dump & Chase

Here is how the dump & chase should work:

1. When challenged by two or more defenders at the blue line, the forward with the puck (F 1) should shoot it deep into corner. Try to hit a spot where the puck will most likely hit at a flat angle and stay in the corner. After shooting the puck, F1 should skate to the strong side (near) boards midway down the face-off circle. From this position he can provide support, receive a pass and go to the net, or cut off an outlet pass.

2. The forward closest to the play when the puck is dumped (F2) should race to reach the puck in the corner before the defense can turn and cover.

3. The last forward into the zone (F3) should move into a position in the slot (midway down between the face-off circles).

If everyone executes properly, the dump-in play will result in a triangle formation that enables the players to transition to the 1-2-3/cycling attack. Depending on how the defense reacts, the player in the corner (F2) can do one of the following:

a) attack the goal directly by skating in from the corner
b) pass the puck back diagonally to the player in the slot (F3) for a shot
c) pass the puck back along the boards to his support (F1)
d) skate the puck back along the edge of the circle to start a cycle
e) change the attack by passing the puck behind the goal to the opposite corner

If the player elects to pass the puck behind the goal to the opposite corner, the forward in the slot (F3) should immediately rush to the corner to pick up the puck. The support player (F1) along the boards should switch across ice to cover the same position on the opposite boards, while the original man in the corner (F2) drops back into the slot position.

In summary, if your line gets to the blue line and is challenged, just remember the first man dumps the puck and goes to the boards, the second man chases the puck into the corner, the third man stays high in the slot. Gain control of the puck deep and start the 1-2-3/Cycle or transition to the fore check.
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PART B – TRANSITION PLAYS
Okay, we've gotten the puck into the attacking zone, but have turned it over to our opponent. Now it is time to transition from offense to defense. The Moose Knuckles transition game includes an aggressive fore check that leads to a trap or a simple lock play.

FORE CHECKING WITH THE TRAP
No doubt you have heard the Neutral Zone Trap discussed on TV, but have you taken the time to recognize it in action? Quite simply, the Trap is a method for forwards to use fore checking to bottle up an opponent in their own zone and force mistakes. The trap is very useful for stopping opposition plays as they reach the neutral zone, before they have a chance to gain momentum. It enables the trapping team to resume its own attack off the resulting turn-overs. This play works extremely well when the puck is deep in the attacking zone, making it a perfect follow-up play to the dump & chase. It can also be used all the way through the neutral zone with fore checkers attacking the puck in waves. The key is fast response by the forwards to assume the herding, trapping, and supporting roles.

Figure 5 – The Trap

Here is how the Trap works:
1. When the puck is turned over, the forward closest to the play (F1), should move quickly to attack the puck carrier in a way that forces the play along the boards. In the event that a defenseman has the puck behind the net, the fore checker should swoop in front of him to force a pass to a player on the boards. The fore checker should then continue his curl toward the player along the boards. He should use his body position to angle the puck carrier up the lane along the boards toward the neutral zone, while preventing a pass to the middle. Think in terms of a dog forcing sheep into a pen.

2. As soon as the puck is initially turned over, the second fore checker (F2), should curl back from the point of attack to a position from which he can cut off the puck carrier from the front, along the boards, as he is herded along by F1. The second fore checker's path out of the zone should be at an angle to the path of the play. This takes away the centering pass, while squeezing the puck carrier even tighter to the boards and eventually forcing a collision.

3. As F1 and F2 set up the trap, the weak side forward (F3) should drop back to line up across the middle with the defense to provide support, cover passing lanes, and prepare to pick up the puck and start a counter attack. This alignment is the same as the Lock discussed later.

4. As the trap is sprung, the strong side defenseman (D1) should move up to back up the second forward (F2) as he confronts the puck carrier. This enables the defenseman to either join in a double-team check or stay just behind the check to collect the loose puck and make a pass to the weak side wing and restart the play from a new attack point.

5. The other forward (F3) and defensemen (D2) stay in the middle where they can cover the center and weak-side wing, slide over to support the other defenseman, or move up start a new attack.
In the event that the puck carrier escapes the first trap, the shepherd (F1) starts the process again by breaking off and looping ahead of the play to a position from which he can turn to confront the attacker again. At the same time, (F2) rolls off his initial check and assumes the shepherd role, chasing the puck carrier along the boards.

The Neutral Zone Trap is a logical transition from either the 1-2-3 or Dump & Chase attack modes. It puts two players on the puck at all times and applies maximum pressure on the puck carrier. Just remember that if the puck is turned over the first man shepherds the play along the boards, the second man loops back to confront in the neutral zone, and the third man drops back to join the defense and start the next attack.

The trap is our optimum play upon a turn-over, however, there will be times when two of our forwards are caught deep and are unable to get into position in time to set the trap. In those instances, we should apply the Lock.
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BACK CHECKING WITH THE LOCK
In the event that the puck is turned over high in the attacking zone and there is no time to set a trap, the Lock should be applied. The Lock takes advantage of the high forward in an attack to get three men quickly back on defense to prevent odd-man breaks. This is an essential part of our overall team defensive strategy and it cannot be over emphasized: one forward must always stay high and be ready to play defense.

This form of back check is often called the Left Wing Lock because the high forward is frequently the left wing. However, don't get caught up on the name, either wing or the center can and should play the role of the "lock" depending on the point of attack. Here is how it works:

1. The high forward (closest to the blue line) during the attack, immediately drops back into the neutral zone when the puck is turned over. He should take the middle lane (the corridor inside the center ice face-off circle from goal line to goal line). In a traditional lock, the forward would take the weak side wing lane, but we are going to simplify it by keeping him in the middle.

2. The defensemen should drop back from the blue line and move to cover the outside lanes.

3. This will result in three defensive players across neutral ice ready to challenge the attack.

4. The defensive player closest to the point of attack (strong side) should be the furthest forward, while the player furthest away from the attack (weak side) should slip back a little to provide support. This diagonal positioning prevents the attack from finding open ice if they are able to beat the first defender.

Figure 6 – The Lock

By occupying all three lanes across the neutral zone, the defense is in position to cover all three attacking forwards, effectively reducing passing options for the puck carrier and buying time for the remaining two forwards to get back into defensive positions (see Zone section).
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SETTING UP THE BUMP WITH THE LOCK
Now that the defense is set with three players across the ice, the remaining two forwards should hustle to get back into position to aid the defense. However, the attack won’t wait for them and neither should the defense. Rather than simply falling back before the attack and giving up the blue line, the defense should move to break up the play or delay it long enough to get all five players back.

This can be accomplished by setting up a bump play at center ice or at the blue line. Although our league enforces a no-check rule, most officials recognize the physical nature of the game and will allow a certain level of contact so long as it is not an obvious attempt to injure. Therefore, we should not hesitate to use the body when the opportunity presents itself. Here is a simple method for executing a bump play to separate the opposition from the puck:

As the opposition attack approaches the defense, the two defensive players closest to the puck carrier should begin to pinch together toward the puck. The defender on the inside (closest to the middle of the ice) should maintain an angle that takes away the pass, while the closest defender assumes a position directly in front of the puck carrier. Both players should gradually close the distance between themselves and the puck carrier until they form a wall right in front of him and are able to stand him up with a double-team check.

As the two closest defenders close in on the puck carrier to deliver a check, the third defender should slip slightly toward the middle to provide support, while maintaining coverage of the remaining players on the weak side wing.
In summary, when the puck is turned over and a trap is impractical, the high forward should immediately drop back to play defense on the far lane, allowing the defensemen to take the center and strong side lanes. The puck carrier should be gradually squeezed into a double team situation to break up or delay the play.
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PART C – SETTING UP IN THE DEFENSIVE ZONE
Okay, we've covered attacking, trapping, and defending in the neutral zone. But what happens when our opponents succeed in getting the puck into our zone? This is where we apply an aggressive form of the Zone defense.
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THE TRIANGLE ZONE DEFENSE
Once our opponents have the puck inside our zone, it is critical that we play as a unit, not as individuals. Forwards should make no mistake, whenever the opposition has the puck, you are defenders. That means defending in all three zones from goal line to goal line. Our defense is based on a triangular form of the 2-1-2 defense that assigns each player a clearly defined responsibility that if followed, will enable us to double-team the puck, force turn-overs, and start counter attacks. Here are the responsibilities:

1. As soon as the puck enters the zone, the strong side (closest to the puck) forward and defenseman should both attack the puck carrier. The forward should close in from the side or front, while the defender moves straight in from the front.

2. The second defenseman should assume a guard position in front of the goal, facing up ice at all times, prepared to clear players out of the crease or slot as needed. His primary check will be the opposition’s weak-side wing.

3. The remaining two forwards should assume positions opposite one another along the edges of the face-off circles, forming a triangle with the defenseman guarding the goal as the bottom point.

4. From these positions, the two forwards can move up or back to cover the points or pick up the center depending on how the play develops. They can also rotate on the rear axis point to adjust as the play moves side to side. The key to determining who picks up the center is position: the defensive forward with the center in front of him is responsible for checking him.

For example: If the center pinches close to the play on the strong side, the strong side defensive forward will cover him, while the weak side defensive forward covers the point. If the center cuts behind the strong side defensive forward into the slot, the weak side defensive forward slips in to pick him up and the strong side defensive forward takes the point.

In the event that the point of attack changes to the far side, the closest forward in the triangle and the defenseman guarding the goal should move immediately to attack the puck. The remaining forward in the triangle should slide across to cover the spot just vacated at the top of the triangle. The forward and defender who first attacked the puck should move across quickly to cover the remaining positions on the weak side of the triangle and in front of the goal.

Figure 7 - The Zone Triangle

This type of zone defense allows the team to put two players on the puck, while cutting off passing lanes and guarding the shooting box (the area between the face-off dots and the goal). While it sacrifices full coverage of the weak-side point, it applies maximum pressure on the puck with the intention of hurrying the offense into a mistake.
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PART D - COUNTER ATTACKING
We have applied the zone defense and forced the opposition to turn-over the puck in our end. Now what do we do? Remember that our primary objective is to clear the puck safely out of our zone to break up the attack. Therefore, when in doubt, don’t take chances. Dump the puck out of the zone. However, whenever possible we should try to maintain possession and start a counter attack with a quick, short outlet pass along the wing. Circumstances will dictate what sort of passing play you can make depending on where you take possession of the puck. However, when our team gains possession deep in our own zone or behind our goal, the following play should be executed.
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STARTING THE COUNTER ATTACK FROM BEHIND OUR NET
Now lets assume that we have gained control of the puck behind our net. We want to start a counter attack, but we have to play it safe to avoid a turn-over. Remember the rule about taking on defenders: Never try to stick handle past the opposition when you have teammates with you. Pass the puck around opponents. Here are some simple guidelines for breaking out:

Figure 8 – Breakout from Behind Our Net

1. As soon as the puck is controlled by a defenseman behind the net, both wings (F1 and F2) should curl to positions along the boards at the center of the face off circles.

2. The center (F3) should move into the high slot and curl to keep the defense moving.

3. The defenseman without the puck (D2) should remain on guard in front of the net.

4. The defenseman with the puck (D1) should move to one side or another around the net and make a quick outlet pass to one of the waiting wings along the boards. Remember: Never pass up through the middle. After taking the pass, the defenseman should rush up the middle favoring the strong side in support of the wing.

5. The wing receiving the pass should immediately turn up ice and look for a short pass to the center or if challenged, a return pass to the defenseman who should be inside and just a step or two behind. Unless your path out of the zone is completely unchallenged, don't try to rush the puck, pass it.

6. As the wing receives the initial pass, the center should break diagonally up ice toward the strong side to receive a pass from the wing. The wing making the pass should then move up ice in support of the center.

7. As the play moves up ice, the off side wing should leave his place along the boards and move quickly toward the middle, following a bit behind the center and helping to form the triangle formation of the 1-2-3.

11. As the puck clears the zone, the last defender in front of the net follows the play.
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BREAKING OUT WITH THE PICK
In the event that our opponents attempt to stall our break-out with aggressive fore checking, an alternative break-out play utilizes the center to set a pick in order to clear the path for the puck carrier. The following diagram illustrates the pick play:

Figure 9 – Pick Breakout

Here is how the pick breakout works:

1. All three forwards curl back to face the defender with the puck behind the goal.

2. The left wing (F1) curls back deep to receive a pass near the bottom half of the face-off circle.

3. The center curls across toward F1's side to set a pick as the opposition wing tries to move to cover F1.

4. The right wing (F3) makes a shallow curl as a decoy, then slants diagonally up ice.

5. The defenseman (D1) moves from behind the net and makes a pass to the wing (F1).

6. The defenseman in front of the goal (D2) moves up to cut off the opposition center as he tries to move across the front to cover D1 coming from behind the net.

7. F1 carries the puck past the center's pick and head-mans the puck as he reaches the blue line to F3 streaking across center ice.

8. The defenseman (D1) who started the play moves up to cover the front of the goal, then proceeds up ice to support the play.

9. The center rolls off his pick as his winger breaks out and proceeds up ice to form the rear of the attack triangle.

In the event that nobody challenges in our own zone, the center can continue to run interference all the way up ice as needed.
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PART E – The Power Play
In the event that we are awarded a power play, we will attack using the following guidelines. While it is likely that a specialized power play team will be selected, all players should be aware of these basic plays in the event that they are called upon to participate in a man-advantage situation.
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Penetrating the Blue Line
Before a power play can score, it must first break into the offensive zone. When moving the puck through the neutral zone and attempting to enter the offensive zone, we should attempt one of the following variations for penetrating up the boards:

Defenseman Up the Boards
The center (F1) carries the puck through center ice. The winger (F2) moves up the boards with the defenseman (D1) following. As F2 approaches the blue line, he cuts inside to draw the defense or set a pick. The center (F1) passes behind F2 to the defender (D1) as he crosses the blue line.
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Figure 10 – Break-out - Defenseman Up the Boards

Center Up the Boards
This play is the same as above, except the defender (D1) carries the puck through center ice. The winger (F2) moves up the boards with the center (F1) following. As F2 approaches the blue line, he cuts inside to draw the defense or set a pick. The defender (D1) passes behind F2 to the center (F1) as he crosses the blue line.
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Setting Up in the Zone - The Umbrella
Once we have gained the offensive zone, we should set up in a formation that allows us to move the puck quickly around the defense while probing for weaknesses. Ideally we will want to set up the weak side wing with a shot. The umbrella formation provides multiple options for such movement. As the puck is brought into the zone, attackers should align roughly as follows:

1. F1 should go deep to a position between the corner and the strong side of the goal. From there he can take a pass and attack or move in front to screen or get a rebound.

2. F2 should assume a position along the boards at the center of the face-off circle. From there he can take a pass from the point or the corner or move around or through the circle for a shot.

3. F3 should station himself on the inside edge of the opposite (weak side) circle where he can take a pass for a one-timer or crash the goal for a rebound.

4. D1 should take the point position on the strong side and when in control of the puck move across the top toward the middle to draw the defense.

5. D2 should cover the weak side point from a position at the top of the face-off circle.

Figure 11 – The Umbrella

The puck should be moved around this perimeter to draw the defense out of position. Since one of the points is usually left uncovered, we can look to get the puck back to one of those positions to start one of the following four set-plays:

1. D1 moves to the middle and shoots

2. D2 moves further out to the weak side as D1 moves to the middle to draw the defense. F2 moves around the top of the strong side circle behind the play. D1 then passes back to F2 for a shot.

3. Same play as above except instead of shooting, F2 passes across to F3 for a one-timer.

4. D1 moves across to the middle and passes to D2 who take a point shot from the top of the circle.
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Part F – Penalty Killing
In the event of a penalty against our team, we will implement the following defensive formations. Although it is likely that the team will predetermine specialized penalty killers, all players should be familiar with these formations in the event that they are called into service during a game.
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One Man Shorthanded
During one-man short penalty situations, the team will defend using a diamond variation of the standard box formation. Just as in full-strength defensive situations, a defender will assume a guard position in front of the goal, while two other defenders take up stations just inside the face-off circles about half way up the slot. The fourth defender will assume the top point of the diamond in the center of the ice just above the circles. This formation may collapse or expand as the puck moves in or out. The defender closest to the puck at any given time should pressure the puck carrier and try to keep the puck outside of the triangle.

Figure 12 – One Man Short

As the puck is moved around the diamond, the defenders should rotate as necessary to cover it. For example, if the puck is moved from point to point, the defender at the top of the diamond (D1) moves over to follow the puck. The weak side defender (D2) moves up around the diamond to take the D1’s original position. The defender in front of the goal (D3) slides up to take D2’s original position, and the defender now on the strong side (D4) moves back to cover the goal. This rotation allows the player closest to the puck to cover it while his teammates back him up.
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Two Man Shorthanded
In the event that the team faces a two-man short situation, we will employ a sliding variation of our full-strength triangle defense. One defender (D1) will set up in front of the goal and form the pivot point. He may slide side to side in front of the goal to face the play as the play moves back and forth. However, he will maintain his station in front to prevent the attack from setting a screen or getting a deflection.

The other two defenders (D2 and D3) will take positions just inside the tops of the face-off circles. The defenders at the front of the triangle can slide up and back with the play or move side to side as a unit. However, while up and back movement is not restricted, care must be taken to avoid being pulled too far outside. The primary objectives are to keep the puck outside of the shooting box (the slot area between the face-off dots and the goal) and block the passing lanes.

Figure 13 – Two Men Short

It should be noted that defenders should ice the puck when ever possible. In the event that the puck is cleared the length of the ice, defenders should take the opportunity to change lines to put fresh players out onto the ice.
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SUMMARY
Okay, we've covered basic rules, what to do on the attack, how to fore-check in the attacking zone, how to defend in neutral ice, how to set up in our own zone, how to spring the counter attack, and how to handle power play and short handed situations. Put them all together and you have a system that if executed properly will enable us to defeat almost any opponent.

To break down the system to its most basic form, just remember the following key points:

o Use a triangle formation on both offense and defense

o Cycle on offense and defense to maintain constant player motion and keep pressure on the puck or the defense – Note: If your skates are not moving, get off the ice.

o Use the dump often to keep opponents penned deep inside their zone

o Forwards become defenders as soon as the puck is turned over

o Forwards and defensemen should move up and down the ice as a unit with no gaps

o Attack the puck with two players at all times to create pressure and force mistakes

o Keep one forward high when attacking to transition to defense
If everyone follows these basic principles, we will frustrate opponents into making mistakes, keep the score low, and always be within striking distance in any game.

Some of you may think that by imposing rules and simplifying our play making down to just a few variations we limit our selves or make our team too easy to predict. You may even feel that such a system will repress your individual talents. To be sure, the same has been said by many NHL players when forced to adopt a defensive style. However, even top scorers including Brett Hull, Jeremy Roenick, and Mike Modano have credited such systems for making them better all-around players.

By employing a system that clearly defines positional responsibilities and includes plans for common situations, we increase our odds of being able to improvise successfully off standard formations. By attacking and defending in a consistent manner we can control the flow of play, set a tempo that suits our talent, and pose a greater challenge to our opponents. In addition, by learning to play within a system, you increase your value by becoming a disciplined, two-way player.
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The Moose Knuckles Hockey Club Playbook and the Moose Knuckles System are ©2002 Thomas Brown / Brownian Motion Productions o No part of this document may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Brownian Motion Productions. All rights reserved. Contact: tbrown@nova1.net

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