← Backcheck

On every turnover we count helmets. The player highest in the zone skates hard to grab the odd man. The other two forwards fly between the dots — back pressure, smart sticks, good angles.

The Idea

• Count helmets the second the puck turns over — know the rush before it starts.
• Highest man owns the odd man (the third attacker on a 3-on-2).
• Other two forwards skate hard between the dots to provide back pressure and take away the middle.

1. Count Helmets

When we lose the puck, every forward’s first job is a quick count: how many are coming the other way, and who is highest?

• Talk it: “I’ve got trailer!”
• Don’t watch the puck — identify numbers and your role.
• D prepare to play the rush; forwards decide who is highest.

2. Highest Player Grabs the Odd Man

The forward highest in the zone skates hard back and takes the odd man — the attacker our D can’t play on a 3-on-2 (or the late trailer that makes it a 4-on-2).

• Race to get inside position on that third man.
• Stick on ice — deny the pass and the shot seam.
• If you are highest, this is your job. Don’t assume someone else has it.

3. Other Two — Hard Between the Dots

The other two forwards don’t coast the walls. They skate hard between the dots to:

• Provide back pressure on the puck carrier / rush
• Take away good ice in the middle with smart sticks and angling
• Force plays to the outside — no free lanes through the slot

Connected Picture

• D play numbers in front of them
• Highest F kills the odd man
• Other two F clog the middle between the dots
• Angle the puck carrier to the cattle shoot
• Take the puck before the blueline.

Keys for Belmont

• Highest = odd man — non-negotiable
• Between the dots — middle ice is ours to take away
• Sticks + angles — pressure without diving
• Talk — “Highest!” / “I’ve got three!” / “I’ve got the trailer !”

Count. Catch. Clog the middle.