U18 AA Belmont Blazers

Wedge +1

Penalty Kill

Wedge +1

Our primary penalty kill — contain first, then pressure the mistake.

← Penalty Kill

Three killers own the slot. One killer is the +1. We contain until they bobble the puck or turn their back — then we attack.

The Idea

  • Wedge: LD, RD, and F2 form a triangle that protects the net-front and high slot.
  • +1: F1 (to start) plays above the hash marks, dictates routes, and pressures the puck.
  • Goal: Take away the middle, force the power play to the wall, and create turnovers without opening the slot.
Wedge +1 base structure with triangle in the slot and F1 as the +1

Containment Rules

The +1 does not run around for the sake of pressure. We play containment until the read is right.

  • Stay on top of the puck carrier — stick in the seam, body between them and the middle.
  • Angle them down the wall. Do not get beat backdoor or under your stick.
  • Wedge players hold the triangle. Weak-side D owns the backdoor. F2 kills the high slot / bumper.
  • Do not overchase. Overcommitting opens one-timers and backdoor looks.
Containment — F1 stays on top of the puck carrier without overchasing

When We Attack

Pressure hard only when the power play gives it to us:

  • They bobble the puck
  • They turn their back to the puck carrier / pressure
  • A rim or soft rim creates a race we can win

Then the +1 attacks, forces the wall, and looks for the clear. Everyone else stays connected in the wedge.

Attack trigger when the puck carrier bobbles or turns their back

Rotations — Who Becomes the +1

The +1 is a role, not a fixed player. Closest man becomes the new +1; the previous +1 fills the wedge. Talk every handoff.

Rotation A — F1 Chases the Strong-Side Corner

  • Puck goes strong-side corner → F1 becomes the corner +1
  • F2 holds the top of the wedge
  • Strong-side D supports net-front / wall; weak-side D owns backdoor
Rotation A — F1 becomes the corner +1

Rotation B — Low D Becomes the +1

  • Puck is low and the D is the closest man → that D becomes the new +1 and contains / chases into the corner
  • Previous +1 (F1) rolls down into the wedge
  • Same rule: contain until bobble or back turned, then attack
Rotation B — low defenseman becomes the +1

Rotation C — Windshield Wipe Across the Top

  • If the puck slides east–west across the points, the +1 wipes with it and denies the seam
  • If the +1 is late or exhausted, F2 steps up as the new +1 and the old +1 fills the triangle
  • Never leave the slot empty during the handoff
Rotation C — windshield wipe across the top
Rotation C complete — new +1 established

Keys for Belmont

  • Primary PK: Wedge +1 every night unless coaches call something else
  • Contain → attack: patience first; violence on the mistake
  • Communicate: “I’ve got +1,” “You’re wedge,” “Backdoor”
  • Clear north: when we win it, get it out — no fancy plays in our box
  • Heads on a swivel: weak side never ball-watches

Own the slot. Force the wall. Kill the mistake.