Philadelphia Flyers Training Camp: A Change for the Better
During the Flyers’ first days of training camp there was no time for smiles. Instead players were bending over from exhaustion, breathing heavy from physical strain, and certainly not a free moment was given leaning against the boards. The bleachers were packed with fans in anticipation to see how the new head coach, Dave Hakstol, would transform the team.
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As a coach from a prestigious hockey program at the University of North Dakota, Hakstol comes to Philadelphia with a mindset of building up young college players to ready them for the possibility of one day playing in the NHL. It was apparent at Philadelphia’s training camp that he continued this way of coaching to his new position in the NHL. Hakstol is preparing his players for a jump to the next level, by focusing on team chemistry and fundamentals. The main change of coaching style for the Flyers went from individual skill development to team building with increased player interaction on the ice.
Hakstol made it clear that all players were equal and that they were all here to compete. He encouraged each player to do his best. Every man on the ice received equal coaching and criticism. All worked at a fast pace. This focus on building strength, stamina, and fundamental hockey will help to sharpen skills. The pace and communication will help players to focus and make quick, smart decisions during games. It was evident that every player was working hard to impress their new coach.
Feb 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Drills were physically demanding. Players were in nonstop motion around the ice. Compared to previous years, numerous suicide drills were added to the practices. They were an extra push after a drill for the involved players on the ice, or at times the entire team raced across ice.
Forward pairings faced defensive pairings for control of the puck as the defense skated backwards. Improvement of skating agility and quickness to keep the puck in our favor was stressed. A weakness of the team in the past has been breakouts. Hakstol placed much emphasis on elevating this skill as forwards and defensemen worked together on this. With practice, the Flyers may get more scoring chances.
Feb 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn (10) is congratulated by forward Wayne Simmonds (17) and forward Claude Giroux (28) after a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
If a drill was not going the way Hakstol wanted it to, he would blow the whistle, stop a drill, discuss with the players involved how he wanted it to go, and then run them again. If a pass was missed by a player, they were forced to skate a lap around the ice.
Hakstol’s new approach of fast-paced, hard-work, and competition has made practices seem as intense as a game. Hopefully, this new structure will transfer to the locker room with comradery and chemistry. Fans can look forward to an improved, stronger, wiser, faster Flyers’ team this season.
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