3 Coaching Tips for a Successful Minor Hockey Training Camp

In minor hockey, the training camp is often seen as just a mandatory step before the season starts. We prepare the drills, pull out the player evaluation sheet, schedule the scrimmages… and hope everything runs smoothly.

But let’s be honest, if you treat your camp simply as a formality to select your roster, you’re missing a golden opportunity to set the tone for your entire season.

A successful camp isn’t just a checklist item.

It’s your first message to your players, their parents, your staff… and yourself.

It’s your chance to show your vision, your standards, and the team culture you want to establish.

Here are 3 key things the best coaches do to turn their training camp into a true springboard for the season:

1. Prepare Your Camp Like an Event, Not a Formality

A well-prepared camp reassures everyone - players, parents, staff… and you as the coach.

And it’s more than just a stack of printed drills. It’s strategic preparation:

Real example: A coach I know posted a short video on the team’s Facebook page before camp to share his vision and expectations. The result? Far fewer questions and much greater buy-in from day one.

Ask yourself: What do you want your players to feel when they walk into the rink? If you want intensity, respect, and discipline… it needs to be evident from the very first minute.

2. Create a Positive Experience for All Players

You’ll select some players and release others.

But every player deserves to leave with something positive:

True story: At a U18 camp, I had to release a player on the final day. He was disappointed, to say the least. A few days later, once emotions had cooled, I invited him to meet again. I explained my decision, gave him specific areas to work on, and answered his questions. The result? He accepted a role as an affiliate player and, after a roster change, finished the season with us.

Your coaching reputation isn’t built in a spreadsheet. It’s built through the human connections you create during camp.

3. Use Your Staff Wisely

Many coaches try to do everything themselves… and end up burned out.

If you have assistants, volunteers, or even former coaches, assign clear roles:

Loz Hockey tip: Hold a short pre-camp meeting with your staff to share your criteria, plan, and goals. Make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Remember: Your staff is your mirror. If they’re disorganized or distracted, your players will notice immediately.

Conclusion: A Successful Camp Is More Than Just a Selection

A successful training camp is a statement of intent. It’s where you define:

By applying these 3 points - preparing your camp like an event, creating a positive experience for everyone, and fully engaging your staff - you set yourself and your team up for success.

Takeaway: A well-run minor hockey training camp is your best chance to send a strong message before the first puck drop.

- Bon coaching! Coach Steve

To learn more about Steve, CLICK HERE. Follow him on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for coaching tips, drills, and updates!

Sign up for CoachThem PRO with code LOZHOCKEY and get 20% OFF!