Coaching in 2025: Adapting to the Modern Game While Navigating Outdated Mindsets from Parents, Executives, and Fans

Hockey has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, with advancements in analytics, skill development, and game strategy shaping a new era of coaching. However, many coaches at the grassroots and minor levels still find themselves answering to executives, parents, and fans who cling to an outdated '1985' (or earlier!) mindset. This disconnect creates challenges in implementing modern coaching philosophies and leveraging data-driven decision-making.

The Reality of Coaching Today

At the minor hockey level, coaches are often at the mercy of executives, parents, and fans who hold influence over team operations, even if they lack knowledge of the modern game. Many of these decision-makers still believe in old-school tactics like dump-and-chase hockey, an emphasis on toughness over skill, and a reliance on gut instinct rather than data. As a result, coaches must navigate not only the development of their players but also the politics of hockey leadership.

At higher levels, such as junior and professional hockey, this outdated mindset is less prevalent. Teams at these levels invest heavily in analytics, video review, and advanced training techniques. Decision-makers are more knowledgeable and embrace progressive coaching methods. However, at the grassroots and lower-tier junior levels, resistance to change remains a major obstacle, making it difficult for coaches to modernize their approach.

Junior teams at these levels, whether owned by a single individual or governed by a community-based executive, often fall into the same trap. In single-owner or autonomous general manager situations, decisions may be driven by personal biases rather than best practices, while community boards can be slow to adapt, weighed down by traditional thinking and collective hesitation to embrace modern strategies.

The Role of Analytics and New Coaching Methods

Modern hockey relies on analytics to assess player performance, optimize strategies, and improve team outcomes. Metrics such as Corsi (puck possession), expected goals (scoring probability), and zone entry efficiency provide valuable insights that help coaches make informed decisions. Unfortunately, many executives, parents, and fans dismiss analytics, believing that traditional hockey values like effort, grit, and toughness should be prioritized over data-driven insights.

Outdated stats, like hits, continue to be cited as proof of a team's effort or physicality. But what is a high hit count really telling you? More often than not, it means your team doesn’t have the puck. If you’re constantly hitting, you’re constantly chasing the game. Instead of fixating on outdated numbers, teams need to focus on what truly impacts performance—puck possession, decision-making, and efficient play.

Common pushbacks include statements like:

• "Corsi? Just tell the kids to skate harder."

• "Analytics don’t show heart and determination."

• "Back in my day, we didn’t need numbers to tell us who was good."

These misconceptions make it difficult for coaches to implement analytical approaches effectively. To bridge the gap, coaches can simplify the language of analytics, using terms like "possession time" instead of "Corsi" or "scoring chances" instead of "expected goals." By gradually introducing these concepts and demonstrating their effectiveness, coaches can help shift the conversation toward a more modern understanding of the game.

Coaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha

Another major challenge facing modern coaches is adapting to younger players. The traditional approach of "skating them into the ground" as punishment or using constant yelling to communicate in games simply doesn’t work anymore. Gen Z and Gen Alpha players respond better to detailed instruction in controlled settings—practice, video sessions, and structured intermission adjustments—rather than being barked at during the chaos of a game.

A coach who constantly yells instructions from the bench may feel like they are actively coaching, but if the players can’t actually hear or process the message, is anything really being accomplished? Instead, effective coaching in games comes down to using key words and phrases as reminders rather than trying to teach in real-time. The best coaches prepare their teams in practice and video sessions, make key adjustments between periods, and use short, clear communication during the game.

Strategies to Navigate the '1985' Mindset

To effectively coach in 2025 while dealing with an outdated hockey culture, communication is key. Coaches must find ways to connect with executives and parents in a language they understand. One effective strategy is storytelling—relating modern tactics to successful historical examples. For instance, showing how past great teams thrived on puck possession rather than just physicality can help skeptical decision-makers see the value in modern approaches.

Another crucial tactic is picking battles wisely. Change does not happen overnight, and pushing too hard against ingrained beliefs can create unnecessary conflict. Instead, coaches should focus on small wins—demonstrating how modern strategies lead to better player development and team success. Using video analysis to compare old vs. new tactics can be a powerful way to illustrate why adaptation is necessary.

Final Thoughts

The hockey landscape is changing, but not everyone is keeping up. Coaches in 2025 must balance their knowledge of the modern game with the realities of dealing with executives, parents, and fans who still think it's '1985'. While this challenge can be frustrating, it is also an opportunity. By educating decision-makers, demonstrating results, and being strategic in communication, coaches can help move the game forward—one step at a time.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.