The Archives – Notre Dame Fighting Irish Drill Pack

In 2013, I watched the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on Western Michigan at Joe Louis Arena. While their mirror-like gold chrome helmets—gleaming under the TV lights—were hard to miss (long before Vegas adopted the look), what truly caught my attention was their transition game.

I was so impressed that when I returned home from Detroit, I reached out to then (and current) Fighting Irish head coach Jeff Jackson. I complimented his team’s play and asked if he would be willing to share any of his favorite drills that helped them achieve such a high level of performance.

Not long after, then-Assistant Coach (now Buffalo Sabres Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting) Jason Nightingale responded with the drills below—several of which have since become staples in my Junior practices.

Enjoy.

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.