The Unsung Heroes: Why Everybody Loves Players Who Make Simple, Effective Plays

In hockey, the highlight-reel players often get the most attention. Fans love the dazzling goals, end-to-end rushes, and flashy stickhandling that make social media explode with likes and shares. But ask any coach, teammate, or knowledgeable scout, and they'll tell you—teams win because of the players who make the right plays, not just the flashy ones.

These are the players who prevent scoring chances, clear the zone under pressure, gain the zone efficiently, advance the puck smartly, and make the game easier for their linemates. They might not show up on the scoresheet as often, but they’re the glue that holds a team together.

The Value of Making the Right Play

At every level of hockey, from minor leagues to the NHL, players who consistently make simple, high-percentage plays are valued more than those who take unnecessary risks in an attempt to stand out. These players contribute to their team’s success by:

Preventing chances against – They take care of the defensive side of the game, minimizing mistakes that lead to high-danger scoring chances.
Clearing the zone – They don’t force risky plays but instead make sure the puck exits the defensive end with control.
Gaining the zone – They enter the offensive zone intelligently, making sure their team retains possession.
Advancing the puck – They move the play forward by making the right passes and taking what’s available rather than forcing a play that isn’t there.
Making the game easier for teammates – They create time and space, allowing their linemates to play their game without constantly covering for mistakes.

Let’s break down each of these points and explain why every coach, parent, and player should appreciate the value of simplicity in hockey.

1. Preventing Chances Against: The Foundation of Winning Hockey

A team that doesn’t give up goals is always in the game. The best teams in hockey are often the ones that are hardest to play against, not necessarily the ones that score the most. Players who understand this reality are incredibly valuable.

They take proper defensive positioning, keeping themselves between their man and the net.
They don’t chase the puck out of position, leaving their teammates exposed.
They use their stick and body positioning to disrupt passing lanes rather than overcommitting on risky plays.
They get pucks out of danger areas instead of making low-percentage plays that could result in turnovers.

Defensive reliability is often what separates players who get ice time from those who don’t. A coach will always trust the player who makes the safe play over the one who takes unnecessary risks.

2. Clearing the Zone: Breaking the Cycle of Pressure

One of the most frustrating things for a team is being trapped in its own zone for extended shifts. A player who knows how to effectively clear the zone is an asset because they relieve defensive pressure without simply giving the puck away.

Smart zone clears include:

Using the boards effectively – Instead of forcing passes up the middle, a smart player chips the puck out along the wall where a teammate can retrieve it.
Making short, controlled passes – Instead of blindly throwing the puck away, they find the open outlet and start the breakout cleanly.
Skating the puck out when possible – If there’s space, they move their feet and carry the puck to create a better opportunity for a controlled exit.

Teams with players who consistently clear the zone efficiently spend less time in their defensive end, meaning fewer goals against and more time on the attack.

3. Gaining the Zone: Keeping Possession in the Offensive End

While everyone loves a highlight-reel zone entry with a toe drag and a snipe, what really helps a team succeed is a controlled zone entry—one that leads to offensive opportunities instead of turnovers.

A player who gains the zone effectively does so by:

Reading the defense – If the opponent is backing off, they carry the puck in. If the defense is aggressive, they dump it in and forecheck.
Not forcing one-on-one plays – If a lane isn’t there, they don’t try to dangle through three defenders. Instead, they make a pass or place the puck where a teammate can get it.
Supporting teammates – They don’t just enter the zone alone; they make sure they have options by keeping their head up and making the right decision.

A controlled zone entry is one of the most underrated aspects of offensive success. It allows a team to set up possession rather than chase the puck.

4. Advancing the Puck: The Art of Making Simple, Smart Plays

Hockey is a game of transitions, and the best players understand how to keep the play moving in the right direction. Advancing the puck doesn’t always mean trying to score—it means moving the play forward in a way that doesn’t create unnecessary risks.

Smart puck movement includes:

Quick, accurate passes – The best players keep their heads up and find open teammates instead of holding onto the puck too long.
Using the middle of the ice when available – The most dangerous scoring chances come from the middle, so players who can move the puck into high-danger areas without forcing plays are incredibly valuable.
Making high-percentage plays – Sometimes, advancing the puck means chipping it deep instead of forcing a risky pass.

Players who consistently move the puck forward without turning it over are essential to a team’s success.

5. Making the Game Easier for Teammates: The Ultimate

Team Player

At the end of the day, hockey is a team game. The players who are most appreciated by coaches and teammates are the ones who make life easier for everyone else on the ice.

A player who makes the right plays:

Puts their teammates in good positions – They don’t force them into tough situations by making bad passes or taking low-percentage shots.
Supports the puck – They always find open ice and provide options, keeping plays alive.
Understands their role – They know when to shoot, when to pass, when to forecheck aggressively, and when to back off.
Brings consistency – Their teammates and coaches know exactly what to expect from them every shift.

These players may not get the most media attention, but they are the ones who earn the trust of their team.

Why Coaches Love These Players

Coaches build teams around players they can rely on. A player who consistently makes the right plays—defensively and offensively—is a coach’s dream.

They don’t take unnecessary risks.
They help maintain structure and flow.
They make everyone around them better.

That’s why these players are often the first ones called upon in key situations—whether it’s protecting a lead in the final minutes or starting an important overtime shift.

Why Teammates Love These Players

No one likes playing with a selfish or reckless player. The best linemates are the ones who make the game easier by playing smart, predictable, and effective hockey.

They cover for mistakes.
They get the puck to the right places.
They create opportunities without trying to do too much.

Players who make the right decisions consistently are the ones teammates respect the most.

The Takeaway: Be the Player Every Team Needs

While highlight-reel plays might get more attention, the players who make smart, simple plays are the ones who help teams win. They prevent goals, control possession, and create opportunities without unnecessary risks.

Every coach loves these players. Every teammate respects them. And every winning team has them.

If you want to stand out in hockey, don’t just chase the flashy moments—focus on being the player that everyone wants to play with.

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.