How to Make the NHL (from an NHL Coach)

[@howtohockeytraining]

Came here to watch a 5 minute video, found a 47 minute long one! That's great, I'll set aside an hour to watch this soon and take notes. Thanks Zac

[@dbdcamper7206]

Hey Jeremy. You and zac are my two favorite KZbin coaches. Love the work you do. I hope to be as good of a hockey player as you guys.

[@CoachZac]

+How To Hockey - Coach Jeremy haha, right! I call that a barrier to entry :) Got to watch the whole thing to get the best tips! Thanks for stopping by Jeremy.

[@johnbue903]

+How To Hockey - Coach Jeremy Keep up the great work both of you ~ Zac you are killing it. I've been youtubing for a very long time, learned how to play the guitar (been in 3 bands), etc.. You are the only person that I make my business to make sure that I'm watching everything you have to put out there. You are the Datsyukin move of KZbin!

[@CoachZac]

+John Bue Awesome John!

[@pikapoo762]

Yo what's up Jeremy!

[@prestongottwald6670]

Currently at a AAA prospect camp watching this. Wish me luck.

[@djs2332]

Preston Gottwald good luck

[@God-no4tc]

How has it gone?

[@Kody_Hull]

God he’s now in the NHL

[@liammonaghan4785]

Where are you now

[@liammonaghan4785]

where are you now

[@jaredboll7052]

If i work hard, could i still possibly play in juniors

[@CoachZac]

100%

[@JanitorJim56]

Always respect your coach Unless it's Gordon Bombay

[@HockeyBoy123451]

Thank you for the motivation to keep believing in myself! :)

[@CoachZac]

+Hockey Boy123451 damn right. Then, put the work in.

[@JuhEarl]

I really needed this it was a great wake up call to start grinding again. thank you 247 hockey

[@CoachZac]

+Joe Maddy hell ya. Now get to work! Also, share this with your teammates and friends. Thanks! Btw, if you need some workouts, you can download our free 1-week hockey workout by going to: FreeHockeyWorkout.com

[@konnorsgoulet9869]

Im in pee wee and I'm confused on how it goes. After midget I dont know what all is next please someone tell me ;)

[@LemonGrassSuggz]

after midget 16u theres major junior leagues such as the nahl, ushl, echl, ohl, whl, etc that you can join

[@LemonGrassSuggz]

also ncaa college hockey

[@andreastschudi1610]

Watched the whole video because Jeremy told me on Snapchat to do so. You guys rock! I did take notes the whole video through. Thanks Zac for this informative video, very good content

[@CoachZac]

Awesome man, thanks! Glad it helped. Would love if you shared it with teammates and watch the most recent interview we did with Christian Folin it's legit!

[@samuelwong6448]

Thanks for this video, this helped me a lot, Im playing bantam B (3rd year playing hockey), I don’t expect to make the nhl but I’m still gonna try, one step at a time, one shift at a time, My number one focus is getting to the next level (bantam A or BB), this video was really helpful. Thank you

[@LemonGrassSuggz]

how are you doing?

[@liammonaghan4785]

How’s it going

[@NeNukee]

you good?

[@liammonaghan4785]

hows it going now

[@zeusthechosen]

Thank you so much I'm playing in AA. next year my dad said I can play AAA. if I make it thank you. I'm playing midget in 2 years

[@CoachZac]

Make it happen!

[@yunginvert32]

Are you in midget yet

[@miles2858]

I’m in house league A I’m trying to make it to triple AAA plz respond

[@liammonaghan4785]

How’s it going now

[@joegrande4848]

I'm no coach, but I've learned it's always best to start slow to get mechanics down properly. Once the mechanics are down you can increase speed. Study and practice heavy defense. Without good defense and good skating and yes stick handling 3 key ingredients to winning games. 😊

[@tywingfield6953]

Thanks for the motivation! I’ve become committed from the day I saw this video on and I’m doing so much better!

[@ECKSterminators]

Thanks for great info! I like how he explains that all levels are still working on their game!! And that those top 2 lines are so skilled and competing that have to work hard just to be there! I have noticed that success with many NHL teams has come from the 3rd and 4th line being those young hungry players. Is that just what I think or do you all see that as well?

[@CoachZac]

+Steve Ecklund Definitely. The 3rd and 4th line players in the NHL are amazing. You have to realize, those players were leading scorers in the AHL and Major Junior or D1 college hockey usually. It just shows you how skilled the top 2 lines are. The KEY to take away is that in order to have that opportunity, you have to play both sides of the puck or you will never make it as a 3rd or 4th line player in the NHL.

[@annandrasovich4180]

My son is 10, just got accepted to AAA peewee. He’s been playing for 6 years now. His height is at 99th percentile for age, muscular build. In order to advance to the next level, we’ll have to move to another city. Is it reasonable? How can we help him?

[@Mansoh]

Love the support you are willing to give him. How’s he doing now?

[@user-cc9xn8th4k]

bald head crew wasuuppp

[@markis778]

Thank you for this video interview. As a high school hockey coach I'm always trying to find ways to help the players improve on and off the ice. I will be sharing your link with the players as this interview highlights two important life lessons: hard work and listening. Keep up the great work.

[@CoachZac]

+markis778 You bet, tons of lessons. The more I watch the more I take away from it. Some of the small nuances that you will catch are great. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@tutorielhockey-justin6807]

Im 13 and its my first ORGANIZED hockey year. I'm Bantam B. Can I do the NHL if I work hard and I train 4 hours per day?

[@sethjditchfield]

Dreams V0RT3X work hard and you never know what could happen. Good luck

[@CoachZac]

All you can do is get better one-day at a time. Let the rest take care of itself.

[@gocapsgo3622]

Dreams V0RT3X I'm 11 and didn't start playing until I was 10. I was probably the worst player on my team, in the worst division (a3) my first year. Last season ( just ended) I was arguably the best player on my team, and the league ( a3) this upcoming season, I'm very confident I can make a2 or higher even, thanks to coach Zach. anything's possible if you put a lot of effort and dedication into it

[@legacyz9667]

Wish there was a video like this more specific for goalies, but still a lot of good pointers. Thanks!

[@thisisaloadofbarnacles7729]

i really wanna make it to collage hockey or the NHL it is my dream when people say what do you want to be when you are older i say hockey goalie and they say no a job that pays i really want to prove them wrong but i missed this season due to getting hurt i'm 15 and everyone is giving up on me should i still try out for AAA teams or is it too late for me

[@ghostdemon3332]

Same I will work till I break my head oof

[@CoachZac]

Get it!

[@cameronmartin7975]

im 15 and im motivavted to do what ever it tkes to play higher level hockey..what should i do to play juniors or even nhl..is it even still possible since im 15

[@CoachZac]

Watch my video where I talk about how to get noticed by scouts and play Junior hockey.

[@ethanminard2917]

I learned how to skate and play hockey when I was 11 and am now at the skill level that ppl r suggesting me to go to rep and I'm 14, if I keep training everyday and moving at a fast speed, would it be possible?

[@CoachZac]

Yes, get better daily.

[@Joshisanalcoholic2024]

what I took from this was to be great at the level I am now and continue to work and progress. great vid

[@CoachZac]

+Ryan Westerfield exactly, put the work in and do the RIGHT things. Outwork everyone so you can dominate at this level.

[@undignifiednoob1460]

its been a dream of mine to play in the nhl.. im pretty good for my age, but im worried that i wont be as good when i grow up

[@WeedSmoker69]

you have to essentially dominate every league you're in until you hit the NHL. for me, i dominated the lower levels as a pure goalscorer, and when i hit AAA midget, i wasn't that good and couldn't produce at the level i should have been. after that i didn't really know what role i was filling on the team and was pretty much worthless in both the bottom 6 as well. i could never convert my game to a bottom 6 role, and at the time, i didn't know that i needed to. good luck!

[@CulturamaJoe]

Hey 247 Hockey/D1BoundHockey - Great video - very interesting. I just happen to have finished a video on Hockey Careers on my channel - I'd like to know if I captured the main options correctly - be honored if you would 'fact check it for me'. Anyhow - keep it up! Question for you and Pat - what do you think about Private Hockey Schools - it seems to accelerate breaking through the chain consistently- what do you think?

[@hockeydad3878]

Great video even after 8 years! My son just watched and is pumped for his last AAA Midget season! Going big and all in.

[@WARNER-xd9vp]

Excellent advice and insights from Pat. Clearly a very smart hockey mind and solid teacher! I enjoyed this video very much as a coach and can pass along many of these approaches. Thanks for posting

[@CoachZac]

yup! awesome.

[@lokdiver6399]

well when i was novice rep i scored 119 goals and i was captain and made AAA IN adom and also i was captain

[@hawksfan8870]

Watch this everyday and practice hockey and skating everyday, and you might become a great hockey player!

[@newyearsday7845]

hello friend, I was just wondering. I'm 18 years and I learned to skate at 12, I played street hockey and pick up games on the ice till I was 16 and had a bad head injury that stopped my play until now. I'm desperately trying to get back into the game and I want for nothing more than to be noticed. is there any hope for me to go anywhere?

[@newyearsday7845]

& is it ever really "too late" to try to make it into a league and shoot for your pro dreams

[@CoachZac]

It really depends on a lot of factors. My advice, if you love it just train hard and enjoy the process. Don't focus on the end result. Enjoy the games, practices and training. That's what it's all about!

[@newyearsday7845]

247 Hockey || Training - Workouts - Drills - Positioning - Mindset oh thanks for the reply! so basically just love what I do and if something bigger comes out of it that's good yeah?

[@hockeypuck2859]

Hey great video Zak, Just wondering if their is any way that you can buy the 90 day transformation workout without doing the month by month payments?

[@CoachZac]

Yes, there are two options. One is monthly and one is a one-time payment. Checkout this page: 247Hockey.com/elite and you will see both options.

[@akanzeki]

Have good genetics, work your ass off, live in a cold climate, listen to your coach and have lots of money.

[@dennisgatlin8779]

Pleasant Morning :) waiting for next one

[@guadalupewilcox1564]

stunning Snapshot of you ever

[@christiangruwell3400]

I'm 11 and I'm not on steam because they think I'm to small so I go to practices. Is it still possible to get into the nhl. It's been my dream to play in the nhl.

[@CoachZac]

Yes, you are very young you have a TON of time. The fact that you are here watching these videos shows a lot. Follow these rules: 1. Keep learning, everyday be learning. You are NEVER to good to learn. Be a student of the game. 2. Outwork everyone everyday. Don't let anyone outwork you. Get there early, stay late. 3. Work on your stickhandling and shooting. There is no excuse not to have the best hands and shot on your team or in your league or even in your entire age division across the country. It ONLY comes down to how much you work on it. You can spend 4 hours a day off-ice on this training if you want to. Have the best skills on your team every year. 4. Everyone acts like they work hard when coach or people are watching. It's what you do when NO ONE is watching that counts. 5. Fall in love with the work, the process. Results don't happen overnight or in a week or even in a month. You have the love the process of improving and pushing yourself. Of training when you don't feel like it. If you do those things NO ONE can stop you. I promise you that.

[@humancentered3447]

You cannot ignore the money required to succeed in hockey. It’s tens of thousands of dollars per year. You also cannot ignore genetic advantages. More genetic advantage = less money. Less = more $. Bigger players get more free spots and ice and equipment and more looks and spots regardless of skill or lack of it. That’s a demonstrable fact. No hard worker is getting a $50k grant to go to Shattuck. Balance, coordination, innate strength, hand/eye, fast twitch/speed… that’s the actual difference between NHL and not. There’s zero just hard work based NHL players. Zero. But if you do have all of that, then without the hard work you also won’t spend time there. But let’s not pretend that some small kid who is working his tail off can even come close to even playing D1. Are there exceptions, yes. Like 3 in the entire nation. But youth hockey should absolutely not be focused on making the NHL.

[@CoachZac]

Excuses. Excuses. Excuses. Plenty of players in the NHL weren’t the biggest or most talented players on their team, didn’t have money, didn’t get drafted. And had to work their asses off at every level to reach their goals. And yes, there is examples of players who are genetically gifted, tall, and have financial advantages too. Your limiting beliefs are flat out false, and are probably just a way of making yourself feel better for not being willing to put the work in necessary to reach higher levels.

[@clovisdickinson1340]

This is Nice, brother

[@nevisss]

thanks for this video! trying to make it to the show right now. hopefully i can come back in 5 years and see this comment and reply with some awesome news

[@CoachZac]

You got this!

[@liammonaghan4785]

what team do you play for right now

[@loganaffsa5374]

I'm 13 and only been playing for 2/3 years and next year I will be a midget. I'm a December birthday so I'm one of the youngest players which kinda sucks but if I make the midget aa team my first year midget. Is that a good position to be in?

[@jonathanabeyta1864]

That's pretty good imo

[@ryanleingang6170]

Logan Affsa that is 100% a good thing. You will get 1 more year of juniors when you get there. Which will give you more time to get better, mature, and get noticed.

[@wildbill9782]

im 16 i started skating two years ago and i love hockey i wake up and go to bed watching hockey im committed to the sport ive never played in a league but i wanna make the NHL could i make it?

[@trenthall8904]

I’m not too sure, these guys have been ay it their entire life, I’m the same age and I don’t want to go to the nhl, but I’m trying for double aa hockey, it’s just practice

[@wildbill9782]

@@trenthall8904 so i mean ive been grinding so hard ive been trying so hard just to get there and my skating is improving a lot and my aim is great could i still make it i need an honest answer

[@liammonaghan4785]

@@wildbill9782 try out for the best team you’re willing to drive for

[@Bodycomp101]

I would just like to know if you could introduce yourself and state your credentials please because I don't think I've ever heard you say anything before

[@bryce5106]

Hi! I️ really want to become a pro player. I’ve got some cheap sticks and rollerblades, but thanks to my location, Ice time and team play is almost zilch. When I️ get a job and a car, I️ plan on trying to find a local rink with roller hockey I️ could start out with. I’m 13, and just started practicing maybe a year or two ago. A lot of people tell me that it’s not going to happen. I️ don’t know what’s going to happen. Is there even a chance?! Thanks!

[@nathansmith4639]

Anyone else think that this could have been a 3 minute video? They’re just talking in circles

[@silith2868]

Hi I’m in the best team in my league and I scored my first goal and this is my first year and I’m young it’s possible still right?

[@retzcore4878]

Thanks for this motivating video !!

[@CoachZac]

+Yannik Retzlaff you bet.

[@LemonGrassSuggz]

I'm a 14u 2nd year goaltender looking to play professional hockey in the future. I know the best path for me on how to get there but development is what gets me. I'm an above average goalie in my league and looking to join a AAA team next season but what is the best way to lose habits, how do i know how hard to work?

[@squids3457]

Ok so I’m 4 years late and I’m 14 playing a hockey is it to late for me

[@cheryldendekker2382]

Hey zach I’m 11 and I only play MD and I’m trying out for a AAA team and I train for hours every day do you have any tips

[@bluefox3916]

Hey Zac i am 16 years old and a normal hockey player do you think that everybody has a chance to make it in the NHL ?

[@imacm3573]

I️ play for a House league club team and not a great high school team how can I️ get into better leagues to get into a good hockey college

[@matinmajidi2195]

Question, can you make it if you play A1 hockey

[@lyynx6]

ummm... I'm playing against experienced 20 yr old players and I'm only 14... also I got best goalie award for that devision.. is that good?

[@lyynx6]

btw i was a goalie

[@lyynx6]

division*

[@liammonaghan4785]

What’s your name and what team do you play for

[@lyynx6]

@@liammonaghan4785 i live in bkk but my name is oliver

[@lyynx6]

@@liammonaghan4785 i wasnt the one to get the trophie but was later rewarded the trophie after the match

[@SFIHHighlights]

29:25

[@KennethMindar]

This year is my first yeah bantam and i am on the bantam b team. I had a big realization that i need to get better to be able to play at least aa next year and i am working very hard. Shooting every day and running and eating healthy. I am very serious about hockey and i have devoted my whole time to school and hockey.

[@josie6891]

how are you doing

[@liammonaghan4785]

how are you doing

[@KennethMindar]

@@liammonaghan4785 broke my leg then moved back to my home Country and no longer play

[@liammonaghan4785]

@@KennethMindar you should try to get back into it

[@KennethMindar]

@@liammonaghan4785 im almost 18 now and also there isnt really a team near me

[@threethrushes]

What exactly is great skating - top speed, acceleration, agility? Is it possible to differentiate between good and great? Can anyone help quantify this somehow?

[@CoachZac]

All of the above. The best way to quantify it is that when you are on the ice you should be the best skater out there. If you aren't sure you are the best skater, you aren't. Keep working.

[@justinianlthegreat7378]

I can't afford hockey but I still practice with used sticks that cost 3$ . could I still make it?

[@teemu2979]

It will surely help if you practice anything you can off-ice. But you need to learn how to skate and play hockey if you want to make it. Where there is a will, there is a way. Somehow you can find a way to afford it if your dream is big enough...

[@justinianlthegreat7378]

Teemu Koponen i also practice skating with Rollerblades. so I can skate at a intimate level. and my stick handling has well is phenomenal.

[@justinianlthegreat7378]

GiovanniWisco thank you

[@mich1727]

Johann Sebastian Bach possibly because when I was 3 I couldn't afford hockey but I got a job as a red and umpire and I paid for my own equipment now I'm in midget

[@samuelwong6448]

Johann Sebastian Bach if you need equipment at a cheaper price, check out sideline swap or play it again sports, it’s used equipment but it’s better than nothing, but with a little dedication, anything is possible, ANYTHING, as long as you put your mind into it and want to achieve your goal, you will achieve it, NEVER GIVE UP !

[@wildbill9782]

27:16

[@razor606]

Looking to make the BCHL after midget. Do I try out or do they contact me? How does it work

[@CoachZac]

Shoot me this question via email and let me know a little bit more about where you play and what position you are. I'll try my best to help you out. Email me at coach(at)247hockey(dot)com

[@razor606]

@@CoachZac thank you. I will email you

[@bogimeister5403]

can I improve my skating with roller skates? example in summer? or its very different ?

[@CoachZac]

Rollerblades yes, rollerskates no.

[@bryce5106]

Hi! I really want to become a pro player. I’ve got some cheap sticks and rollerblades, but thanks to my location, Ice time and team play is almost zilch. When I get a job and a car, I plan on trying to find a local rink with roller hockey I could start out with. I’m 13, and just started practicing maybe a year or two ago. A lot of people tell me that it’s not going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Is there even a chance?! Thanks!

[@CoachZac]

You are the only one that can determine that.

[@MCPHALLIC]

Just turned 18 and have never played hockey. I just found the sport and I’ve never loved a sport as much as hockey. I bought a stick and practice in my basement every day. My skating is pretty solid since i’ve rollerbladed my entire life. Ice was easy to adapt to. I plan on practicing all winter on the pond. Although it is unlikely, I want to make the NHL. This video was great for motivation. Great to see what coaches look for.

[@LemonGrassSuggz]

alexander ovechkin is 35 years old and still in the nhl, you have time

[@reidramseyer2148]

THIS IS GREAT!!! THANKS SO MUCH

[@CoachZac]

+Reid Ramseyer Did you watch the whole thing, great tips and advice in here. Share this with your friends and teammates!

[@reidramseyer2148]

yea I will when I get home but thanks so much it's just what I am looking for!

[@CoachZac]

+Reid Ramseyer good! Keep hustling!

[@butterscotchlolly3744]

I'm 20 years old and just got interested into hockey. Is it too late to make it to the NHL?

[@tyetye2423]

Butterscotch Lolly yah srry bro

[@MishaTal1]

watching this interview 100x is not enough. incredible vid! thx for posting.

[@CoachZac]

I agree but I'm biased! Share it up! Thanks for watching.

[@jugroop5731]

I'm still 12 and I think I still have a lot of time as a kid to get even a scholar ship or even join the NHL

[@CoachZac]

You do! But you can't just wait around. You have to grind harder then anyone. Every day there are THOUSANDS of players trying to fight for those scholarships. You have to outwork all of them and you have to work smarter.

[@jaredboll7052]

what if you're a 17 year old still playing on jv aa

[@CoachZac]

Time to get to work!

[@nazbuhagiar4210]

Very very good video

[@cheryldendekker2382]

Thank you it helped alot

[@verified9891]

Wow thanks

[@colehockey7467]

Im a AAA elite player and watching these videos and putting in the work to get to my main goal in life play in the NHL i am going to work hard every day and put in the work Remember the name Cole Heanssler

[@liammonaghan4785]

you play on maine wild right? i played against you this year

[@liammonaghan4785]

how u doing now

[@Joshisanalcoholic2024]

btw could u just give me a few tips on nutrition that could help me continue to progress faster? how can I incorporate healthy eating with everyday life? thanks

[@CoachZac]

+Ryan Westerfield Check my youtube man, just posted some nutrition videos.

[@grezzmunke]

Thanks for another great video Zac! Time to get to work!

[@CoachZac]

+grezzmunke hell ya!

[@kathrynerickson8525]

I've got a son that has that inner drive. He had a coach tell him that to be the best, he should hit 100 pucks a night. So what does he do? He strives to hit 300 a night. He has done this ENTIRELY on his own. He tries out for AA next week. We'll see how it goes, but he is absolutely in love with hockey. I like what he said about "hockey is easy in Minnesota.". We live in Vegas, and he's got skating lessons at 5:30am on weekdays because there's no ice. It's getting better, and it looks like it will continue to get easier, but DANG! It is not easy here. We don't even have another travel division in the entire state. So when he has games, they're nearly always out of state at least a 4 hr drive away.

[@nevisss]

How's he doing now?

[@liammonaghan4785]

hows he doing now

[@christiangruwell3400]

On a team

[@EmpireWorldwideTrade]

I'm 40, hopefully I can make it AAA U8 next year. wish me luck!

[@TimSigafoos]

great video

[@CoachZac]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@burnedoils]

1. u need to be born with the rare skill of bein ggood enough to play in the nhl lol ii just sent 99.9999 percent of the people that tought u could just learn how 2 get to the nhl

[@hockey2475]

Zac I have been playing hockey since spring of freshman hockey. I'm only a sophomore now, but love the game with all my heart. I've worked hard enough to make the varsity roster and be double rostered. My coach told me on a one on one training that I was one of the most improved players he has ever coached and plans on be being a varsity team leader this upcoming fall. I am willing to work as hard as possible to make this true. And if I am a varsity leader, which is my current goal, do you think that I could shoot for larger goals like; making team Indiana roster. Then maybe higher level hockey until I eventually end up in some sort of professional league step by step. Do you think this is a healthy plan, and also a possible one. Thanks Zac, you're the man

[@nevisss]

How are you doing now? I think you are a year or two older than I am, and I also am from indiana as well.

[@liammonaghan4785]

whats your name so i can look you up on elite prospects