The Ricky

By: Tyler Bielby

The Ricky from Tyler Bielby is a fun competitive & drill that focuses on quick breakouts, efficient zone exits, and quality passes. Two teams race to break the puck out and whichever team breaks the puck out first is awarded the first puck in a 3 on 3 on the other side of the ice.

Setup

• This is a full ice drill. Put two nets and two goalies on the far end of the ice, along with 2 sets of 2 forwards and 1 defenseman in side the d-zone. Coaches are in the neutral zone. Reference the whiteboard video & diagram for exact setup.
• On the whistle, each team is racing to see who can break out the fastest and get the puck to the coach on their side. 
• The two defenseman race back to get the puck that is on the goal line, the winger gets low and the center comes in low and slow. 
• The defenders pass the puck to the forward along the boards, and that forward looks to hit their center who is curling up ice. The center then passes the puck to their nearest coach.
• Whichever team passes the puck to their coach first is awarded a puck in the neutral zone. They bring the puck into the far zone to play 3 on 3. The team that lost the race still needs to complete the pass to the coach before they can skate down to the other end of the ice. Once they do so they join the 3 on 3 game.

Coaching Points

• Teams should focus on efficient breakout routes, and crisp tape to tape passes. Players without the puck should keep their sticks on the ice to let their teammates know where they want the puck. 
• All players should communicate and shoulder check to practice good habits that will translate to the game.