The Bernie Burner, shared by Steve Wiedler focuses on rush entry and timing concepts.
Setup
- Goes one side at a time.
- On the whistle, the forward (F1) and defenseman (D1) on the same side of the ice jump out to the inside of the ice.
- After a few strides, F1 passes to D1.
- F1 gets on a long timing route while D1 escapes towards the wall to set up for a good angle to pass to F2.
- While this is going on, F2 keeps their head up and times their route to go up the boards and to be full speed in the middle of the ice while D1 is finishing their escape.
- D1 passes to F2. F2 enters the zone and curls looking for F1.
- F1 takes a quick pass on net. After F1 shoots, they pick up another puck in the corner and looks to hit D1 or F2 for a second shot.
Coaching Points
- Players need to keep their heads up and focus on timing instead of going at 100% speed the whole drill.
- Keep sticks on the ice to let your teammates know where you want the pass.
- Communicate with your teammates to let them know where you are and that you are open.
Variations
- Coaches progress and can have their players practice various zone entry routes. Curling and hitting a secondary forward is shown in the video, but coaches can modify their entries to practice different options.
