The Cross-Ice Situational Game from Mark Phalon of Alaska Anchorage is an incredible small area game that can be modified into a variety of situations, which requires players to be aware of their surroundings at all times, which will help improve their hockey sense and force them to play with their head up. Also, players that are waiting in line at the blue line need to be ready to jump in at a moment's notice, which keeps everyone alert! This is a fun game that keeps everyone on their toes, even the coach! 

Setup

• Teams are split up on the blue line.
• Cross-ice net and goalie setup (as shown in video and diagram).
• To start, the coach sends a puck to the goalie, the goalie stops the puck next to the net.
• As soon as the coach sends the puck to the goalie, a forward races to pick up the puck with speed, while a defender skates back to the dot and heads up ice to put a good angle on the forward.
• From there, the 1 on 1 game begins.
• PLAYER ACTIVATION: One of the best parts of this game, is that the coach can activate additional forwards or defenseman whenever they want. Therefore, this 1 on 1 game can quickly turn into a 2v1, 3v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v2, 1v2, 1v3, etc. etc. To activate a player, the coach will call out who can jump into the game.
• This player activation situation forces all players (the ones who are playing and the ones on the blue line) to be aware of what is going on at all time. It is a very fun, engaging game! 
• The coach can make a variety of situations happen and the whistle is blown when a team scores, a goalie saves the puck, or a coach determines that the shift is over and a next group is up.

Coaching Points

• Angle: The first defender needs to work on taking a good angle to deny the middle of the ice.
• Head up & be aware: ALL players need to be aware of the current situation. At any point in time, the coach can add additional forwards or defenders, so it is important for everyone to be aware and keep their head up to be ready for this ever evolving game!