D-Zone Coverage by Minnesota Wild

By: Ice Hockey Systems

Here is an example of good simple D-Zone coverage that is very typical for teams even at the youth level.

What to Watch

• Once the Wild lose the puck and the Avalanche have possession then all players report directly to their position.
• The strong side D plays 1 vs 1 and tries to keep the opponent along the wall and create a turnover.
• The weak side D covers the front of the net.
• The weak side forward is in the low slot keeping an eye on the opponent's weak side D.
• The strong side forward eliminates any pass up to the opponents strong side D.
• The center plays the 2nd layer and supports the strong side D in case they get beat out of the corner but also looks to capitalize on any loose puck.

A Couple of Other Notes

• When the winger gains possession of the puck on the wall they protect the puck and keep possession until they make a play. A lot of time you see players panic and try to jam the puck up the wall.
• The weak side D jumps up through the middle of the ice calling for the puck to give the winger an outlet.