Analyzing NHL Development Camps
Looking at what NHL clubs did in their 2023 and 2024 Development Camps to distinguish the good from the bad
Most NHL Development Camps are, to put it bluntly, garbage. The short time frame, unconnected staff/scouts/management, overloaded player schedules, etc., are part of the issue. Outdated tactics or lack of understanding of what development is another issue entirely. In 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks were the first NHL club to entirely scrap the on-ice portion of their development camp (more detail into their rationale).
As an enlightened person subscribing to the Hockey IQ Newsletter, you have a pretty good idea of what’s great and what’s a waste.
Related:
Why 'Practice Players' Exist and How to Avoid Developing Them
Why Flow Drills Suck & Why Coaches Should Throw Away Their Cones and On-Ice Objects
For the past two seasons, I’ve posted Twitter/X threads on looks around the NHL to give a taste of what NHL clubs are doing. Dive in and see which organizations do a great job, and those organizations who have employees who should… perhaps seek employment in a different line of work:
And if you’re looking for the best in class… go check out what Montreal is doing. They’re driven by Hockey IQ Podcast guest (and friend of the newsletter), Adam Nicholas and in concert with head coach and Hockey IQ guest, Martin St Louis (I hope to get Adam’s right-hand man, Scott Pellerin, on the podcast in the future).
Friend of the program Jack Han has tracked their development camp for the past two years.
Cheers!
Further Reading into player development and coaching for development: