Damn Chelios, Let The Kids Play

I hope someone get’s the title. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Anyways, when we talk about getting better at hockey, we usually focus on systems, drills, and reps.

And yes—structure matters. But not all development happens inside the lines of a practice plan.

Some of the most valuable growth?

It happens during unstructured play.

What is Unstructured Play?

Pond hockey. Street hockey. Backyard nets. Pickup games. Small Area Games.

Unstructured play is any time players step into a hockey environment without a coach calling out drills or demanding structure.

And the research—and experience—backs it up:

Free play builds better decision-making, confidence, creativity, and overall enjoyment of the game.¹

For Goalies: Read and React, Don’t Just Repeat

In formal goalie training, the drills are predictable. That’s great for mechanics—but the real game isn’t predictable.

Unstructured play helps goalies:

• Learn to read plays with limited info

• Track pucks through traffic and chaos

• Adapt to weird angles, deflections, and broken plays

• Handle in-zone play without perfect structure

Want to develop true “battle mode”? It starts with being in uncomfortable, unscripted situations—often found in pickup games or pond hockey.

For Forwards: Play Without Fear of Mistakes

Most drills are built to get reps, not to take risks. But creativity doesn’t develop in a space where mistakes are punished.

Unstructured play gives skaters the freedom to:

• Try new moves and handle the puck in tight

• Make reads on the fly without being over-coached

• Work on instinctual playmaking in small spaces

• Develop confidence through repetition without pressure

The best forwards learned their hands, their deception, and their confidence from hours of pickup—not just practice plans.

Why It Matters for Development

1. More Touches, More Reps

In a 30-minute game of pond hockey, you might touch the puck more than you do in two weeks of structured team drills. That volume adds up.

2. Faster Decision-Making

With no systems or set patterns, players have to constantly solve problems, forcing quick reads and better spatial awareness.

3. Less Pressure, More Creativity

Without a coach’s whistle or evaluation, players are free to try, fail, and refine in real time. This freedom is where true hockey sense is built.

4. Mental Refresh

When players have fun and experience joy through the game, they train harder, stay engaged longer, and avoid burnout.

Go have some fun and battle,

-Dr. Jamie Phillips

Ghost Rehab | Elite Goalie Method

References

1. Côté J, Erickson K. Diversification and deliberate play during the sampling years. In: Routledge Handbook of Sport Expertise. Routledge; 2015:305–315.

2. Memmert D, et al. The role of deliberate play in the acquisition of expert performance in sports. High Ability Studies. 2010;21(1):75–87.

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