Progress Through Pressure: 17U KHA Battles in Calgary
The Kootenay Hockey Academy 17U team returned from a quick road trip to Calgary with valuable lessons, renewed focus and plenty of optimism.
The weekend brought two hard-fought overtime losses. A 5-4 finish against Lloydminster and a 4-3 battle with the Titans. It is the kind of result that can be viewed two ways. Encouraging to be right there at the end, but tough to swallow when the outcome slips away in extra time.
Still, being in those moments is a sign of growth.
The pace of the weekend provided enough feedback to shape the next phase of practice planning. Skating remains the cornerstone of the season plan, but coaches are now weaving in more passing habits and hockey IQ development over the next two weeks.
The coaching staff is focused on building fundamentals while challenging players to think and connect under pressure.
Many players naturally default to carrying the puck and turning plays into 1 on 1 battles because that is what they have believed leads to success. But growth at this level comes from seeing the ice, trusting teammates and moving the puck.
This week, practices focused on small-area reps with 1 on 1s and 2 on 1s in one end of the ice. In those tight spaces, there is nowhere to hide and the players who move the puck are the ones creating success. Some of the most effective playmakers might surprise you.
The work is not limited to tactics and execution. Today’s plan includes a laundry tutorial followed by combined 3 on 3 action with both groups. Another step in building accountability, independence and chemistry.
As always, there is something to improve, something to build on and something to look forward to. The weekend in Calgary showed exactly that.
Game Recaps
Game 1 — Lloydminster 5, KHA 4 (OT)
Kootenay came out with good pace and traded chances with Lloydminster in a back-and-forth matchup. The group showed resilience by responding to momentum swings and generating offense late to force overtime. A breakdown in extra time ended it (a broken stick technically), but the compete level and execution under pressure were strong signs of progress.
Game 2 — Titans 4, KHA 3 (OT)
The Titans pushed early, but KHA settled in and found their stride as the game went on. Timely goals and improved puck support allowed the group to claw back and tie it late. In overtime, a quick transition chance was the difference. Despite the loss, the effort, structure and buy-in stood out in another tight finish.
