Lead Dog
Skill: Use of edges, speed, stamina, form.
Purpose: Skater uses both skate edges to complete fast turns. Works skater for game situation when speed, stamina, and edge control are necessary.
Directions: Cones are setup at corners of the drill area. A team of skaters (4-5 players) are lined up in the secret zone, the lead dog gets a 10 - 15 ft head start. All other players and coaches are in the slot out of the path of the skaters. At the signal of the leader skaters chase the 'Lead Dog' in the designated direction as fast as possible trying to tag him/her within the number of laps/seconds.
Turns are accomplished by leaning into the turn, both skates on the ice (inside leg forward on outside edge, outside leg supporting on inside edge. Use one hand to hold stick on straight away and two hands to steer through turns keeping the stick blade on the the ground. Reverse directions to work on all edges.
Variations: Number of laps or seconds. With sticks and a puck. Vary directions of the track.