Tashkent, Uzbekistan, August 3, 2023: Size doesn’t matter in ice hockey according to Corey McNabb, one of the mentor coaches at the OCA/IIHF Under-16 Asian Ice Hockey Youth Camp in Tashkent.
The Canadian is watching Team Red, comprising 14 boys, go through a simulated game on the ice rink. Along with the young athletes are nine coaches, both male and female, under his wing. Corey’s job is to impart his vast knowledge and experience as a coach with Hockey Canada to Asia’s sprouting talent, both players and coaches.
And as we watch Team Red in action – all players and coaches from 27 National Olympic Committees across Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand have been split into three teams – Corey gives his take on what is the most important asset for an ice hockey player.
“The first thing is you must be able to skate and think the game in a hockey sense. After that it is all about the rest of the skills like handling the puck, shooting and passing. If you can skate and think the game, it will get you a long way.
“As for size, it can be an advantage, especially if you also have the skill. But you can still be a small player and have success. If you are quick on your skates, deft and can accelerate, that makes a big difference. The top pro leagues in any country right now use smaller players and have success. The most important skating story now is acceleration and quickness,” Corey outlines.
A lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan – and of course Wayne Gretzky – Corey is firm in his belief that smaller Asians can make an impact on the game if they are fast and dexterous.
“Say there is a face off and the puck goes to the left, and if you can win that race, then that’s an advantage. It used to be if you were a fast skater in a straight line that helped but now it doesn’t matter. It is more about fitness and agility and that’s where small players come in, for if you can win the race to the pucks that means you have an advantage,” Corey explained.
Hockey Canada was approached by the International Ice Hockey Federation to send an experienced coach to this first ever collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia which is bidding to promote winter sports across the region. Corey was promptly chosen as the man for the job.
“This is my first time in Uzbekistan and it is great to see so many athletes and coaches from different parts of Asia in one place. This is a great initiative and must be applauded. Although it has only been a couple of days, I have noticed a few of these players have got talent,” Corey noted.
