Ice Hockey Player Analysis — Brett Stevens
A step-by-step approach to improving acceleration, shot power, and decision-making for the next level of play.
Introduction
Brett Stevens is an 11-year-old right-shot forward playing at the Youth AAA level. While his foundation is promising, the analysis uncovers both strengths and specific growth areas. This study breaks down what Brett does well, where he can improve, and recommendations to help him progress.
What Brett Does Well (Strengths)
Based on the analysis, the player shows several areas of excellence:
Effort & Work Rate
Brett shows consistent hustle in all three zones—forecheck, backcheck, and during board battles. He doesn’t hang back and is always trying to involve himself in the play.
Offensive Positioning & Support
He understands how to find open ice and support teammates, particularly in the slot. He’s making himself available for passes and understands basic offensive zone stationing.
Backward Skating Balance and Recovery
Brett recovers quickly when he falls, maintains decent balance, and shows a solid base when skating backward. This helps in transition defense and returning to play after contact.
Puck Handling on Forehand
He has good control on his forehand passing and receiving under soft-to-moderate pressure, enabling clean play in many situations.
Areas for Improvement
Acceleration & First Strides
Stride Depth & Leg Mechanics
His initial burst in the first few strides is average. When played against faster opponents, Brett may struggle to create separation offensively or contain them defensively.
At full speed, his stride is functional, but the knee bend is less than ideal. More depth in knee bend and quicker return would translate to more power and speed.
Puck Control Under Pressure / Vision
Brett tends to look down at the puck when pressured, which reduces his ability to see teammates and make smart passes. His backhand control is also less developed.
Shot Power & Quickness
Defensive Awareness / Gap Control
His primary wrist shot is serviceable, but lacks consistent power and precise targeting, especially from distance. Other shot types (snap, slap, one-timers) weren’t well-covered in the footage, suggesting less practice.
While defensively responsible at times, his ability to take away time and space (especially against quicker skaters) is average. Also, stick positioning and anticipation need refinement.
Overall Evaluation
Brett has a firm base of work ethic, positioning, and basic skills for his age. He shows signs of hockey IQ beyond what many peers demonstrate. The ratings reflect a player who has good potential but isn’t yet dominant in speed, shot power, or under-pressure situations.
Recommendations & Developmental Plan
Here are targeted drills and practices for Brett to elevate his game:
Focus Area
Acceleration & Stride Power
Puck Control Under Pressure
Shot Power & Quickness
Defensive Skills & Awareness
Suggested Drills / Practice
• On-ice sprint starts drills
• Deep knee-bend stride drills
• Off-ice strength work (squats, lunges)
• Obstacle stickhandling with head up
• 1-on-1 board battles
• Backhand stick skills practice
• Snap & wrist shot drills with weighted resistance
• Shooting from movement
• Target shooting in corners
• Gap control drills vs faster skaters
• Controlled stick positioning drills
• Video feedback on defensive reads
Expected Improvement
Faster first step, better separation, more explosive skates
Better vision, more confident under pressure, fewer turnovers
More dangerous shot from distance, quicker release
Improved containment, fewer blown defensive assignments
Takeaway
Brett Stevens is a forward who works hard, plays smart, and shows promise. To move into a higher tier of play, he needs to sharpen his speed, shot skills, and performance under pressure. With focused practice on those areas—and leveraging his strong attitude—he can grow into a more complete forward who impacts the game both offensively and defensively.