"If we can defend well, we give ourselves a chance in every game."

In episode 217 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Brian Idalski, Head Coach of the St. Cloud State women’s team.

Idalski is coming off his first season leading the Huskies’ program and was named the US College Hockey Online National Coach of the Year, as his team made significant strides in virtually every defensive and offensive area of the game.

The Huskies doubled their win total from the previous season, jumping from 9 to 18, aided by the fact that they set a program record and led the NCAA with 576 blocked shots.

Aside from shifting the culture around the team, Idalski credits the turn around to an emphasis on improved team defence and special teams.

“For me, knowing where we were and that we’re not out-talenting people, everyone wants to play puck possession we started with we have to defend well. If we can defend well, we give ourselves a chance in every game.”

Listen as he shares why pattern recognition is key to helping players process the game, coaching Team China in the Olympics, and how to get your team to buy into blocking shots.