HockeyIQ × Sense Arena · Club programme

VR training
for ice hockey clubs.

Train game situations, track results and support your coaches, from U10 to the professional squad.

The HockeyIQ Club Programme brings together VR equipment, Sense Arena drills and support for coaches. We tailor sessions to the club’s age groups, sporting goals and weekly training schedule.

Request a demo Ways to work together

Ice hockey player training on the ice with a VR headset and stick — A Sense Arena drill for skaters.

Skaters and goalies

Attack, defence
and goalie training.

Attack

Spot the open teammate, choose the right pass, enter the offensive zone and play in front of the net.

Defence

Scan the ice, decide under pressure, move the puck out of your own zone and transition to attack.

Goalie programme

Track the puck, get into position and react to screened shots, cross-ice passes and deflections.

Goalie drill videos →

We adapt each drill and workload to the age group, experience and training goal. Depending on the drill, you can adjust the zone, side, direction, pace and difficulty.

Training priorities by age group and drill settings

Age group / Level	Training focus	What to focus on during the session
U10–U12 Learning to read the game	Staying alert, tracking the puck and making simple decisions.	Give short, clear instructions, introduce the drill and practise it safely. Match the difficulty and workload to the player.
U14–U16 Recognising situations sooner	Scanning, deciding when to pass or shoot, reacting and recognising game situations.	Connect what players see to the decision they make. Work on one focus over several sessions.
U18–U21 Competitive situations	Make decisions under pressure, keep up the pace and execute cleanly.	Match drills to position and role, vary the difficulty and compare measured results with the coach’s observations.
Professional level Individual assessment protocol	An initial assessment and a follow-up for a specific performance question.	Agree on drills in advance, keep conditions comparable, review the results in detail and discuss them with the coaching team.

The age groups are a guide for planning. Participation also depends on equipment fit, supervision, current manufacturer guidance and individual tolerance.

Choosing drills and setting individual difficulty

Plan the game situation and difficulty separately. First choose the training goal and the right zone. Then tailor the drill to the skater’s or goalie’s experience.

Area	Available game situations and training setup	What coaches look for
Skaters · defensive zone	Shoulder checks, receiving the puck, passing under pressure and breaking out of your own zone.	Awareness, passing decisions and causes of turnovers.
Skaters · neutral and offensive zones	Find open teammates, enter the offensive zone, make use of an odd-man advantage, play a give-and-go and work in front of the net.	Choose the best option and execute it accurately.
Goalies · GAP training programme	8 levels per skill area, with 3 training days per level. Easy, medium and hard difficulty.	Starting level, comparable conditions and gradual progression.
Skaters · PAS training programme	Guided drill sequences and courses that build individual skills at increasing difficulty.	The next drill depends on how well the player completes the current task.
Goalies · shots and screens	Shots at different speeds and angles, with brief or sustained screens. Includes Box Control, 3D replay and positioning guides.	Track the puck, choose the right angle and depth, and pick up the shot early.
Side, direction and workload	The available settings for side, direction and pace vary by drill.	Match the settings to the player’s position, training goal and level.

Four ways to work together

Club programmes.

HockeyIQ Club Start

2 VR headsets · recommended for up to 30 players

Club use without personal player accounts. Track training activity and results at club level.

HockeyIQ Club Performance

4 VR headsets · up to 50 personal profiles

Individual drill results, initial assessments and follow-ups within the agreed training programme.

Academies and multi-team clubs

Shared training priorities, groups organised by age and a club-wide overview. Equipment and profile numbers depend on the club’s needs.

Professional squads

Drills, assessment protocols and advice matched to the coaching team’s goals.

Every programme includes onboarding, coach training and support with use and session planning. The coaches responsible can also take part in training every six months at the HockeyIQ Training Center.

Player numbers, personal profile numbers and weekly training capacity are separate figures.

Profile numbers and player rotation

More players may be able to take part, depending on the agreed setup and access terms. Larger clubs can plan a rotation of up to 100 players if they have enough headsets, access and weekly training time.

Getting started

How the programme starts at your club.

Demo and hands-on trial. The coaching team gets familiar with the drills and how to use the equipment.
Joint planning and coach training. We agree on training goals, participants and the weekly schedule, and show the coaches how to run sessions.
Regular training. Club coaches choose the drills and give feedback. HockeyIQ helps with training and equipment questions.

The club provides a suitable training area, a coach in charge and a weekly time slot. The club proposal sets out the equipment, access and responsibilities of each party.

Session structure and organisation

Example of a 20-minute session

Time	Task
3 min	Check the equipment and go over the goal and instructions.
5 min	Get familiar with the task or start with a preparatory drill.
10 min	Work on the focus, with short breaks if needed.
2 min	Give feedback and note the next training focus.
+5 min	Example allowance for switching players, cleaning and setting up for the next player.

Club and HockeyIQ responsibilities

Who	Main responsibility	What to agree before starting
HockeyIQ	Introduce the equipment and programme, train the coaches and help them run sessions.	Equipment list, access, initial and ongoing training, and a contact for questions.
Club management	Arrange the training venue, weekly time slots, a contact person and organisation within the club.	Participating teams, responsibilities, storage, rules for use and roles in handling data.
Coach in charge	Choose drills, schedule player changes, supervise training and use feedback to plan future sessions.	Training priorities, attendance, drill records and coordination with on-ice practice.

Example season plan

Preparation

Starting point

Get familiar with the programme and choose the first drills and training priorities.

Regular training

Specific priorities

Weekly plan, recorded attendance and clear instructions from the coaching team.

Interim review

Follow-up assessment

Run comparable drills and adjust the training if needed.

End-of-season review

Plan for the next phase

Review how the programme was used, discuss what the sessions showed and set the next focus.

Player in a blue jersey training with a VR headset and ice hockey stick — A clear goal gives the session direction.

Example of a 20-minute training block

Adapt the example to the player’s age, drill and experience. Plan separate time for switching players.

Venue and organisation

Training area

Allow enough clear, obstacle-free space for the drill and the movements it requires. Keep the stations separate from the waiting area. We check the layout against the space available.

Equipment and connectivity

Charging, secure storage, networking and training accessories. We agree on the equipment and requirements for use at handover.

Supervision and player rotation

Provide a responsible person on site, clear instructions, prepared participants and time to switch players. If several age groups use the programme, we draw up a shared schedule.

Hygiene and use

Clean the devices as the manufacturer directs, check fit, take breaks and stop the session if needed. We discuss the on-site routine during onboarding.

Profiles and reports

Who creates and uses profiles? Who can see the results and how does feedback reach the coach? Before starting, we agree on data responsibilities and how to inform the people involved.

Contacts and support

The club knows who to ask about training and use, how to report technical issues and who coordinates support on site. The proposal sets out the support details.

Capacity planner

The planner calculates how many sessions fit within the equipment, weekly training time and changeover time available.

Number of playersPlayers in the planned rotation.Stations used at the same timeVR headsets in use at the same time.Weekly operating time per stationHours per week when all stations are in use at the same time.Session lengthMinutes per player at one station.Changeover timeMinutes for switching players, preparation and cleaning.Weekly training targetSessions per player per week.

Weekly capacity: —
Average monthly capacity: —
Weekly average per player: —
Operating time needed: —
Demand / Capacity: —

Capacity is calculated from the values you enter.

The planner needs JavaScript. To calculate capacity per station, divide the weekly minutes by the session length plus changeover time and round down to whole sessions. Multiply by the number of stations in use at the same time.

Calculated training capacity and the number of personal profiles are independent. The 6- and 8-station options help plan larger setups. Equipment and licence terms are agreed separately.

Training progress

Assessment and coach feedback.

Track attendance and the available results for each drill. Where the programme uses personal profiles, coaches can refer to earlier results for the same player.

We take account of the drill, difficulty and assessment conditions. The coach considers VR results alongside observations on the ice.

Sample report and conditions for comparable assessments

HockeyIQ · Coach report templateSample report

Assessment details	Player profile or club group, period, date and data source.
Participation	Training sessions and the usage data needed for review.
Drill and difficulty	Drill name and settings, marked as familiarisation or a comparison assessment.
Drill result	Available module metrics, such as accuracy or timing.
Comparison	Earlier assessment under the same conditions, any differences in conditions and limits on what the results can show.
Coach observations	Following instructions, awareness and attention, the option chosen and observations on the ice.
Next training focus	Suggested drill topic, next review and a related on-ice task.

Club management can review participation, regular use and progress across the programme. Members of the coaching team handle individual data according to their responsibilities.

Comparable assessments Changes in difficulty, familiarisation, a different drill or irregular attendance can affect the results. Record those factors when interpreting a change in score. Comparisons between players need their own coaching criteria.

Drill videos

See the drills in action.

15 drill videos with Hungarian audio, 9 for skaters and 6 for goalies. The Sense Arena library contains a further 89 drills.

0:30

Pass to the open teammate

The player scans the ice, identifies the open teammate and plays an accurate pass.

Notes for coaches

Open teammate passing

Watch for scanning the ice and recognising the open teammate.

Short coaching cue Scan the ice! Spot the teammate getting open and play a precise long pass.

Game situation: neutral zone

0:30

Offensive zone entry

The player scans the ice and moves the puck deliberately to set up an offensive zone entry.

Notes for coaches

Entry to OZ

Watch for reading the play before entering the offensive zone and moving the puck accurately.

Short coaching cue Look around and decide how to bring the puck into the offensive zone. Keep the attack moving with an accurate pass.

Game situation: neutral zone → offensive zone

0:28

Three attackers against two defenders

The attackers time their passes and finish according to how the two defenders are positioned.

Notes for coaches

3 on 2

Watch for recognising defensive positioning and timing the pass.

Short coaching cue In the three-on-two, watch how the defenders line up. Move the puck and look for a finish.

Game situation: odd-man rush

0:25

Give-and-go

After passing, the player keeps moving and gets open for the return pass.

Notes for coaches

Give and go

Watch for movement after the pass and the timing of the return.

Short coaching cue Pass to your teammate, keep moving and get open for the return. Build the attack with quick passes.

Game situation: offensive zone

0:30

Tip in front of the net

In front of the net, the player puts the stick in the shot lane and tips the puck at the right moment.

Notes for coaches

Tipping

Watch the timing of stick-to-puck contact.

Short coaching cue Get in front of the net, put your stick in the shot lane and tip the puck in. React quickly to the shot.

Game situation: offensive zone, in front of the net

0:38

Shoulder check

The defender checks over their shoulder before moving the puck.

Notes for coaches

Shoulder check (Defense)

Watch for awareness before the player moves the puck.

Short coaching cue Check over your shoulder before moving the puck. Be aware of what’s around you so you can keep possession.

Game situation: defensive zone

0:30

Breakout under pressure

The player uses passes to get past an opponent while breaking out of their own zone.

Notes for coaches

Passing dynamic with D (Defense)

Watch for recognising the opponent’s position and timing the breakout pass.

Short coaching cue Move the puck past the opponent on the breakout. Scan, choose the safe pass and start the attack.

Game situation: defensive zone

0:25

Breakout from a forward’s position

The forward supports the breakout from their own zone by getting into position and moving at the right moment.

Notes for coaches

Breakout – forward position

Watch for getting open for the pass, moving at the right time and supporting the breakout.

Short coaching cue Get into position in your own zone and move at the right moment. Get open for the pass and help the breakout.

Game situation: defensive zone

0:25

Defence-to-attack transition

The player transitions quickly from defence to attack and looks for the first pass out of their own zone.

Notes for coaches

Transition to offense

Watch for the quick transition and the first pass out of the defensive zone.

Short coaching cue Switch from defence to attack straight away. Find a pass out of your zone and start a quick counterattack.

Game situation: neutral zone

0:20

Goalie warm-up – 3

The goalie prepares for practice or a game with puck tracking, positioning and saves.

Notes for coaches

Goalie Warmup 3

Watch for puck tracking, positioning and readiness for practice or the game.

Short coaching cue Move, keep your eyes on the puck and make the saves. Get ready for practice or the game.

Game situation: in net, varying shot positions

0:30

Shot lanes and positioning

The goalie adjusts to the puck’s position to cover the shot lanes.

Notes for coaches

Box control master

Watch for position relative to the puck and coverage of the shot lanes.

Short coaching cue Cover the shot lanes with good positioning. Set up in relation to the puck.

Game situation: in net, different shot angles

0:27

Lateral movement and one-timer

The goalie tracks the puck across the ice and sets for the one-timer after a cross-ice pass.

Notes for coaches

Lateral shots

Watch for tracking the puck laterally and getting set for the one-timer.

Short coaching cue Follow the puck across and close down the angle. Be ready for a one-timer after the cross-ice pass.

Game situation: in net, cross-ice pass

0:30

Shot after a cross-ice pass

After the cross-ice pass, the goalie adjusts quickly to the new shooting position.

Notes for coaches

Shot off pass

Watch for a quick change in position for the shot after the pass.

Short coaching cue Reset quickly after the cross-ice pass. Square up to the puck and be ready for the immediate shot.

Game situation: in net, shot after a pass

0:22

Puck tracking through a double screen

The goalie finds and tracks the puck even when two players block their view.

Notes for coaches

Double Screen

Watch for puck tracking through a double screen.

Short coaching cue Find the puck even through a double screen. Stay in the shot lane and follow its movement.

Game situation: net-front, double screen

0:23

Reacting to a deflected puck

The goalie tracks a deflected puck through the screen and reacts to its new path.

Notes for coaches

Deflection

Watch for tracking the puck through traffic and reacting to the deflection.

Short coaching cue Find the puck through the screen and expect a possible deflection. Track the new path and react quickly.

Game situation: net-front, deflected shot

Goalie experiences and interviews

How goalies use Sense Arena to prepare

Joey Daccord

For him, it is an important part of his daily routine for getting mentally ready for a game.

Devin Cooley

It helps him prepare mentally for the game and for common situations on the ice.

VR drills in preparation

Ian Shane

It feels like a game to him. He has to keep reading the play and reacting.

Jack Parsons

He trains to keep his eyes on the puck and wants to see as many shots as possible during preparation.

Daniel Hauser

He uses it before every game to sharpen his focus and practise tracking the puck.

Devon Levi

He is a Sense Arena ambassador. A specialist article shows how he uses VR in his goalie preparation.

Drew Commesso

In an InGoal interview, he also talks about how he uses Sense Arena to prepare as a goalie.

Adam Gajan

In an earlier report, he highlights how facing virtual shots helps him before he goes on the ice.

Karel Vejmelka

He is among the goalies featured by Sense Arena.

Ben Charette

He is among the goalies featured by Sense Arena.

Video library: 14 more drills with Hungarian audio and VR demos

NHL.com / NHL Network

Studio VR demo

The NHL Now team demonstrates the VR system in the studio and discusses how it is used.

NHL.com / NHL Network

VR demo at Fanatics Fest

The Fanatics Fest demo shows how NHL Sense Arena works.

14 more drills · Hungarian audio

Passing, finishing, puck tracking and divided attention. Coaches can choose drills for skaters and goalies according to the training goal and the players’ current level.

Cognition · reaction

Mirror movements

Mirror reflex

Mirror the objects’ movements. Recognise the pattern and respond accurately.

Attack · passing and shooting lanes

Recognising passing and shooting lanes

Find the lane

Find an open passing or shooting lane. Wait for the right moment and play the puck accurately.

Attack · tipping

Tipping through a double screen

Double Screen Tipping

Get in front of the net and tip the shot in. Use the screen and react quickly.

Cognition · number recognition

Divided attention – number recognition

Multitask numbers

Recognise the number during play and decide quickly what to do with the puck. Remember the signal as well.

Cognition · colour recognition

Divided attention – colours 2

Multitask colors 2

Watch the colour signals while moving and respond to the right one. Keep both tasks in mind.

Attack · finishing

Shot and rebound

Shooting & rebound

Shoot on net and react immediately to the rebound. Reposition and finish the follow-up.

Attack · finishing

Shooting on the move

Shooting agility

Find a shooting position while moving, then shoot quickly and accurately. Stay balanced as you move.

Attack · finishing

Play from behind the net

Gretzky’s office

From behind the net, look for an open teammate, then turn and shoot quickly. Use the unusual angle.

Defence · passing

Recognising a passing option

Find the target

Find the right teammate and move the puck quickly and accurately to the designated target.

Defence · passing

Timing the pass

Timing of the Pass

Pass as soon as your teammate is open to receive it. Focus on the timing.

Defence · passing

Passing on the move

Passing dynamic

Keep moving as you pass and move the puck quickly. Look for the next passing option.

Goalies · reading the play

Tracking the puck through a screen – 1 / 2 / 3

Screen shot 1 / 2 / 3

Track the puck as it emerges from the screen. Stay calm and react accurately as soon as you see the shot.

Goalies · reading the play

Recognising the shooter

Shooter recognition

Scan and identify the shooter before your view of the puck is blocked. That helps you react sooner and make the save.

Goalies · reading the play

Shots from the slot – 2

Shot from Slot 2

Expect dangerous shots from the area in front of the net. Keep your eyes on the puck, read the shooter and adjust your position.

Images and other ways to use it at the club

Sense Arena view of a passing situation on virtual ice — **Passing situation**

Sense Arena view of a shooting drill — **Shot on net**

Sense Arena view of a goalie drill — **View from the net**

Ice hockey player training at the club with a VR headset and stick — **Drill with a stick**

Sense Arena goalie drill using ice hockey goalie equipment — **Goalie drill**

Sense Arena accessory attached to an ice hockey stick — **Stick accessory**

Individual results assessment using a VR headset during ice hockey training — **Individual results assessment**

Other ways to use it at the club

Additional sessions. The club can offer its own VR sessions. The club decides how participation and on-site arrangements work within the agreed use and licensing terms.

Activities for fans and events. A hands-on trial can work well on a game day or at a club event. It needs a dedicated space, on-site supervision and a setup that suits the participants.

Coaching expertise

Hockey professionals and their experience.

Bartalis Balázs
Coaching mentor

Bilekov Balázs
Club contact