Cross-ice sharks and minnows

Setup

1. One third of the ice used across its width, with cones marking the side edges. The boards at each end of the station are the safe lines.
2. Every minnow starts on one safe line with a puck; one shark (two for bigger groups) waits in the middle without a puck.
3. Full equipment, full face cage and neck guard for everyone.
4. Rules before the first round: sharks win a puck with the stick only, stick blade on the ice, no body contact, no slashing or hooking.

How it runs

1. The shark calls 'Fishy, fishy, cross my sea!' and every minnow carries their puck across to the far safe line.
2. The shark tries to poke a puck away or knock it out of the station. A minnow who loses their puck leaves it and becomes a shark for the next crossing.
3. Minnows who reach the far boards with their puck are safe and wait for the next call.
4. Keep going until one or two minnows are left; they start as the sharks in the next game.
5. Crossings last a few seconds; let skaters rest and drink between games.

Coaching points

• Minnows: head up to see the shark, then carry the puck away from the shark's stick.
• Use speed and change direction; the puck stays out in front, ready to move.
• Sharks: stick on the ice and skate to where the puck is going.
• Poke check: a quick push of the stick at the puck, then pull back. Never swing the stick.
• Everyone looks where they are going to avoid collisions.

Common mistakes

• Minnows staring at the puck and skating straight into a shark.
• Sharks lifting or swinging the stick, or using the body to stop a minnow.
• Minnows carrying the puck too far ahead, giving the shark an easy poke.
• Lots of skaters standing on the safe line too long; keep the calls coming.