Teach your D to step up and close the gap with this effective drill.

The drill starts at both ends at the same time. On the whistle, F1 skates forwards and D1 skates backwards as they exchange passes as though performing a regroup. F2 follows behind, receives a pass from D1 and headmans the puck to F1 driving wide into the offensive zone. F1 and F2 play 2v1 against the D at the other end. After D1 completes the regroup he must step up, close the gap and defend the 2v1 against the forwards who started at the other end.

D's should work on getting up ice quickly so they can match the forwards' speed. D tries to get his stick in the passing lane and prevent shots from the middle of the ice. Fs should attack with speed and funnel to the net trying to get a high quality shot from inside the dots.