The animation at the left shows our team approaching the offensive zone during the SECOND PERIOD. This is the most difficult time to shift on the fly, because of where our bench is located. The important thing here, is to sub off while the puck is taken deep into the offensive zone. If we don't do this, then the other team will have an advantage when they bring the puck out of their end. Our LW takes the puck along the boards and carries it deep into the zone (that is below the end line). Once the other 4 players recognize that the LW has control and is able to take the puck deep into the zone, they must begin subbing off.  This is difficult because sometimes the urge to help score will interfere with the need to get off the ice, even when you are tired. The puck carrier will control the puck as long as possible. When the LW sees a teammate to pass to, she does so. Immediately after passing the puck, the LW will now skate directly to the bench to complete the substitutions. Now the rest of the team will settle into their proper positions and continue playing.

• The above description applies during the first and third periods as well.

• NEVER sub off when the other team has the puck, wherever that may be.

• If you feel you can stay on the ice a little longer, consider the following:
• it only takes a few seconds from feeling fine to feeling exhausted at the end of a shift.
• when you're exhausted and huffing and puffing on the bench, you won't be recovered in time for your next shift.
• this will cause you to be ineffective for that shift,
• and will create a situation that continually depletes your energy until you get ample recovery time, which may never happen during game.
• Even if you haven't exerted yourself at all on a particular shift, then you still need to sub off so that everyone gets equal playing time.
• Remember, not every shift is going to be memorable or exciting.
• Remember - if you are tired, your team mates are probably tired too.

 
• When to sub off:
• the puck is in the offensive zone and we have control of the puck.
• the puck has been shot deep into the offensive zone (particularly important in the 2nd period).
• there is a whistle (don't be afraid to get a whistle somehow).
• ice the puck.
• do an intentional offside.
• shoot the puck over the glass or boards (accidentally of course).
• goalie holds on to the puck.
• Once you have decided to sub off, at the proper moment, you need to ignore the play on the ice and skate as fast as you can to the bench.  Making eye contact and raising your hand as you skate to the bench will grab the attention of your substitute and make for a more efficient substitution.

 
• The substitute must get out on the ice before the current player has skated to the bench.
• Conversely, the player on the ice must ensure that the substitute gets out on the ice before entering in to the bench.