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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | N O V. / D E C . 2 0 2 0 10 DEREK PLANTE is more than a little familiar with hock- ey at all levels. As a player, he was a standout at Cloquet High School and the University of Minnesota Duluth before embarking on a long professional career that took him around the world and included eight seasons in the National Hockey League. Today, he is starting his second stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater, UMD, following five years as a player development coach with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also watches his three sons, ages 16, 14 and 12 play regularly. At almost every level, fast and physical play is a key to success. But it's a style that must also include respect—for teammates and opponents alike. "I like there to be a physicality and heart and being hard to play against," Plante said. "But that doesn't mean blowing guys up." In 2019, USA Hockey unveiled its "Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect," an initiative to try and change certain aspects of hockey cul- ture—eliminating dangerous hits while also supporting legal body contact and body checking. Here are a few tips and observations about playing fast, physical and respect- ful from a guy who's seen it all: Fast, Physical, Respectful IN YOUR FACE—WITH PACE "I'm all about pace and being in someone's face," Plante said. "That's how I kind of played. I was a good board checker. I was in your face, but I never hammered people." Plante noted the style of his dad's teams. Bruce Plante coached Hermantown High School for 28 years, winning three state championships. "They weren't overly physical, but they were just a little bit more physical than anybody else they played. And you would be amazed at how frustrated other teams got, just because of the continuous Playing the game the right way with UMD's Derek Plante by Shane Frederick Tips You don't need to be overly physical to be a physical player.