Into the Lab: How the best shutdown defenders dictate the game, with 2024 NHL Draft prospect Tory Pitner

Offence gets all the glory. 

A highlight reel goal is easy to appreciate, while the best defensive plays often go unnoticed. 

For the best attackers, the game is about dictating the actions of defenders. They force a reaction and relentlessly exploit it. 

But the best defenders flip the script. They're the ones who control their opponents, often lulling them into a false sense of security before springing into action. 

To explore how the best defenders stack the deck in their favour, we've recruited Tory Pitner, a Clark Cup Champion, Denver commit, 2024 NHL Draft prospect, and arguably the USHL's best shutdown defender.  

The first part of defence is knowing the context. The best defenders know everything: Who they're playing against, what handedness they are, the types of plays they try, and t