Badisguy, to work on getting to the puck first you can use almost any game or transition game and add the rule that they 'dump the puck in' and then chase. Show them how to protect themselves going for loose pucks and work on protecting the puck with the body. I like to use a couple of drills to give them the feel of battling and then put loose puck battles into game situations.
I like the intrinsic motivation of wanting to succeed or win instead of extrinsic motivation. Not a big believer in punishing the losers (sorry Dean). We sometimes have them do things like a few push ups, pick up the pucks or skate the circles; but it is more for fun. Winning is a reward in itself and losing is the pits. If I have a team that is low in self motivation I may have more external consequences but I prefer to appeal to the need to get better so they and the team can succeed.
'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'