There are notable differences in skating stride characteristics between elite and sub-elite skaters in both acceleration and steady-state phases of skating. In the acceleration phase, elite skaters use a larger hip extension range of motion, and higher hip extension, hip abduction, and knee extension velocities. In steady state skating, the elite skaters used a larger… Read more
There are two general ways to approach linear speed training: 1) Improving the rate at which a player approaches top speed (e.g. acceleration) 2) Improving top speed It’s rare for a player to reach top speed with any regularity in hockey, whereas the ability to accelerate is integral to performance in every shift. However, the… Read more
One of the more consistent findings in determining what differentiates elite and sub-elite skaters is that elite skaters adopt a lower skating position. This study from Upjohn et al (2008) found that high caliber skaters had a deeper skating position, which translated into longer/wider strides with more extension range of motion through the knee/ankle. Ultimately,… Read more
I hope this finds you well, and that you’re as excited as I am for the start of the hockey season. Over the last few years, balancing my work responsibilities with family time and wrapping up my PhD has not left a lot of extra time for writing. When I started this site back in… Read more
I hope you’re wrapping up a great week. This is a FINAL friendly reminder that the launch sale for Optimizing Adaptation & Performance ends in 12 hours (midnight tonight). Get INSTANT Access and Save $50 Here >> Optimizing Adaptation & Performance James LaValle, Mike Potenza and I sought to create a learning environment that we… Read more
Kevin has rapidly established himself as a leader in the field of physical preparation and sports science for ice hockey. He is currently the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees all aspects of designing and implementing the team’s performance training program, as well as monitoring the players’ performance, workload and recovery. Prior to Boston, Kevin spent 2 years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks after serving as the Director of Performance at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. He also spent 5 years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with USA Hockey’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and has been an invited speaker at conferences hosted by the NHL, NSCA, and USA Hockey.
“Kevin’s book has been a great resource in helping me write programs for my athletes while keeping them healthy and I will certainly continue to seek Kevin’s advice regarding strength and conditioning.”
Matt Murray, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, University of Maine Ice Hockey