In a previous post, I discussed two strategies to improve hip abduction range of motion as a means of allowing hockey players to increase stride length from a deeper skating position. A key point of emphasis from that post is that range of motion is more likely to be integrated into dynamic patterns if strength/stability are… Read more
One of the things I’ve heard coaches mention frequently over the years is that a player “doesn’t move well laterally.” There are some key physical contributors to transitional patterns (e.g. range of motion, eccentric strength & rate of force development, effective use of range-specific stretch-reflex/stretch-shortening cycle), but skating technique and body control are also essential to… Read more
Last week I shared some research highlighting differences between acceleration and steady state skating, and between elite and sub-elite skaters through these two skating phases. In response to those posts, I was asked if I had any favorite exercises to improve acceleration and top-end speed. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I typically approach the training process… Read more
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
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 gets RESULTS with his hockey players because he played and understands the sport, and has the passion and drive to be the best.”
Joe Heiler, Sports Rehab Expert