Welcome to the "Champion's Blueprint" podcast, hosted by Dr. Nick Kirk. In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of diving into the world of hockey performance with Kevin Neeld, the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins. Driven by a shared passion for optimizing athletic development, Dr. Kirk and Kevin Neeld explore the key decisions parents face in their children's athletic journey and the long-term benefits of making informed choices.

Drawing from his extensive experience in strength and conditioning, Kevin has played a role in creating programs for professional hockey teams such as the San Jose Sharks and the U.S. Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team. As our guest, Kevin shares his wealth of knowledge, providing practical tips and strategies for optimizing physical and mental performance in hockey.

Together, Drs. Kirk and Neeld discuss a wide range of topics related to high performance, including strength and conditioning, injury prevention and recovery, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. They unravel the secrets to unleashing peak performance in hockey, offering valuable insights and evidence-based approaches for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike.

Through engaging conversations and expert advice, this episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to support the holistic development of young athletes. By addressing critical aspects such as training, recovery, nutrition, and mental well-being, parents can make informed decisions that lay the foundation for long-term success.

Join us in this empowering episode as Nick Kirk and Kevin Neeld share their passion for optimizing athletic development and provide practical tools for parents, coaches, and young athletes on the journey to realizing their full potential. Tune in to the "Champion's Blueprint" podcast and gain invaluable insights to elevate your understanding of high-performance strategies in the dynamic world of hockey.

Podcast Links

The Champion's Blueprint podcast, hosted by Nicky Kirk, DC, is your go-to resource for all things related to sports performance, training, and athlete development. Each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts, coaches, and athletes who share their knowledge and experiences in pursuit of excellence.

In Season 1, Episode 7, Nicky Kirk sits down with Ryan Smyth, founder of one of Canada's foremost athlete testing companies, The Park. Ryan's passion for sports and technology shines through as he discusses his journey, the services his company offers, and the impact of technology on youth athlete development, particularly in the realm of hockey.

Tune in to gain insights into the world of athlete testing, the power of data analysis, and the benefits of tech-based training. Discover how technologies are revolutionizing the way young hockey players train and develop their skills. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete yourself, this episode provides valuable information on optimizing performance and nurturing the champions of tomorrow.

Join Nicky Kirk and Ryan Smyth on the Champion's Blueprint podcast as they explore the blueprint for success in sports performance and athlete development.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-smyth-0988a72/

Join us on the latest episode of the "Champion's Blueprint" podcast, hosted by Nick Kirk DC, as we delve into the critical topic of concussion assessment and management. In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Kirk is joined by esteemed guest Dr. Michael Drzewiecki DC, MS, DACNB, FABBIR, CCSP, a leading expert in the field of concussion rehabilitation.

Concussions are a common and often misunderstood injury, particularly in the realm of athletics. Dr. Kirk and Dr. Drzewiecki shed light on the intricacies of concussion assessment, exploring the latest advancements in diagnostic techniques and sharing their insights on identifying and understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

The episode goes beyond mere diagnosis, delving into the crucial aspect of concussion management. Dr. Drzewiecki draws upon his extensive experience in functional neurology and brain injury rehabilitation to provide practical strategies for the effective and comprehensive management of concussions. Listeners can expect to gain valuable knowledge on developing personalized treatment plans, optimizing recovery time, and ensuring a safe return to play or daily activities.

With an emphasis on a holistic approach to concussion care, the episode also explores the significance of factors such as nutrition, sleep, and mental health in the healing process. Dr. Kirk and Dr. Drzewiecki discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach, involving healthcare professionals, coaches, and parents, to provide the best possible support for individuals recovering from concussions.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kirk and Dr. Drzewiecki emphasize the need for increased awareness and education surrounding concussions. They address common misconceptions and provide valuable insights into the long-term consequences of untreated concussions, highlighting the importance of prompt and proper management.

Whether you are a parent, coach, athlete, or healthcare professional, this episode of the "Champion's Blueprint" podcast is a must-listen. Gain a comprehensive understanding of concussion assessment and management, and learn practical strategies for optimizing recovery and promoting long-term brain health. Join us as we navigate the road to recovery and ensure the well-being of athletes at every level.

Welcome to the Champion's Blueprint podcast, where we provide invaluable insights and guidance for parents of young athletes and anyone involved in the world of sports. Join your host, Nicky Kirk, as we explore the keys to nurturing young talent and fostering a performance culture that helps athletes thrive.

Episode 5 - Cultivating Resilient Young Athletes: Building a Foundation for Success with Matt Shaw

In this episode, we dive into the essential components of a performance culture at the University of Denver (DU) with our special guest, Matt Shaw. Matt is the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Sports Performance at DU, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the athletic department's approach to strength and conditioning.

Join Nicky Kirk and Matt Shaw as they discuss the strategies and practices that contribute to a thriving performance culture at DU. Drawing from his extensive experience, Matt shares valuable insights on developing resilient young athletes, instilling a growth mindset, and creating an environment that fosters excellence.

Learn how DU's approach to strength and conditioning, under Matt's leadership, has helped shape the success of various teams, including the hockey program's National Championship wins. Discover the importance of communication, mentorship, and holistic development in building a strong foundation for young athletes.

This episode also delves into the significance of balancing academics, sports, and personal well-being for optimal performance. Matt shares practical tips for parents and coaches on managing expectations, supporting athlete development, and nurturing a healthy performance mindset.

Join us as we explore the performance culture at DU and uncover valuable strategies for cultivating resilient young athletes. Together, let's create a blueprint that inspires and empowers the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the field.

Tune in to the Champion's Blueprint podcast as we share stories, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will inspire and guide you in supporting the next generation of athletes. Together, let's create a blueprint for success and help young athletes become champions in sports and in life.

https://denverpioneers.com/staff-directory/matt-shaw/59

https://www.denversportsperformance.com/

Welcome back to Champion's Blueprint, in part 2 of this 2 part episode of Champion's Blueprint, host Nicky Kirk interviews Brian Kozak, the podcast where we explore the secrets behind achieving peak performance in sports. In this highly anticipated second installment of our series, Brian takes us on a captivating journey through his training philosophy and shares invaluable insights on how to optimize hockey performance. Drawing from his extensive experience working with elite athletes, Brian sheds light on the crucial role of energetics and the respiratory system in pushing players to their limits and beyond.

Throughout the conversation, Brian unveils the innovative tools and techniques he employs to train the respiratory system, providing an in-depth analysis of their implications for hockey performance. From specialized breathing exercises to cutting-edge equipment, he reveals how each tool contributes to enhancing endurance, power, and recovery in the game. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Brian's training philosophy and its transformative impact on hockey players at every level. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or simply passionate about the game, this episode is a must-listen, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration to take your hockey performance to new heights.

For more information, check out Brian Kozak's LinkedIn profile (www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kozak-5527a15b/), the Long-Term Athlete Development Model (www.canadiansportforlife.ca), and the International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on Youth Athletic Development (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), https://www.moxymonitor.com/,

#ChampionsBlueprint #sports #hockey #performance #movement #nutrition #biomechanics #exercise #EvolveLife #longtermdevelopment #youthathletics #exercisephysiology #mentors #podcast #moxy

In part 1 of this 2 part episode of Champion's Blueprint, host Nicky Kirk interviews Brian Kozak, a former hockey player from Ontario, Canada, who now resides in Austin, Texas and is currently the Director of Performance and Movement at Evolve Health and Performance (www.evolvehp.life). Brian is part of the leading edge team at Evolve, always pushing the envelope alongside his colleagues Aaron Davis and Patrick Estes. Evolve teaches the fundamentals of nutrition, biomechanics, and exercise to all of their clients. Prior to joining Evolve, Brian started skating as soon as he could and quickly became involved in the competitive hockey scene in Canada. He played all the way up through the ranks and had the opportunity to play for some of the best junior teams in the country. At the age of 20, Brian and his team won the national championship as the best junior 18 in Canada, cementing his legacy in the sport. He shares his experiences and memories of his time in the hockey system in Canada, and how it shaped him into the person he is today. Join Nicky and Brian as they discuss the champion's blueprint and what it takes to succeed in sports and life.

For more information, check out Brian Kozak's LinkedIn profile (www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kozak-5527a15b/), the Long-Term Athlete Development Model (www.canadiansportforlife.ca), and the International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on Youth Athletic Development (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Join host Nicky Kirk, as he sits down with John McGill, founder and owner of On Ice Rehab, in this episode of "Champion's Blueprint". John discusses his innovative approach to injury recovery for hockey players, including the development of skill-specific exercises and on-ice applications that maximize athletes' recovery potential. Drawing from his educational background and passion for the game of hockey, John shares

John can be contacted through his social media accounts where he posts useful insights https://www.instagram.com/on_icerehab_john_mcgill/?hl=en

John also references https://www.crashconditioning.com/, as a great resource for strength and conditioning and physical preparation.

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Resources

Luke is a sport chiropractor and running aficionado who has his practice Melbourne (Health High Performance). He and I discuss his journey from school, his mentors and his motivations on his way to building his own practice focused on serving the running community. Luke served and continues to serve on prominent steering committees involved in the dissemination and development of sports chiropractic. He can be found here https://www.instagram.com/sportschiroluke/ or https://www.healthhp.com.au and also teaches his running assessment class which can be located HERE

The First Episode of the Performance Pathways Podcast