Hockey Training Podcast

I've been training for about 25 years and working with hockey players for about 15. I jotted down a few nuggets I've picked up that I think will help hockey players and parents.

I talk about the "hockey" program that made me slower as a teenager, why you're never too young or too old to start, the muscles most players never think to train, and the lesson I think matters most of all.

To train with me, visit HockeyTraining.com/programs

Strong ankles play a huge role in how well a hockey player skates, but they're often overlooked in training.

In this episode, I talk about why ankle strength matters, what muscle groups help create a strong and stable ankle, and which exercises players can use to improve skating power, edge control, and stability.

To train with us, visit HockeyTraining.com/programs

Breaking down why men's leaguers lose their first step as they get older, and why most guys are training in a way that won't actually fix it. The short answer comes down to fast-twitch muscle fibers (the ones responsible for explosive movement). As you age, they shrink and weaken faster than everything else. And the way most adults train, they're not doing much to slow that down. I also get into why Men's League Domination '26 was built the way it was, and how Coach Tim's Speed Accelerator system specifically targets the explosiveness that matters most on the ice.

Puck Panic is that instinct to get rid of the puck the second any pressure comes. And why it's the real reason so many players struggle to make reads and decisions in games.

When your hands are automatic, your brain is free to play.

Join the 7-Day Top-Hand Challenge: https://hockeytraining.com/tophand

The season's winding down and I know what a lot of parents are already thinking: spring hockey, development skates, summer camps. Before you start filling up the calendar, hear me out.

In this episode, I talk about what players should actually be doing when the season ends, and why the first move isn't more ice. I get into the injury side of things (what doctors are seeing in young hockey players right now is genuinely alarming), why guys like Celebrini, Bedard, and McDavid all spent their off-seasons on rollerblades and playing other sports, and where the real speed and power gains actually come from.

If you're a parent trying to figure out the right plan for this summer, or a player who wants to come back noticeably better next season, this one's for you.

When I told Scott and Jamie from the Crazy Hockey Dads podcast that I recommend just 10 minutes of stickhandling for kids, they looked at me like I was crazy.

Too short. Not enough work. Half of it is rest, for crying out loud.

But here's the thing: the best training is the training that actually gets done.

In this episode, I break down why shorter, focused sessions beat longer ones every time. We get into the psychology of habit-building, why kids can't focus for 30 minutes straight (and why we shouldn't ask them to), and how 10-minute sessions actually create momentum that leads to way more total training time.

I also explain what I'm really doing during those "rest periods" and why they're secretly some of the most valuable coaching moments for building hockey IQ.

If you've ever struggled to get your kid to stick with at-home training, or if you're wondering whether these short sessions can actually make a difference, this one's for you.

Takeaways:

• Why the best training is the training players will actually do
• How 10-minute sessions build consistency better than longer workouts
• The psychological advantage of "stacking" multiple short sessions
• Why rest periods are undercover Hockey IQ development
• How to make training feel fun instead of tedious
• What 10 minutes a day actually adds up to over a season

Most hockey goals fail because they're too vague, too big, or have zero accountability built in.

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to set goals that actually stick. The kind that turn into real results on the ice. We'll cover why specificity is everything, why starting small is the secret most players miss, and how to build accountability so you don't just set goals and forget them.

I also get into something called the fresh start effect and why right now might be the perfect time to lock in and finally make it happen.

Takeaways:

-The fresh start effect can boost motivation for goal setting. -Vague goals often lead to failure; specificity is key. -Process-based goals are more effective than general goals. -Focusing on one habit at a time creates momentum. -Starting small makes it easier to build habits. -Accountability increases the likelihood of achieving goals. -Tracking progress helps in assessing improvement. -Involving trusted individuals can enhance accountability. -It's important to set realistic goals for success. -Utilizing coaching resources can provide additional support.

Angie Asche, a board-certified dietitian, discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes, addressing common misconceptions about macronutrients, the impact of misinformation on social media, and the significance of proper meal planning and hydration. She emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs based on their training phases and recovery from injuries, while also highlighting foundational habits for young athletes to ensure optimal performance. In this conversation, Angie Asche discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes, particularly hockey players. She emphasizes the need for a balanced diet, the role of supplements, and the significance of hydration and electrolytes. Angie also addresses the challenges of maintaining good nutrition while managing sleep schedules and offers insights on instilling healthy eating habits in children.

Our new Off-Season Domination '25 is now live! Get it at HockeyTraining.com

Melissa Samoskevich, a former professional women's hockey player and current assistant coach for a new Division I program, shares her journey in hockey. She discusses her early training, the transition from youth to college hockey, and the importance of character and leadership in recruiting players. Melissa also reflects on her family's influence in her career and the development process in women's hockey, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the sport.

Get ready to unlock explosive speed, agility, and hockey-specific strength. Our newest 2025 training programs are now live here: https://hockeytraining.com/programs Takeaways

-Melissa started training off the ice at a young age.

-Confidence gained from training is crucial for athletes.

-The transition to college hockey is a significant challenge.

-Building a new program requires careful talent evaluation.

-Character and teamwork are essential in recruitment.

-Leadership qualities develop naturally over time.

-Physical development is a key focus in player recruitment.

-Family support plays a vital role in athletic success.

-Development in women's hockey often occurs during college years.

-Melissa is excited about the future of her new program.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Melissa Samoskevich 01:14 Early Training and Development in Hockey 04:57 Transitioning from U18 to College Hockey 09:07 Building a New Division I Program 11:49 Evaluating Talent and Character in Players 13:11 Fostering Leadership Qualities in Players 16:16 Balancing Physical Development in Women's Hockey 20:23 Family Legacy and Support in Hockey 23:18 Sibling Dynamics and Learning in Sports 26:47 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Brenna Dardar, a registered dietitian, discusses the importance of nutrition for hockey players, focusing on weight management, body composition, and the role of carbohydrates and protein in performance. She emphasizes the need for hockey players to understand their individual nutritional needs, the significance of gut health, and the impact of nutrition on overall performance metrics. The conversation also covers game-day nutrition strategies and post-game recovery, highlighting the importance of timing and food choices for optimal athletic performance.

Get in touch with Brenna and Nutrition With Wendi: https://www.nutritionwithwendi.com/

Off-Season Domination '25 is Almost Here! Get ready to unlock explosive speed, agility, and hockey-specific strength. The new program drops April 6th—don't miss out!

Find it here: https://hockeytraining.com/programs/