Want a deeper understanding of a coach's approach to training high performing, professional athletes in the private sector? We've got the right guy. In today’s episode, I speak with Curt Truhe, the Director of Performance for Excel Sports Management. Curt has over 13 years of experience training athletes across multiple professional sports leagues – including NHL, NFL, MLB, PGA, and more. We dig into everything you need to know about developing and working with elite athletes at the highest level. Curt shares his advice for young coaches, the skills & qualities that separate a good coach from a great coach, and foundational measurements he looks out for. Tune in to discover how to ignore the noise and move the needle forward for your athletes.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 My top recommended books & their biggest takeaways.

04:10 What did your path as a young coach in the private sector look like?

08:40 How do you develop elite athletes at Excel Sports Management?

16:50 Which metrics & measurements did you value the most?

22:40 How to test health and performance in athletes.

28:50 The right and the wrong way to use data.

34:05 Where is the pendulum swinging in the performance landscape?

39:15 Advice for young coaches who want to work with professional athletes.

46:05 What qualities do you admire for a coach on your staff?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Force by Dan Cleather on Amazon HERE

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Curt on Instagram | @curt_truhe

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

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Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

What were the biggest lessons I learned over the past year? Today’s episode is a reflection and contemplation of 2024. It’s now the second year of the HPH podcast, so let’s take the opportunity to look back on what has been a year full of growth – both personally and professionally. I share my favorite nuggets of wisdom from previous guests of the podcast, including some of the most impactful quotes that have stuck with me. I also highlight practical advice for coaches, young or seasoned, who are looking to grow the game in 2025 and beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 2024: A year of reflection and contemplation.

01:40 My biggest teaching lessons from coaching a U10 team. 

08:10 How to find what you’re looking for & fix what you need to fix.

11:30 Where do measurement errors come from?

15:50 A cooperative approach to communication with advanced players.

17:25 How do you become a good coach?

20:50 My 2024 must-read books.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out my 2024 recommended books -

The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov

Force by Dan Cleather

The Little Black Book of Training Wisdom by Dan Cleather

Strength Training for Hockey by NCSA, edited by Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

What does a lifetime pursuit of high performance look like? Today’s guest is the President of Strength Tek Fitness and Wellness, Lorne Goldenberg. As a strength & conditioning OG, Lorne brings extensive experience in high performance sports and has worked with thousands of pro hockey stars over the years. We dive into his career high points, including his early days in the NHL during the 80’s and 90’s and how the landscape has changed in present-day. We also explore his aerobic training concepts and methods, pendulum swings in technology and coaching, and the fundamentals for driving your players forward. Tune in for a fantastic conversation all about strength and performance, backed by over 40 years of experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What advanced training methods do you use for your athletes with large training ages?

04:00 The early days as an NHL head strength & conditioning coach.

10:20 What qualities did you admire most in your mentors?

13:55 What did you value the most as a young coach?

18:45 The main concepts of Lorne’s aerobic training article. 

25:05 Methods for working the aerobic system.

27:30 Pendulum swings in the technology landscape.

33:45 What is the metric burger?

35:24 How can high performance coaching improve?

38:00 Fundamentals for young strength & conditioning coaches.

40:15 Advice for parents and young athletes.

43:55 How do you want to be remembered?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

We’re answering an important question all coaches ask: How can we leave our profession in a better place? Today’s guest is a friend and mentor of mine, Mike Robertson. Mike is the Founder and President of Robertson Training Systems with over 20 years of coaching experience. In this episode, we talk extensively about coaching in the private sector. Mike shares the biggest changes and mistakes young coaches can make, as well as unpack his current business model and training philosophy. From step by step training systems to technology, we discuss everything aspiring coaches need to know to sustain a level of high quality for their athletes.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 How does in-season programming change from a philosophy standpoint?

06:00 Where did you get your start with coaching?

10:30 How to teach work ethic and curiosity to the next generation of coaches.

15:40 What steps are young coaches skipping?

18:35 How has your business model changed?

23:00 The secret ingredient to sustain quality in your business.

29:00 The current landscape of coaching burnout.

32:30 What is the R7 training system?

35:50 How to efficiently on-board clients in the private sector.

40:30 The most valuable technology from a coaching perspective.

45:00 What metrics do you look for and why?

48:45 How to fuse skill with weight touches.

52:00 What are the best resources for coaches?

55:10 How do you want to be remembered in our field?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Become an elite level coach at https://robertsontrainingsystems.com/

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

Get ready to level up your strength training know-how for high performance hockey! Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel return to the podcast to discuss Strength Training for Hockey, an important resource for hockey players and coaches alike. We’ll dive into the core aspects of the book, who it’s for, and the gap it fills in the ice hockey performance world. As we go, our guests share advice for young strength coaches to get ahead of the game and equip themselves with higher knowledge of strength training. Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the most invaluable resources for high performing athletes and coaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Introducing Strength Training for Hockey with Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel.

03:50 What led to you getting involved with the book?

07:20 How young strength coaches can get more opportunities in the field.

14:55 Strength training for hockey versus other sports.

19:10 What was the BTS process for choosing contributors for the book?

22:15 What are the main lessons and takeaways of the book?

26:20 Foundational principles for designing a training program.

34:10 What have been the biggest changes in sports performance?

40:35 The future of high performance hockey.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Strength Training for Hockey on Amazon

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

As coaches, how can we instill our team with one of the most important skills in the game: hockey IQ? Joining us today is Troy Smith, the owner of Hockey IQ – an outstanding, elite video breakdown resource for hockey players and coaches alike. Our conversation is all about hockey IQ + how we can teach and improve it. We’ll dive deep into the X’s and O’s of the game, breaking down game patterns and principles with Troy’s expert eye. Whether you’re training the next generation of athletes or working with professionals at the NHL-level, this episode will equip you with the knowledge they need to play at their smartest.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 How do you write better programs as a young coach?

04:35 Who were the mentors + influences that shaped you?

10:55 The difficulties of transitioning from player to coach.

15:25 How to develop your craft as a young coach.

18:00 How do you navigate a hard tragedy?

21:30 Strategies for teaching + improving hockey IQ.

25:35 Breaking down game patterns and principles.

34:00 How to teach D-Zone skills to young + pro players.

39:35 What are basic concepts for the neutral zone?

45:15 The NHL-level patterns of the O-Zone.

47:45 How to utilize shared terminology with your team.

49:50 What is your vision with Hockey IQ?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Hockey IQ - https://www.hockeyiq.ca

Follow Hockey IQ on Instagram | @hockeyiqcan

For questions and more info, just Email - [email protected]

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

What is the best way to set up the next generation of high performing athletes for success? Joining me today is Mark Fitzgerald, head coach for Kelowna High Performance + founder of Elite Training Systems in Ontario, who has spent the last 15 years working with athletes from a variety of sports at every level. We have an educational hour diving into long-term athletic development for youth hockey. We’ll unpack everything there is about coaching young hockey players, from the pitfalls of the “more is better” mentality to the current state of affairs and its future. Mark also shares his game plan for developing athletes, building team culture, and training for sustainable success on and off the ice. Whether you’re a coach or a parent, you’ll gain key information to best support your young athlete!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00:00 Youth development: long-term process over short-term success.

00:04:00 How did you step into your current appointment?

00:11:35 How to build culture + relationships in a new position.

00:21:00 Building team culture then versus now.

00:28:50 How do you build trust with your athletes?

00:33:05 Reframing the “more is better” mentality in youth hockey.

00:45:45 The common pitfalls of coaching youth hockey.

00:52:30 How do you teach + train for long-term success?

00:59:45 The most consistent way to get results.

01:05:20 How can we make youth hockey better?

01:10:00 What advice would you give to young coaches?

01:17:50 The key to balance work, life, and relationships.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

What is the secret formula for building a high performing team? This week’s special guest is Steve Spott, the Assistant Coach of the Dallas Stars. During his three years in Dallas, Steve has guided the club to back-to-back Western Conference final appearances over the past two seasons. Today, we’re diving into lessons from the coaches corner to talk life, hockey, coaching, and more. We’ll unpack the X’s and O’s of the game to see how they’ve evolved and what it takes to coach elite players towards victory. Steve also shares his advice to young practitioners + players, giving tips on achieving work-life balance and building a good team both on and off the ice. Let’s go behind the bench to discover how an elite coach takes his team to the next level!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Why is everyone scared of developing optimized skating technique?

05:30 The transition from player to full-time coach.

11:30 What mentors changed the way you viewed the game?

14:05 How have the X’s and O’s of the game changed?

18:00 Advice for pre-scouting + teaching elite players.

24:50 What are the hallmarks of a good team on and off ice?

30:30 The key to balancing work and life during a busy season.

34:15 How has sports science evolved since you’ve been a coach?

37:25 How do you communicate sports performance?

41:30 What advice would you give to young coaches + players?

45:45 What do you want your legacy to be?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

Let's talk about the global growth of Hockey. Hassan Saeed is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for CSKA Moscow in the KHL, Russia's top professional hockey league. With over 12 years of experience working in the Russian hockey system, Hassan provides a unique perspective on the cultural differences, training methodologies, and coaching philosophies between North America and Europe. In this episode, we dive into Hassan’s transition from Canada to Russia as a strength coach, managing language barriers, and working collaboratively with European hockey coaches who have their own established training models. Listen in for this fascinating look at the global growth and evolution of hockey development.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What mentors shaped your career?

07:45 How Barry Brennan connected Hassan to his first job opportunity in Russia.

10:00 The cultural and language shock of transitioning from Canada to Russia.

13:00 Differences in training methodologies and athlete preparation between North America and Russia.

18:30 How has the role of data analytics and sports science evolved in the KHL over the past 4-5 years?

22:30 Similarities in day-to-day in-season training approaches between the KHL and North America.

25:00 How did you build a positive team culture and rapport with players by learning the Russian language?

31:15 The importance of distinguishing between "interesting" and "important" data metrics.

32:00 The legendary status and influence of Anatoli Tarasov, the "father of Russian hockey."

36:15 What advice would you give North American coaches looking to gain experience in the KHL?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

What are some of the biggest lessons we learn while in pursuit of high performance excellence? Today’s special guest is a good friend of mine, Andrew Hauser, who has worked in a variety of roles in the past 14 years as an Athletic Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach, before switching to the private setting with Continuum Performance. In this episode, we’ll dive into his years of experience, including the main takeaways from his most recent role as the Director of Performance Rehab for the LA Dodgers. He’ll share advice for putting together a high performance team, tips for integration and communication, as well as building gradual changes within a team. Then, we switch gears to discuss the pros and cons of the private sector + pendulum swings in comprehensive care and what we can do better as coaches for our athletes. Whether you’re in the professional or private sphere, you’ll gain new insight into high development and high performance!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00:00 Meet the Swiss Army knife of professional and private sectors, Andrew Hauser.

00:02:45 Why did you choose performance psychology as your Masters?

00:05:20 Main takeaways from studying elite performance psychology.

00:12:55 What were your duties with the Dodgers?

00:15:00 How to integrate + put together a high performance team.

00:23:10 How do you build changes within a team?

00:27:10 The pros and cons of the private sector.

00:32:50 How to leverage your role and network.

00:36:45 What is your process for treatment assessments?

00:45:05 What metrics do you look at on the plate?

00:50:00 A new way to monitor athletes, curves, + outliers.

00:56:15 Where is the pendulum swinging in comprehensive care?

01:00:35 What qualities of the high performance sector need to expand?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more about Andrew - https://www.continuumhp.com

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Muller

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players