Strength | Recovery | Performance

As a business owner and youth hockey coach, I find myself consistently striving to unlock high performance within my team. I set goals, pushed boundaries, and demanded a lot out of my team. But even on days I questioned if I went too far, I could never figure out why my actions left players craving more. After years of running a business, I always seemed to find that balance of being demanding but never demeaning and earning people’s respect as a boss and a coach. I came across the four feel-good chemicals our body naturally produces endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. By understanding how these chemicals work and how to trigger their release, you can create an environment that fosters productivity, engagement, and a sense of fulfillment.

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In today’s hockey world, coaches are constantly juggling between team practice and skills sessions. The lines between the two seem to be blurry as coaches bring out pylons and danglers during team practices, while players have access to individual skill coaches outside of team activities.

This raises an important question: are coaches misunderstanding the importance of team play in this new generation of highly skilled players? It seems that there may be a focus on individual skills rather than incorporating them into team strategies during practices.

As players progress into their teenage years and face tighter competition, passing and creating offensive opportunities become crucial, yet seem to suffer the most. So, what are the differences between a team practice and skills session, and how can coaches strike a balance between developing individual skills and fostering team dynamics?

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In today’s competitive landscape, the mental game has become an integral part of player performance. Mastering the ability to live in the present moment without getting bogged down by past errors or future worries, referred to as neutral thinking, can significantly enhance an athlete’s performance. This blog post explores the concept of neutral thinking and its pivotal role in improving sports performance. Let’s delve into how you can adopt this thinking style to maximize your sporting potential.

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Momentum is a powerful force that can make or break a team’s performance. As a coach, I have seen first-hand how a shift in momentum can completely change the outcome of a game. It can be exhilarating when your team is riding high on a wave of momentum, effortlessly executing plays and dominating the competition. However, it can also be frustrating when your team is struggling to find their footing and falling behind. But fear not, for in this post, we will discuss how to unleash your team’s full potential and secure a win through the power of momentum. So let’s dive in and learn how to harness this force for success.

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Every sports team experiences a losing streak at some point in their season. It’s a frustrating and demoralizing time for players, coaches, and fans alike. But what separates the great teams from the mediocre ones is their ability to bounce back and turn that losing streak into a winning streak. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable and inspiring stories of teams that went from zero to hero by overcoming a losing streak and going on to achieve great success. So let’s dive in and get ready to be motivated and inspired by these remarkable teams.

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One of the most common phrases heard in the world of sports is “practice like you play”. Coaches constantly emphasize the importance of giving your all during practice, so that when game time comes, you are fully prepared to perform at your best. But what exactly does this mean? Does it include incorporating body contact into team practices? Some may argue that physicality and hitting should be saved for games, but many professional athletes, including Kobe Bryant, believe that body contact should be a crucial part of the “practice like you play” strategy. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of including body contact in your team practices and why it is essential in developing a successful team.

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As hockey players, we all know the importance of having an active stick. It’s a fundamental skill that is taught from the very first day we step onto the ice. But have you ever truly unleashed the power of an active stick? Using the concept of “stick on puck”, where your stick is constantly in passing and shooting lanes, can truly change the game, especially when it comes to defending. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the impact an active stick can have on your defensive skills and how it can make a significant difference in your team’s overall performance. So let’s sharpen our blades and get ready to unleash our defensive skills with the power of an active stick!

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