shaunearl - Strength | Recovery | Performance

September 16, 2023September 16, 2023

No Parents, No Problem: How Finland’s Hockey Approach Sets a Positive Example

It’s no secret that the competitive spirit and high stakes of youth sports can lead to a toxic environment for young athletes, and parents are often at the heart of this problem. But in Finland, hockey is handled differently; parents are not allowed to watch their children play, breaking the cycle of toxicity that often surrounds youth sports. This approach is a prime example of how sports can be positive and beneficial for children without having to succumb to the pressure and drama of a competitive environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Finland’s hockey approach sets a positive example and how we can learn from it.

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023

From Slow and Steady to Swift and Nimble: Incorporating Agility Drills in Hockey Practice

Hockey is a sport that requires both speed and agility. While it is known for its power skating, many forget that agility drills are essential to players’ success on the ice. Agility drills help players to be quicker on their feet, allowing them to move around opponents with ease and score more goals. This blog post will explore how to incorporate agility drills into hockey practice, allowing players to become swift and nimble, and become more successful on the ice.

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023

Ice Time or Social Time: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Overnight Hockey Tournaments

For hockey teams, overnight tournaments can be a great way to develop team culture and build camaraderie. However, it is important for coaches and managers to consider the potential costs and weigh the pros and cons before committing to one. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of hockey tournaments that require an overnight stay and help you decide if they are worth the cost and effort.

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

Breaking the Myth: More Frequency = More Muscle Adaptation

Do you find yourself hitting the gym frequently and doing endless sets, in hopes that it will result in more muscle adaptation? You’re not alone. Many people believe that high frequency and quantity of sets will lead to a bigger and stronger physique. However, the truth is that a higher frequency of quality sets and lower reps are more effective for muscle adaptation. By understanding the relationship between frequency and muscle adaptation, you can use this knowledge to maximize your results. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the myth that more frequency leads to more muscle adaptation, and how to make the most of your workout sessions.

September 12, 2023September 13, 2023

Are Parents Wasting Money on Hockey Development?

In recent years, parents of hockey players have been pouring money into their children’s development, with private lessons, hockey academies, and personal trainers. But are all of these investments really necessary? Is money being wasted on hockey development, when the best way for players to truly develop their skills is to just play? In this blog post, we’ll explore the question of whether or not parents are wasting money on hockey development.

September 11, 2023September 10, 2023

Timing is Everything: Navigating the Age Window of NHL Draft Prospects

It’s every hockey player’s dream to one day hear their name called at the NHL Draft and have their dreams come true. But for many, navigating the age window is a daunting task. Knowing when and how to maximize your potential as a draft prospect within this window of time can make all the difference between making it to the big leagues or not. This blog post will discuss the importance of timing and how to make the most of the age window to ensure your dreams come true.

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

The Ugly Side of NHL Money Management

Most of us have heard the saying “money talks”, and when it comes to hockey money, it is no different. While many think that making the NHL means instant riches and glory, the reality is far from that. In fact, a large percentage of NHL players end up in financial difficulty after their career has ended. This blog post will delve into the ugly side of NHL money management, and examine how players can end up bankrupt despite their vast earnings.

September 9, 2023September 9, 2023

The Importance of Stopping at the Net: Developing Good Hockey Habits

Today, while watching my son on the ice, I saw a common problem with many hockey players, young and old. My son took a shot towards the net but instead of stopping at the net, he skated right past it. This simple mistake could be the difference between scoring and not scoring, and as such is a key component of good hockey performance. Learning to stop at the net is an essential habit for hockey players to develop, and this blog post will discuss why and how to develop this habit for improved performance.

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023

New Home, New Habits: Teaching Independence to Hockey Billets

Every summer, Hockey Billets are tasked with the responsibility of taking on young players and teaching them how to become more independent. This involves teaching them how to look after themselves in their new home, such as how to do laundry, dishes, and cleaning up. It is a huge responsibility that requires patience and understanding, but it is also an extremely rewarding experience for both the player and the Hockey Billet. In this blog post, I will discuss how to effectively teach independence to your Hockey Billet.

September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

Mastering Your Team’s Performance with a Strong Identity

Creating a team identity is the cornerstone of any successful sports team, especially when it comes to performance. It establishes a sense of unity and purpose among players, and sets the tone for the entire season. With an established team identity, coaches have the advantage of a unified goal and can craft practice plans and game strategies accordingly. Mastering your team’s performance starts with a strong team identity that players can rally around.