The High Performance Hockey Podcast

As we wrap up the season, it’s time we highlight the importance of programming. Today, I unpack the 3-day rollover programming — AKA, the Gain, Go, and Grow model — we use at Donskov Conditioning to train and prepare our athletes. I’ll walk through the main pillars and foundational principles of the model, what to expect from the program, and how it benefits hockey players of all demographics (young or advanced levels). Most of all, I share how we instill important skills all athletes need to keep evolving and produce results when game day comes.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 What I tell my young athletes for off season training. 03:55 The origin + main pillars of the Gain, Go, and Grow model. 06:55 Who is the rollover program for? 09:10 What to expect from the 3-day program. 14:05 How the Gain, Go, and Grow model benefits the athletes.   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

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mal McHugh, a legend in sports science, to dive deep into the world of metrics and performance. We're talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly of measuring athletes – from force plates to jump profiles. Dr. McHugh breaks down why not all metrics are created equal, and how teams can actually use data to prevent injuries and understand player performance. We'll explore everything from how young hockey players should tie their skates to the complex world of tracking an athlete's physical decline. Trust me, you'll walk away with a whole new perspective on sports science and how data can (and can't) tell the full story of an athlete's potential.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Skate lacing for young players. 02:00 Meet Dr. Mal McHugh, sports medicine researcher and Director of Research at NISMAT. 04:30 Problems with the current hyper-focus on metrics without proper context. 06:00 What is the importance of defining problems and validation? 14:45 How to simplify complex systems (and stop measuring “trees” without understanding the “forest”). 29:15 Counter movement jumps and force plate analysis. 41:45 The importance of impulse and rate of force development in assessing athletes' performance. 48:00 Addressing specific injuries and preventing recurrent injuries. 01:03:00 How to use metrics to assess athletes' physical attributes, effort, stress, and recovery.   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

Today I’m joined by Dr. Alicia Naser, a board-certified behavior analyst who's revolutionizing mental performance in hockey. She's not your typical sports psychologist - she uses applied behavioral analysis to help NHL players optimize their game, focusing on everything from confidence to self-talk. We dive into how environment shapes behavior, the importance of mental resilience, and why understanding your own psychological patterns can be a game-changer. If you want to learn how top athletes build mental toughness, trust me, you're going to want to hear what Dr. Naser has to say - she breaks down complex psychological concepts in a way that'll have you rethinking how you approach challenges both on and off the ice.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Dr. Alicia Nasser  06:30 Dr. Naser’s shift from working with neurodevelopmental disabilities to professional athletes. 08:45 What are differences between ABA and traditional Mental Skills Coaches?  11:15 The impact of environment on athlete performance. 15:00 What can we do to build mental resilience in young athletes? 24:30 Common reasons players seek help. 28:30 What is the typical process athletes should expect working with you? 32:00 The importance of providing the brain with proof of past achievements. 41:15 What is the impact you’re seeing social media is having on athletes? 42:00 The path to creating long-term success and maintaining behavioral changes. 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 Follow Dr. Alicia: https://linktr.ee/alicianaser 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

It’s one thing to bring out the full potential of your athletes, but another thing to develop that potential for future success. Our guest today is Will Morlock, Director of Hockey Performance from Michigan State University, where his primary role has been training the hockey program since he joined the Athletic Performance staff in 2022. We go in-depth about developing collegiate hockey players, and what it takes to maximize athletic development in an applied sports science setting. Will walks us through his people-first approach to coaching — how he builds team culture, amplifies adaptations through specialized training methods, develops microcycles during the in season, and more.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Which methods do I use within the Gain, Go, Grow model? 04:05 How do you utilize applied sports science with your collegiate players? 06:40 What to prioritize when building culture in a college setting. 09:40 How do you approach management versus development in high performance hockey? 13:25 The most important force plate measurements to look for. 16:40 How to make informed decisions using numbers. 18:15 The coaching philosophy that maximizes athletic development. 24:50 When and how to fit technology into your schedule. 29:00 Which methods do you use to amplify adaptations? 31:35 What are your tried-and-true methods? 34:05 Unpacking the current pendulum swing in high performance hockey.   RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -  The High Performance Hockey Masterclass Contact Will via email | morlockw@msu.edu 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

In order to be an Olympic level coach, you need the right methods to back you up. In this episode, I sit down with the man, the myth, the mad scientist Cal Dietz, Head Olympic Strength Coach of the University of Minnesota. He walks us through his triphasic training method, including the foundational principles he uses to turn on, train, and transfer the system. We unpack the pros and cons of free thinking versus thinking inside the box before deep diving into the physiology behind Cal’s go-to drills & exercises. Tune in for an educational hour unpacking elite tools & methods young strength coaches can rely on to correct patterns, drive results, and increase capacity in their athletes.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 What is on my reading list? 00:03:25 What are the foundations of triphasic training? 00:10:50 The importance of knowing how to think inside the box. 00:19:25 How to use exercises and patterns to test your programs. 00:27:50 What is the RPR system and how do you use it? 00:33:40 How RPR fixes patterns, even in elite athletes. 00:42:10 What are the three main foundations you address with RPR? 00:46:35 The magic & physiology behind the Olympic goat drill. 00:55:40 How do you use the supramaximal method to drive results? 01:05:05 Understanding the physiology of supramax loading phases. 01:09:00 Methods for fast-twitch capacity sequencing. 01:15:40 How to build programs that complement strength training. 01:23:20 Why placement of the foot is essential for transfer. 01:29:55 Which methods do you gravitate the most towards? 01:35:20 How do you want to be remembered?   RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Anthony’s reading list -  Triphasic Training by Cal Deitz Belfry Hockey by Darryl Belfry How to Make the World Add Up by Tim Harford Subscribe to Cal’s YouTube channel | https://www.youtube.com/@CalvinDietz 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 do young coaches need to know about working with high performing athletes in the private versus college sectors? In today’s episode, I sit down with Rob Dombrowski, the Director of Hockey Performance at Sacred Heart University. Prior to working in the college sector, Rob served at Prentiss Hockey Performance as a Director of Performance for nine years. Our conversation covers his unique experiences in both the private sector developing pro athletes & in the collegiate sector with the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. We also unpack his programming philosophy, the main life lessons that shaped his coaching skills, and the go-to methods he uses to drive performance forward.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How do you program jump training for hockey players? 02:45 Introducing Rob Dombrowski, the Director of Hockey Performance at Sacred Heart University. 04:55 What were your duties and responsibilities while working in the private sector? 08:55 How did you form your programming philosophy? 12:20 Unpacking Rob’s programming for hip health & hip injury prevention. 18:35 The main life lessons from working in the private sector. 26:10 How are you currently developing your performance-based model? 29:15 How to cultivate an ideal environment for growth right off the bat. 33:25 What values do you look for in technology and in testing? 40:50 The biggest ‘a-ha’ moments while using Catapult. 44:20 Programming differences for upperclassmen versus underclassmen. 47:05 What are your tried and true methods that haven’t changed? 50:50 How have you changed your methods to drive performance? 58:15 What are we doing well, and what needs to change?   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

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 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 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