How do you become a teacher that ensures the future success of your players? Today, class is in session with Ben Eaves, the strength & conditioning coach for the Cleveland Monsters. Ben is here to share experiences from his background as both an elite player and development coach for high performing athletes. Our conversation will focus on his position and role as a strength & conditioning coach, from the important aspects like connection and development to his philosophy of the game and how it shapes his coaching. Ben shows us how to start from the scoreboard and work backward, fusing it with his strength & conditioning for his players to succeed. We also take a lens to skill sessions, the non-negotiables, training difficult tangibles + intangibles, and even more. Tune in to learn from one of the best coaches, teachers, and professionals in the game! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introducing Ben Eaves, strength & conditioning and skill coach for the Cleveland Monsters! 02:30 What was the impact your family had on you personally + professionally? 07:10 The tasks of a development coach with the Cleveland Monsters. 13:20 What is your overarching philosophy as a strength coach? 18:15 Elements to look at for on and off ice developmental players. 24:50 Skill session walkthrough + non-negotiables. 34:20 Pattern recognition + mindset at a high performance level. 37:15 The difficulty of training stride mechanics. 41:15 How do you communicate results as a strength coach? 44:20 How to put together the ideal performance staff. 48:00 What is the biggest lesson for young practitioners? 49:55 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

What is the secret to assessing, training, and integrating technology with performance? Here to dive into the deep physiology of ice hockey is Brian Kozak, a respiratory & performance coach. Brian has dedicated decades to experimenting with cutting edge technology in pursuit of real time insights into each system’s limiters, compensators, and their implications for training, rehab, and recovery. Today, we have a fantastic conversation all about the technology and physiology behind high performance athletics. Brian shares his efficient training methods for utilization, delivery, breathing mechanics, and more. From measuring oxygen saturation to building capillary density, we’ll be discussing the best ways to train both body and mind. Tune in for an in depth lesson on the applied physiology of high performance hockey! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 What does Moxy technology show us? 00:08:00 How can we push players by using technology? 00:15:00 What is the physiology behind strides? 00:19:30 How to measure + read SmO2 and THb. 00:26:05 Tactics of training athletes in survival state. 00:35:00 Peripheral versus central adaptation. 00:44:05 How do you assess utilization or delivery? 00:53:35 The best way to build capillary density. 01:04:35 Methods for training delivery. 01:14:20 How do we teach proper breathing techniques? 01:21:40 How do you train the most important skill? RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Moxy Monitors - https://www.moxymonitor.com/   Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -  The High Performance Hockey Masterclass   Follow Brian on Instagram | @brian_t_kozak 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

If you’ve ever wondered how to approach coaching from an applied sports science POV, then you’re in the right place. Joining me on the podcast today is Dr. Josh Secomb, lecturer in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Newcastle, and strength & conditioning coach for Ice Hockey Australia National Men’s team! We’ll be deep diving into the world of applied sports science to discover how an elite-level coach maximizes + optimizes his research. We speak on Josh’s teachings, duties, and roles as a lecturer and strength & conditioning coach, analyzing his upcoming presentation titled Optimizing the Utilization of Research to Enhance Athlete Performance and the article he co-authored with Matt Kelly, Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes. We have a comprehensive discussion in-store to better understand the role of sports science researchers, applied sports science as a whole, and their relation to enhancing the game of high-performance athletes. Find out the steps to optimizing your research through the lens of sports science!   #DrJoshSecomb #AppliedSportsScience #HighPerformanceAthletes HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 Introducing Dr. Josh Secomb, lecturer in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Newcastle + strength & conditioning coach for Ice Hockey Australia National Men’s team! 00:05:35 Defining applied sports science, the roles of sports science researchers + the Texas sharpshooter fallacy. 00:16:35 How to teach critical thinking skills to young practitioners. 00:24:25 How did you get involved with Ice Hockey Australia and what are your current roles? 00:34:30 Check out the Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey + The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual! 00:35:20 Making research relevant to high-performing athletes. 00:41:10 Breaking down the four coactive elements from a coach’s POV. 00:47:30 What questions do you ask yourself when looking at other observational research? 00:55:00 What do you think is making hip injuries more prevalent in hockey players? 01:05:00 Simplifying FAI rehab for asymptomatic athletes. RESOURCES + LINKS Follow Josh on Twitter | @37seco Follow Josh on LinkedIn | Josh Secomb Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes by Matt Kelly and Josh Secomb The End of Average by Todd Rose   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  

How far has strength & conditioning gone in the past 20 years? Here with me today is Sean Skahan, owner of Skahan Sport Conditioning with 20+ years of high performance under his belt! We’ll speak about Sean’s 2 decades worth of experience within the NHL and the strength & conditioning landscape as a whole. Sean reflects on his journey, going from an elite college setting to now owning + running a sport conditioning company working with young athletes. We’ll discuss coaching changes in the strength & conditioning field, how he navigated major transitions, and the important lessons he gained during his time in the high performance sphere. If you’re curious how much high performance sports has evolved, then you’re in the right place. Join the conversation for 20+ years of learnings, lessons, and reflections!   HIGHLIGHTS 02:00 What led you to becoming an NHL strength coach? 08:35 Then versus now: Coaching changes in the strength & conditioning landscape. 14:05 Unpacking the human element in the high performance sphere. 23:50 What were your biggest mistakes + goals during your first few years? 26:25 Check out the High Performance Masterclass! 27:45 How did you handle new coaching changes + transitions over 20 years? 33:00 A BTS peek into owning and running a sport conditioning company. 44:35 Education within the private sector. 49:05 What advice would you share with young coaches? 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, You Will Learn: The impact of A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development on coaches. Expert advice for young practitioners and coaches. The deeper fundamentals behind strength & conditioning. How to build a coaching culture for long term growth.   Resources + Links: Follow Stu on Instagram | @fingermash Follow Jordan on Instagram | @jordanstrength Learn more at https://www.jordanstrength.com/   Check out ALTIS - https://altis.world/   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 a world full of noise, how can you find what really matters? Joining us once again is CEO of ALTIS, Stu McMillan, and Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Matt Jordan! This dynamic duo is back on the podcast to talk about their blog series, A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development, and the impact it had on younger and older coaches alike. We’ll dive into the different sections of the blog to gain a deeper understanding in the field of strength & conditioning. Through this insightful discussion, we’ll uncover the important fundamentals for all strength & conditioning coaches, including physiology, adaptation, personal leadership, periodization, and more. No matter if you’re just starting out, or a seasoned practitioner, tune in for an educational look into the world of strength coaching!   00:00:00 Welcome back to the podcast, Stu McMillan and Dr. Matt Jordan! 00:07:40 How did you two meet? 00:12:35 Who were your shared mentors, and why was that mentorship so important? 00:22:25 Check out the Gain, Go, Grow Manual for training intermediate to advanced players! 00:23:15 The beginnings of A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development blog series. 00:33:45 The fundamentals of physiology + adaptation for strength coaches. 00:38:50 Breaking down the three step process to focusing on what matters. 00:45:30 How have you built and managed your coaching culture? 00:53:50 The significance of learning to receive feedback as a coach. 00:59:05 What are the assumptions of periodization? 01:03:50 What are the biggest issues with the recent technology boom? 01:06:40 The future of the book + where to learn more.  

What does it take to build a sports performance department out of bare-bones? Our guest this week is Coach Doug Davidson. Doug is the Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, being with the organization since the team’s inaugural season in 2017-2018. We will explore the foundational work + early years of slowly building up a sports performance department, starting from the ground level. You’ll get a closer look at the organization’s decision making process for technology, integration, and beyond, all from a sports performance lens. We also discuss Doug’s background and mentors, what his time in the AHL taught him + how it affected his tenure in the NHL, and his cooperative approach to communication with his veteran athletes. Join in as we break down everything from the VGK performance culture to the practice versus post-game mindset and more! In This Episode, You Will Learn: Major lessons from time in the American Hockey League, and how that information transitioned to the National Hockey League. The important elements of successful communication, cooperation, and decision-making. The early days of building a sports performance department for a new expansion team. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Welcome to the podcast, Doug Davidson, the Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights! 01:45 What are your current responsibilities with the Vegas Golden Knights? 04:35 How did the experiences with your mentors shape you as a coach? 09:50 Major lessons from the American League + transitions into the National League. 15:40 The important elements of successful communication between athletes & coaches. 18:50 What are the foundations of building a sports performance department from ground level? 23:35 Check out the High Performance Hockey Masterclass! 24:55 How were additional hires integrated in the early years? 27:15 Breaking down the VGK performance model and culture. 30:40 How do your relationships bleed into decision making? 32:40 The three keys behind choosing technology. 36:35 How do you approach practice days versus post-games? 39:35 Balancing coaching and cooperation with veteran players. 42:10 What are the current gaps in holistic care from a performance standpoint? 47:05 What is coming up next for you? 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, You Will Learn: Differences between North America and the KHL in terms of culture, game play, structure, performance, and schedule. The current strength & conditioning scene in Europe compared to North America. Advice for young strength coaches considering going abroad. The importance of communication, consistency, and simplicity as a coach.   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   Show Notes: Ever wondered what high performance hockey looks like across the pond? Today, we are joined by Brandon Bovee, the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. Brandon is a 12 year strength & conditioning veteran who has coached all over Russia, from Moscow to the far east in Vladivostok. We have a fascinating conversation uncovering his unique journey from North America to the Eastern bloc + his experiences and formative years abroad. We’ll break down the key differences between North American leagues and the KHL, from culture, game play, structure, performance, and more. Brandon also shares his advice for coaches considering Europe, the importance of building trust in communication, and how he simplifies the process by filtering out the noise. Tune in to broaden your view of the high performance world on a whole new level! 00:00 Introducing a 12 year KHL veteran and the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ak Bars Kazan, Brandon Bovee! 01:35 How did you get from North America to the KHL? 08:05 Formative first years + building buy-in in a foreign country. 10:20 The North American high performance model versus the KHL high performance model. 13:50 Discover the key to training intermediate and advanced players with the Gain, Go, Grow Manual! 14:40 Breaking down KHL legacy, playing style, and schedule. 18:40 What does a typical week of a physical preparation coach look like? 20:15 Comparing the strength & conditioning scene + off season programs in the KHL. 22:05 Who have stood out as your mentors and peers while in Europe? 26:00 What advice would you give a young strength coach considering Europe? 30:00 What does the future hold for you? 32:15 How to focus on consistency and simplicity above the noise. 37:00 Asking ‘why’ to find the best path forward.  

Join Luke Chilcott, skating coach for the Dallas Stars, as he discusses textbook skating mechanics, coaching strategies for young versus professional players, and equipment modifications for optimal hockey performance. Learn about the importance of efficient skating, ideal body builds, and using video analysis to enhance skating skills.

In This Episode, You Will Learn: An in-depth exploration of the five phases of the return to sport clearance continuum. How to become a Swiss Army knife in the professional sports world. The current state of comprehensive athlete care + return to play.   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   Show Notes: How can you approach the return to sport clearance like a pro? Joining us today is Dr. Pete Draovitch, Athletic Performance Specialist and Associate Athletic Trainer of the Jacksonville Jaguars. His current role assists the medical staff and strength & conditioning staff to work closely with injured players in the rehabilitation programs. With his diverse background in professional sports, including golf, ice hockey, and football, Dr. Pete will teach us how to become a Swiss Army knife within the high performance sphere. We’ll also be deep diving into a 2022 article of his in order to break down the five phases of the return to sport clearance continuum, including debunking misconceptions and providing useful modalities to implement for return to play. Join us for a thorough and interesting conversation on the current state of comprehensive athlete care!   01:40 What was your background with the Rangers and what are your current duties in the NFL? 05:20 Becoming the Swiss Army knife of professional sports. 09:20 What first principles do you go by? 14:40 What tools + modalities do you utilize during the repair phase? 17:50 The High Performance Hockey Masterclass ad. 18:40 What goes into the rehab + recovery phase? 23:45 Why is the reconditioning phase the most misunderstood? 29:05 How to get baseline tests of the season + the most important metric for return to play. 33:20 Return to performance versus return to play. 37:45 Where is the pendulum swinging regarding comprehensive athlete care? 41:20 Expert advice for young practitioners. 42:55 How do you want to be remembered?  

In This Episode, You Will Learn: Measurement error and building conceptual models in applied settings. How to collect, analyze, and compute better information from both a sports science and a strength & conditioning perspective. The issue with reliability + validity in tests.  The fundamentals of assessing and calculating errors.   Resources + Links:   Measurement in Medicine by Henrica C. W. W. de Vet   Probably Overthinking It by Allen B. Downey   Analyzing Baseball Data with R by Jim Albert and Benjamin S. Baumer   Calling Bullshit by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West   Against the Gods by Peter L. Bernstein   The Lady Tasting Tea by David Salsburg   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   Show Notes: Is it possible to have data that is both reliable and valid? Today, we have an informative podcast all about measurement with special guests, Dr. Patrick Ward and Dr. Scot Morrison. Dr. Patrick Ward is the Director of Research and Analysis at the Seattle Seahawks and a Statistics Professor at Lehman College, with a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science. Dr. Scot Morrison is currently working as a Senior Sports Scientist in MLB and boasts a diverse career in sports medicine.   Our conversation focuses on measurement, error, and conceptual models in an applied real world setting. We’ll hear their expert answers to several important questions from a sports science lens: What are the logical fallacies regarding reliability & validity in tests? How can we successfully collect & analyze better information? What are the basic fundamentals we need to know? Join us for an incredible educational talk centered around measurement in high performance sports!   0:00:00 Introducing Dr. Patrick Ward and Dr. Scot Morrison, here to discuss everything related to measurement! 0:03:40 Unpacking bad data, measurement errors, and skewed models. 0:08:35 What kind of validity should we be looking for in data? 0:14:45 How to measure external load on a case by case basis. 0:18:15 The issue of measurement reliability. 0:24:25 How can we successfully compute credible probability through error? 0:28:45 Assessing metric errors from a strength & conditioning perspective. 0:34:00 Steps for operationalizing and applying data models throughout a season. 0:39:25 What are the fundamentals of calculating error & noise? 0:42:10 The High Performance Hockey Masterclass ad. 0:43:30 Identifying the difference between testing errors. 0:47:05 Which measurements have you thrown out due to noise?  0:53:00 The importance of conceptual framework in decision making. 1:00:55 What can we learn from conceptual framework? 1:03:30 How do you build models from a sports science lens? 1:08:10 Navigating the truth & lies of models in applied settings. 1:13:40 Knowing what you know now, what advice & resources would you give aspiring performance coaches?