The High Performance Hockey Podcast

Your mind is one of your greatest assets as an athlete. This week, I sit down with Ben Fanelli, the Founder of Heroic Minds, a brand new self-help tool right at your fingertips. Following a major injury in his early game career that changed the trajectory of his life, Ben has shifted to the world of psychotherapy for high performance players. We speak about the surprising gifts of injury he gained from his incident and the powerful lesson of finding meaning in suffering. We also dig into the mental side of the game–how to balance the physical and mental prepwork, the peaks and valleys all athletes experience in their careers, and learning to be one with the journey.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introducing the Founder of Heroic Minds, Ben Fanelli! 01:10 How did the incident in your early game career impact your life? 05:30 What are some of the gifts of injury? 11:25 How to reframe challenges into growth. 14:25 Why is "more" not actually better? 22:20 Ways athletes can balance the mental side of the game. 25:20 How Heroic Minds helps players with mental & physical prepwork. 30:15 How to combat comparison on social media. 36:20 What to expect from the Heroic Minds app.   RESOURCES + LINKS Download the Heroic Minds app HERE 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

Are you ready for the off-season? Today, I sit down for a solo episode where I go over some recent lessons I've learned & updates we've made to our program as we move into summer. I also highlight some frequently asked intern questions and dive into details about my new lecture series, Jump Training for Ice Hockey: A Complimentary Approach—who it's for and why it's important. From integral takeaways for young strength & conditioning coaches to deficient-based vs. performance-based models in the private sector, this conversation covers everything coaches need to prepare for their athletes for the off-season.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The changes we've made to our summer programming model. 04:05 What should coaches be focusing on? 06:00 Mobility patterns for advanced-based athletes. 11:10 What are the qualities of a great strength & conditioning coach? 16:00 The differences in programming in the private sector. 19:45 What do all young coaches need to read? 21:30 A quick look at my new lecture series, Jump Training for Ice Hockey.   RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Jump Training for Ice Hockey | A Complimentary Approach 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 player development look like at the top levels of play? Today's guest is Dallas Stars Skill Coach, Stan Tugolukov, who works closely with players in skill development and individual on-ice post-injury conditioning roles. We speak about everything a skill coach needs to know, from game patterns to player development and designing skill sessions for both the high performance and youth levels. Stan shares his fundamentals for development at younger ages (6-8, 8-10, 10-12), and the must-have skillwork to set up your young athletes for future success. We also explore the differences in the game now versus then, layering skill packages for elite performers, return to play and off-season drills and reps, and more.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Stan Tugolukov, the Dallas Stars Skill Coach! 01:35 How did you get involved in the game back in Russia, and who were your mentors? 05:35 The differences between American youth players and Russian youth players. 12:05 What are your duties as a skill coach with the Dallas Stars? 17:25 Stan's player development philosophy fundamentals. 21:40 How do you choose drills and patterns to focus on, for non-injured players? 25:45 Designing return to play and off-season skill sessions. 32:50 How to approach skill development in pro players versus youth athletes. 38:05 The important skills for developing young athletes (U8-U12). 43:10 How has the game and hockey IQ evolved, then versus now? 47:40 How to layer skill packages for your elite players. 50:50 Advice for young skill coaches who want to work in high-end hockey. 53:40 How do you want to be remembered in the game?   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 does the day to day of a high performance skill coach look like? Joining me once again is Troy Smith, the owner of Hockey IQ! With his extensive experience as a player and a coach at both the amateur and professional levels, he's sharing his must-haves for coaches to take their players to the elite level. Our conversation will cover everything you need to know about the life of a skill coach, including Troy's approach to skill training, his recommended do's and don'ts for the off-season, the secret to training processing speed in your athletes, and more. We go over how to handle communication not only with your athletes, but with staff members, as well as Troy's take on the software of the game that got his community talking. We also take a lens to the current NHL playoffs, our first impressions, and the style of play we're seeing—most of all, what it'll take to get to the third round.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Welcome back to the podcast, Troy Smith, owner of Hockey IQ! 01:40 How has Hockey IQ evolved as a business? 04:15 What are your must-have fundamentals for players? 09:35 How to communicate with your athletes as a skill coach. 13:05 The do's and don'ts of off-season training. 20:30 What is the best way to coach younger vs. older players? 24:20 How do you approach the software of the game? 28:05 The best tool to train processing speed. 32:45 The top three athletes to watch for elite processing speed. 36:05 What are your biggest takeaways from the playoffs so far? 41:35 What it'll take to make it to the third round of the playoffs.   RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Hockey IQ on YouTube | HockeyIQca Follow Hockey IQ on Instagram | @hockeyiqcan 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 geek out on everything from stride mechanics to off-ice training strategies. In this episode, I sit down with Joel Becker, lead performance coach of GameChangers. Joel brings an incredible background from speed skating and hockey. We break down the nuanced world of speed development, discussing how understanding force application, time, and direction can transform an athlete's performance. Joel shares some killer insights on off-ice imitation exercises that'll revolutionize how strength coaches approach hockey training - think deep, uncomfortable isometric holds that build incredible hip and leg strength. We explore game speed, hockey IQ, and the subtle art of translating linear speed into on-ice performance. If you're a coach looking to understand the intricate details of skating mechanics and athlete development, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Trust me, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately with your athletes. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Joel Becker, expert in the world of skating and hockey biomechanics. 01:45 How can lessons from speed skating biomechanics improve your hockey game?  03:45 Hockey Stride and Biomechanics. 09:30 The importance of foot strike and how it affects skating technique and speed. 28:00 Off-Ice Training and Pattern Specific Work. 28:15 How do you elevate your game speed and hockey IQ simultaneously? 34:30 Joel's integrated training model, including off-ice exercises and on-ice work. 37:18 Off-Ice Imitation Exercises. 51:00 Ankle Mobility and Skating. 55:45 Where can we connect with you and learn more?   RESOURCES + LINKS The ABC of skating imitation exercises,  Game Changers Training, 15 Minute Off-Skates Dryland Workout, Plyometric Workout 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 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 | [email protected] 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