When I told Scott and Jamie from the Crazy Hockey Dads podcast that I recommend just 10 minutes of stickhandling for kids, they looked at me like I was crazy.

Too short. Not enough work. Half of it is rest, for crying out loud.

But here's the thing: the best training is the training that actually gets done.

In this episode, I break down why shorter, focused sessions beat longer ones every time. We get into the psychology of habit-building, why kids can't focus for 30 minutes straight (and why we shouldn't ask them to), and how 10-minute sessions actually create momentum that leads to way more total training time.

I also explain what I'm really doing during those "rest periods" and why they're secretly some of the most valuable coaching moments for building hockey IQ.

If you've ever struggled to get your kid to stick with at-home training, or if you're wondering whether these short sessions can actually make a difference, this one's for you.

Takeaways:

• Why the best training is the training players will actually do
• How 10-minute sessions build consistency better than longer workouts
• The psychological advantage of "stacking" multiple short sessions
• Why rest periods are undercover Hockey IQ development
• How to make training feel fun instead of tedious
• What 10 minutes a day actually adds up to over a season

Most hockey goals fail because they're too vague, too big, or have zero accountability built in.

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to set goals that actually stick. The kind that turn into real results on the ice. We'll cover why specificity is everything, why starting small is the secret most players miss, and how to build accountability so you don't just set goals and forget them.

I also get into something called the fresh start effect and why right now might be the perfect time to lock in and finally make it happen.

Takeaways:

-The fresh start effect can boost motivation for goal setting.
-Vague goals often lead to failure; specificity is key.
-Process-based goals are more effective than general goals.
-Focusing on one habit at a time creates momentum.
-Starting small makes it easier to build habits.
-Accountability increases the likelihood of achieving goals.
-Tracking progress helps in assessing improvement.
-Involving trusted individuals can enhance accountability.
-It's important to set realistic goals for success.
-Utilizing coaching resources can provide additional support.

Angie Asche, a board-certified dietitian, discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes, addressing common misconceptions about macronutrients, the impact of misinformation on social media, and the significance of proper meal planning and hydration. She emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs based on their training phases and recovery from injuries, while also highlighting foundational habits for young athletes to ensure optimal performance. In this conversation, Angie Asche discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes, particularly hockey players. She emphasizes the need for a balanced diet, the role of supplements, and the significance of hydration and electrolytes. Angie also addresses the challenges of maintaining good nutrition while managing sleep schedules and offers insights on instilling healthy eating habits in children.

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Melissa Samoskevich, a former professional women's hockey player and current assistant coach for a new Division I program, shares her journey in hockey. She discusses her early training, the transition from youth to college hockey, and the importance of character and leadership in recruiting players. Melissa also reflects on her family's influence in her career and the development process in women's hockey, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the sport.

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Takeaways

-Melissa started training off the ice at a young age.

-Confidence gained from training is crucial for athletes.

-The transition to college hockey is a significant challenge.

-Building a new program requires careful talent evaluation.

-Character and teamwork are essential in recruitment.

-Leadership qualities develop naturally over time.

-Physical development is a key focus in player recruitment.

-Family support plays a vital role in athletic success.

-Development in women's hockey often occurs during college years.

-Melissa is excited about the future of her new program.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Melissa Samoskevich
01:14 Early Training and Development in Hockey
04:57 Transitioning from U18 to College Hockey
09:07 Building a New Division I Program
11:49 Evaluating Talent and Character in Players
13:11 Fostering Leadership Qualities in Players
16:16 Balancing Physical Development in Women's Hockey
20:23 Family Legacy and Support in Hockey
23:18 Sibling Dynamics and Learning in Sports
26:47 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Brenna Dardar, a registered dietitian, discusses the importance of nutrition for hockey players, focusing on weight management, body composition, and the role of carbohydrates and protein in performance. She emphasizes the need for hockey players to understand their individual nutritional needs, the significance of gut health, and the impact of nutrition on overall performance metrics. The conversation also covers game-day nutrition strategies and post-game recovery, highlighting the importance of timing and food choices for optimal athletic performance.

Get in touch with Brenna and Nutrition With Wendi: https://www.nutritionwithwendi.com/

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Josh Levine discusses the various challenges facing youth hockey, including scheduling inconsistencies, locker room issues, rising costs, and the importance of multi-sport participation. He emphasizes the need for better scheduling practices, the impact of overtraining, and the significance of foundational skills in young athletes. Levine advocates for gamifying skill development to enhance engagement and learning among younger players, while also addressing the misconceptions parents have about athletic development.

Connect with Josh Levine:

📩 Contact: The Fortis Academy
📸 Instagram: @thefortisacademy
🔗 LinkedIn: Josh Levine

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Physiotherapist and biomechanist Matt Kelly discusses the complexities of hip and groin pain in hockey players. He breaks down the anatomy of the hip joint into five layers, explaining how each layer contributes to common injuries seen in athletes. Matt emphasizes the importance of assessing hip pain through a layered approach, considering factors above and below the hip joint. He also shares insights on lifestyle behaviors, strength training strategies for young athletes, and the significance of movement competency. The conversation further explores hip strength ratios, alternative testing methods, and the impact of asymmetries in hockey training. Finally, Matt provides recommendations for exercises that promote hip health and stability.

Takeaways

-The hip joint can be understood in five layers.
-Common injuries in hockey players include labrum tears and groin strains.
-Assessing hip pain requires looking at the entire kinetic chain.
-Playing multiple sports can help reduce injury risk in young athletes.
-A consistent hip mobility program is essential for young athletes.
-Movement competency should be prioritized in training.
-Hip strength ratios are important for injury prevention.
-Alternative testing methods can provide insights into hip strength.
-Asymmetries in training should be addressed but not overly corrected.
-Exercises should focus on glute max strength and proper movement patterns.

Tim Lebbossiere interviews Matt Korthuis, a former professional hockey player turned mental performance coach. They discuss the importance of mental training in sports, particularly in hockey, and how it can significantly impact players' confidence and performance. Matt shares strategies for building confidence through self-awareness, positive self-talk, and visualization techniques. He emphasizes the need for consistency in mental training, likening it to physical training, and highlights the role of meditation in enhancing focus and presence during games. The conversation also touches on the challenges of aligning coaching styles with modern mental training practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching
03:02 Building Confidence Through Mental Training
05:52 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk
09:00 Visualization Techniques for Success
11:50 Meditation and Focus in Sports
14:53 The Role of Coaches in Mental Training