Explore every episode of the podcast Hockey Training Podcast

Strong ankles play a huge role in how well a hockey player skates, but they're often overlooked in training.

In this episode, I talk about why ankle strength matters, what muscle groups help create a strong and stable ankle, and which exercises players can use to improve skating power, edge control, and stability.

To train with us, visit HockeyTraining.com/programs

Breaking down why men's leaguers lose their first step as they get older, and why most guys are training in a way that won't actually fix it. The short answer comes down to fast-twitch muscle fibers (the ones responsible for explosive movement). As you age, they shrink and weaken faster than everything else. And the way most adults train, they're not doing much to slow that down. I also get into why Men's League Domination '26 was built the way it was, and how Coach Tim's Speed Accelerator system specifically targets the explosiveness that matters most on the ice.

Puck Panic is that instinct to get rid of the puck the second any pressure comes. And why it's the real reason so many players struggle to make reads and decisions in games.

When your hands are automatic, your brain is free to play.

Join the 7-Day Top-Hand Challenge: https://hockeytraining.com/tophand

The season's winding down and I know what a lot of parents are already thinking: spring hockey, development skates, summer camps. Before you start filling up the calendar, hear me out.

In this episode, I talk about what players should actually be doing when the season ends, and why the first move isn't more ice. I get into the injury side of things (what doctors are seeing in young hockey players right now is genuinely alarming), why guys like Celebrini, Bedard, and McDavid all spent their off-seasons on rollerblades and playing other sports, and where the real speed and power gains actually come from.

If you're a parent trying to figure out the right plan for this summer, or a player who wants to come back noticeably better next season, this one's for you.

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.

Our new Off-Season Domination '25 is now live! Get it at HockeyTraining.com

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.

Get ready to unlock explosive speed, agility, and hockey-specific strength. Our newest 2025 training programs are now live here: https://hockeytraining.com/programs

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/

Off-Season Domination '25 is Almost Here! Get ready to unlock explosive speed, agility, and hockey-specific strength. The new program drops April 6th—don't miss out!

Find it here: https://hockeytraining.com/programs/

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

Level Up Your Training

Train with Coach Tim and take your game to the next level with hockey training programs from HockeyTraining.com. Start today: https://hockeytraining.com/programs/

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

Tim Lebbossiere sits down with Maria Mountain, an esteemed exercise physiologist and goalie training consultant, to explore what it takes to excel in the crease. They dive into the key attributes of successful goalies, the critical role of consistent training, and best practices for optimizing in-season goalie development. Maria offers expert insights on building strength from the inside out, addressing the unique conditioning requirements of goalies, and tailoring training programs to individual needs. The discussion highlights the importance of mobility and stability in a goalie's performance, with Maria sharing actionable advice for both coaches and athletes aiming to elevate their game.

Here are some takeaways from the podcast:

-Successful goalies love the game and are motivated by it. 
-Consistency in training is key to success.
-Goalies need to focus on prehab mobility and functional strength.
-Building strength from the inside out is crucial for goalies.
-Mobility training is as important as strength training.
-Conditioning for goalies differs significantly from skaters.
-Bottom-up strength training can enhance performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maria Mountain and Her Expertise
06:01 Building Strength from the Inside Out
11:46 Individualizing Training Programs for Goalies

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Ready to take your game to the next level? Head over to HockeyTraining.com/programs for done-for-you training programs designed to improve your performance on the ice. Whether you're looking to boost your speed, power, or overall athleticism, we've got you covered. Start your journey to becoming a stronger, faster, and more confident player today!

In this debut episode, we're thrilled to welcome new podcast host Coach Tim Lebbossiere, Assistant Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins. Coach Tim kicks things off by introducing himself, answering listener questions, and sharing his expert insights into hockey performance.

He offers a glimpse into his coaching style and training methodologies, emphasizing the year-round importance of power and explosive work. Listeners will also gain actionable advice on in-season conditioning, structuring speed training, and optimizing pregame warm-ups to ensure peak on-ice performance.

This is just the beginning—new interview-style episodes with Coach Tim will be released monthly, each packed with valuable strategies and insights to help hockey players take their game to the next level!

Takeaways

• Power and explosive work should be emphasized year-round.
• Strength training has a longer residual effect than speed training.
• In-season conditioning should be tailored to ice time and player needs.
• Distance running may not be the best option for hockey players.
• Low-impact conditioning methods are preferable for hockey training.
• Goalies require different conditioning strategies than skaters.
• Speed work should be divided into acceleration, max velocity, and change of direction.
• Warm-ups should include mobility, activation, and neural activation components.
• Pregame lifting should focus on low volume to avoid fatigue.
• Individualized training is crucial for optimizing player performance.

In this episode, I'm going to give you a science-backed hockey groin performance test that you can use to see where you measure up!

This is a great tool that can be used to identify if you need to make changes to your programs design for more injury prevention, better edgework, and more powerful crossovers.

Lean on the REAL science here and let's make sure you crush it this year. Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to answer the question "Hey Coach, I got called up but I'm nervous. How can I be more confident playing up a level?"

It's natural to have a little anxiety in these scenarios, but there's three truths you need to understand that I know will boost your confidence immediately.

Lean on my coaching experience here and let's make sure you create a big impact. Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to breakdown how viewing hockey as you would your job completely changes your outlook on what you need to do to get better.

When I was playing hockey as a teenager I had a part time job at McDonalds, knowing what I know now I would have treated the two exactly the same.

Lean on my experience here and let's discuss the foundation four behind this concept and why it will up your game on the ice.

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to breakdown how to translate dryland training to maximize your first-step quickness on the ice.

Your ability to accelerate is one of the key performance predictors for elite hockey performance, so, pen and paper out for this one!

Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to run through eight different effective fat loss strategies for hockey players.

This one will completely avoid any form of calorie and macronutrient counting, so it's perfect for any youth hockey players who need to drop some body fat to improve their hockey performance.

Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to run through eight different effective weight gaining strategies for hockey players.

This one will completely avoid any form of calorie and macronutrient counting, so it's perfect for any youth hockey players who need to add some lean mass to improve their hockey performance.

Let's go!

If you agree and you're ready to take your coaching to the next level, enroll in the Hockey Training Specialist course FAST because it's first come first serve: www.hockeytraining.com/chts

In this episode, I'm going to provide recommendations for hockey players who consistently perform better in practices than they do in games.

Almost always when I make recommendations in podcasts it is context specific to an audience. But, for this one, EVERYONE falls into the same bucket.

Follow the guidelines provided so you get the best results and perform better than ever moving forward, let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to provide recommendations for hockey players on whether or not they should train to failure.

The research has grown tremendously in this area to formalize an idea now known as "effective reps" which clearly articulates that not all reps are created equal.

Follow the guidelines provided so you get the best results possible this year, let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to use a combination of tactics and storytelling to give you some great options to stay more motivated toward your goals.

This isn't your typical "cheerleader" motivation talk. Instead, this is real stuff you can put to work today to become a better hockey player.

Follow these rules and let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

This is something every coach and parent needs to hear because it's not the answer most provide in the industry. But, I combined my years of experience and years reading research and came to this very confident conclusion.

If you agree and you're ready to take your coaching to the next level, enroll in the Hockey Training Specialist course FAST because it's first come first serve: www.hockeytraining.com/chts

In this episode, I'm going to layout the super simple rule you must follow when dryland training alongside summer sports.

Many hockey players and parents think that just because you're in summer sports that you should stop your off-season training, but this is one of the worst things you can do if becoming a better hockey player is your top priority.

Follow this rule and let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to layout the four things that hold hockey players back from getting the best possible results throughout the off-season.

There's something for everyone in this episode and if you follow the recommendations I guarantee you'll have the off-season of your life this year.

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to breakdown the importance of fruit and vegetable intake for hockey and what are the best ones to support your performance and recovery.

The best part?

You won't need to completely redo your whole diet and try to stick to something that's totally unsustainable. Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to breakdown a super simple method that you can use to enhance your Hockey IQ during your dryland off-season training.

The best part?

You won't need any fancy equipment to get the job done in an extremely effective way all off-season long. Let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to discuss what I think it takes to achieve the ultimate level of on-ice hockey confidence.

The crazy part?

It has nothing to do with what you're doing on the ice. Tune in and let's create a plan for your domination this year.

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to unpack the three step GameSpeed™ hockey training formula that's taking the hockey world by storm this off-season.

If you're serious about hockey, this one is a must-listen because there's never been a better way to organize your training for the best hockey results.

Pen and paper out for this one, let's go!

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the mentality of the greats and how they approach the off-season to continuously get better results than everyone around them.

If you're serious about hockey, this one is a must-listen before it's too late.

Want access to the best Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to talk about the revolutionary recovery systems I am putting together for hockey players so that they maximally recover from every session.

The best part?

Each recovery routine is unique to your needs and you can customize the menu to any training week. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to talk about how understanding your Heart Rate Recovery is key toward knowing whether or not you need to change your program design.

Getting "fit" is different than getting fit for hockey.

Use this tool as a measure to understand what you need to work on. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the game-changing Movement Optimization Protocols I have created for hockey players to help improve your sport-specific strength, muscle mass development, agility, explosive speed, and injury resilience.

Yes, you read that correctly. One single routine can have all of these benefits.

Make sure you follow my movement outline and perform it post-workout for the best results.

Want to hop on the best Movement Optimization Protocols I personally designed for this year's Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the game-changing Performance Activation Potentiator routines that I have created for hockey players to help ANYONE improve their explosive speed regardless of their age, gender, equipment availability, genetics, or training experience. The best part?

I give you a template to follow this off-season, pen and paper out for this one!

Want to hop on the best Performance Activation Routines I personally designed for this year's Off-Season Programming? Then what are you waiting for, join the team! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to talk about how focusing on your weak links is going to make you a better hockey player.

However, it's not done in the same way most people are doing it.

The worst part is, when hockey players focus on their weakest link, sometimes they get worse rather than better. Learn how to do it right in today's episode!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I am going to make a few people angry but it's what you need to hear if you want to reach your hockey potential.

Many times, we are our own worst enemies. The way we speak to ourselves will dictate the actions we take.

Trigger warning: If you're easily offended, you might want to pass on this one.

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to breakdown the effect of alcohol and caffeine on your sleep quality.

This episode is recommended for adults only, and was designed to offer insight toward how your decisions in the PM impact your all-around recovery, and therefore, all-around hockey performance.

Take notes and take action. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to breakdown when is the best time hockey players can use the sauna to enhance recovery.

Additionally, I go over some MAJOR "do not's" with respect to hockey performance/recovery and how the sauna can cause more harm than good when used post-workout.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to discuss five major categories of ideas you can use to better motivate your youth hockey player to execute healthy eating and training habits.

As you know, this can be a BATTLE if you do it poorly. Lean on this advice so you can all get better together.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

We ALL have comfort zones we like to stay in whether we admit it to ourselves or not. But, we have to defeat them if we want to be the best hockey player we can be.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I'm going to unpack three of the most important concepts you need to reach your hockey potential.

The best part of this is that these never expire and will serve you on any level of hockey.

Let's go!

Want to get access to the entire Bullet-Proof Hockey Mindset system? Check out www.hockeytraining.com/book and grab your copy today!

Now is the time to make the changes you know you need to make to start achieving your hockey goals faster than ever.

Let's go!

Want to get access to the entire Bullet-Proof Hockey Mindset system? Check out www.hockeytraining.com/book and grab your copy today!

It's a simple process, and I'll give you two immediately actionable items at the end of this quick and motivational episode for you to get started.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I am going to provide you two tips that I have never discussed before until now that are specific to men's league hockey players.

Essentially, I want to teach you how to get the most out of your training without beating up your joints or suffering the consequences of overtraining.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new Men's League Domination '22 program is now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I am going to unpack the most advanced Men's League training formula ever created... the SmartPower matrix.

This one gets deep into the weeds with respect to speed and conditioning training, so have the pen and paper ready!

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new Men's League Domination '22 program is now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I am going to provide you two tips that I have never discussed before that will help you maximize your productivity toward reaching your hockey potential.

Essentially, I want to teach you how to get the most out of every day so that you're never wasting any time when it comes to all aspects of mental and physical performance.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I give you three of the best book recommendations you can crush over your Christmas holidays so you can be more ready than ever to tackle 2022.

Each book was chosen for a reason and there is no overlap between them.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, we take a look at what it takes to be a leader and what ideologies you need to adopt if you want to become team captain.

The best part of this is that you will maximize both you and your teams maximum potential at the same time if you follow these principles.

It's time to level-up. Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!

In this episode, I want to unpack four different methods you can use to train your speed indoors so you can get faster year-round without having to worry about what the weather is like outside.

The misunderstanding of "I can't get faster cause it's cold or raining out" needs to die here and now, there are SO many ways you can get faster, and that's what this episode is all about.

Let's go!

Ready for serious results? The new In-Season Hockey Training programs are now live! Check out www.hockeytraining.com/programs and let's get started!