I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what truly makes a difference in my work and, more importantly, in the lives of the athletes I coach. I’ve come to realize that some of the traditional methods in hockey training—like filling the ice with 30-40 skaters or running large camps for a few days and never seeing those athletes again—just don’t align with my vision. I’M QUITTING that approach, and here’s why …

Trust is everything in a coaching relationship. I make a point to connect one-on-one with my athletes. It’s not just about practice sessions; it’s about conversations & encouragement. By getting to know each skater, I can delve into the importance & understanding of which type of learner each of my athletes may be and cater my lesson plans accordingly. 

Not all skaters have an off-season with constant access to ice, this obstacle poses challenges with keeping up with training and skill development. However, with the right tools and a well-structured plan, you can transform your off-season into a period of growth & improvement.

As the final buzzer sounds, this signaling the end of another season, hockey players everywhere transition into the off-season. While it is important to take a period of time to relax and recuperate, athletes should understand that off-season is where championships are made ... in the sweat-soaked gyms & in the quiet rinks fine-tuning the details of their game. 

As off-season training is approaching, I wanted to give insight on 6 steps to improving speed. These KJPS methods are acclicable to virtually every age/ability & are crucial for improving not just speed but overall skating performance. 

In the pursuit of speed, players & coaches often focus solely on power - pushing limits, building muscle, & honing mostly on explosiveness. However, there is a hidden gem in the quest for speed - EDGEWORK!  Although the aspect of edgework is addressed often within our training, are we truly understanding the root foundation of why we work on edges? Shockingly enough, one critical component is SPEED! Let's amplify overall speed & discuss the effectiveness of edgework drills to produce that speed!

The KJPS Method! POWER + CONTROL = SPEED 

Elevating the standard of coaching & ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to succeed!

Speed is often seen as a player's greatest asset. A strategy I often preach goes beyond raw velocity, leaving opponents puzzled and sometimes even struggling to keep up –DECEPTIVE SPEED. This technique involves moving across the ice effortlessly, making it challenging for rivals to accurately gauge one's true speed.

Arm movement plays a role all physical activities, from the everyday act of walking to the dynamic intensity of running. In sports like hockey, the precision of arm movement is required. I believe the thoughtfulness of arm movement is an art that provides effective overall movement across the ice. Let's begin by reviewing the biomechanics of arms during known & natural movements such as walking or running. Let's explore if these principles can translate into hockey skating ...

Hockey players around the world have attended power skating camps to enhance their performance on the ice for many generations. These camps are often characterized by an intense focus on speed and agility, with players pushed to their limits in high-paced drills. HOWEVER, there is a growing realization that the traditional go-go-go approach may not be enough to develop the fundamental mechanics and techniques essential for success in the game.