If you've ever used a Pilates reformer, you know that it's all about control, precision, and intentional movement. It’s not about how fast you can do something or how heavy the resistance is - it’s about engaging the right muscles, moving with purpose, and focusing on form. I realized that same level of detail is key when using the Stryde.Hockey PowerSkater to fine-tune the skating stride. It’s like the Pilates reformer for hockey players, sculpting each push, each extension, with that meticulous attention to form that makes all the difference.

Transforming my garage into a functional workout space has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve tackled this year. Like many of us, I wanted to keep things affordable, so I started simple: a fresh coat of paint. It’s such an easy way to liven up the space and make it feel new & clean. I also added professional lighting—this gave the gym a real studio vibe, which has made filming workout videos for Stryde.Hockey a breeze.

Understanding when to be on the toes and when to rely on the full blade can give hockey players an edge —pun intended, ha. Just as sprinters in track and field balance their technique between quick acceleration and sustained speed, hockey players must adapt their strategies based on their position, speed, and the unfolding play. By refining these skills, players can maximize their effectiveness in every scenario, ultimately leading to a stronger, faster, and more versatile game.

As a coach, one of my primary responsibilities is to recognize that every athlete brings a unique set of physical characteristics to the ice. No two players are the same, and understanding these differences is key to maximizing their performance. It’s not just about teaching a one-size-fits-all technique; it’s about identifying the intricate details of each athlete's mechanics and adjusting our approach to suit their unique anatomy.

I began my postpartum training with a focus on reconnecting my mind to muscles, starting with simple stride work. I paid close attention to my deep core, working to heal diastasis recti. Next, I focused on strengthening my weak quads and glutes through endurance strides—staying low and maintaining a long, deep stride for extended periods. As I progressed, I incorporated conditioning skates to add cardio to my regimen, all while maintaining sound form.

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.