Category Archives: Columns
From the Trainer’s Room: Off-ice training for goalies
April 12th, 2023Off-ice training plays a vital role in the development of hockey players. USA Hockey follows the Long Term Athletic Development principles as the basis of their program. These principles will assist in creating a more consistent training regimen. Today’s training programs should not be based on how hard the program is, but what goals are…
From the Trainer’s Room: Improving your speed
April 4th, 2023The time for offseason hockey training is upon us. At this point of the year, the focus should shift to how we can improve and make gains for next season. Almost every hockey player I work with wants to get stronger and get faster. Following a proper training plan designed by a professional coach can…
From the Trainer’s Room: 5 reasons adults should exercise
March 28th, 2023Let’s chat about exercising as an adult. It’s not just about losing weight or changing how you look. That may be one of the many benefits, but let’s break down five top reasons why adults should exercise or include fitness in their daily lives. As we age, our body naturally loses muscle and strength. To…
From the Trainer’s Room: Preventing groin injuries in hockey
March 22nd, 2023A successful hockey season filled with wins, goals, assists and enjoyment can be easily derailed with a groin strain. The groin musculature or adductor group is located on the inside of the thigh and brings the thigh back into the midline of the body. This is an important group of muscles during skating as they…
From the Trainer’s Room: Simple to complex – Building a program from the ground up
March 15th, 2023When building a sports performance program, rehab protocol, or even a sports practice, there has to be a start and finish. Where does it start? How does it progress? What are the goals? These are only a few questions that need to be answered when establishing proper protocols. Compete Sports Performance and Rehab has always…
From the Trainer’s Room: Post-season rest, recovery in hockey
March 9th, 2023As many junior, college and youth hockey seasons come to an end, it’s time to step back and take a look at the year, recover from the harsh demands both physically and mentally, and set goals for the coming offseason. Hopefully, you are playing in the USA Hockey National Championships, NCAA Frozen Four or junior…
From the Trainer’s Room: What is a separated shoulder?
March 2nd, 2023Can you tell me what a “separated shoulder” is? It’s not the same as a dislocated shoulder and you may be surprised to know how many professional players have sustained this injury. In fact, when I recently spoke with Joe Huff, the head athletic trainer for the Anaheim Ducks, he said it may be one…
From the Trainer’s Room: How do I create a workout program for myself?
February 22nd, 2023Have you ever wanted to start working out and getting in shape? Once you were motivated, did you have a hard time figuring out what to do for your workouts? Did you ever give up when you were confused? In this article, the goal is to give you a general roadmap to design your own…
From the Trainer’s Room: The importance of ankle mobility in skating
February 10th, 2023Have you ever heard a skating coach tell an athlete to get lower or get your knee over your toes? Sounds easy, but it may not always be the case. These types of skaters may not physically be able to get lower due to either strength deficits or lack of mobility or flexibility. The end…
From the Trainer’s Room: Knee MCL injuries in hockey
February 1st, 2023The medial collateral ligament in the knee, or MCL, was the second-most common injury in NCAA hockey in 2013 as stated by Grant, Bedi, Kurz, Bancroft & Miller. The study showed that only concussions had a higher injury rate in male collegiate players. The MCL is one of four ligaments in the knee and is…