The High Performance Hockey Podcast Anthony Donskov, PhD

If you’ve ever wondered how to approach coaching from an applied sports science POV, then you’re in the right place. Joining me on the podcast today is Dr. Josh Secomb, lecturer in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Newcastle, and strength & conditioning coach for Ice Hockey Australia National Men’s team! We’ll be deep diving into the world of applied sports science to discover how an elite-level coach maximizes + optimizes his research. We speak on Josh’s teachings, duties, and roles as a lecturer and strength & conditioning coach, analyzing his upcoming presentation titled Optimizing the Utilization of Research to Enhance Athlete Performance and the article he co-authored with Matt Kelly, Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes. We have a comprehensive discussion in-store to better understand the role of sports science researchers, applied sports science as a whole, and their relation to enhancing the game of high-performance athletes. Find out the steps to optimizing your research through the lens of sports science!
 
#DrJoshSecomb #AppliedSportsScience #HighPerformanceAthletes



HIGHLIGHTS
00:00:00 Introducing Dr. Josh Secomb, lecturer in Exercise & Sports Science at the University of Newcastle + strength & conditioning coach for Ice Hockey Australia National Men’s team!
00:05:35 Defining applied sports science, the roles of sports science researchers + the Texas sharpshooter fallacy.
00:16:35 How to teach critical thinking skills to young practitioners.
00:24:25 How did you get involved with Ice Hockey Australia and what are your current roles?
00:34:30 Check out the Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey + The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual!
00:35:20 Making research relevant to high-performing athletes.
00:41:10 Breaking down the four coactive elements from a coach’s POV.
00:47:30 What questions do you ask yourself when looking at other observational research?
00:55:00 What do you think is making hip injuries more prevalent in hockey players?
01:05:00 Simplifying FAI rehab for asymptomatic athletes.



RESOURCES + LINKS
Follow Josh on Twitter | @37seco
Follow Josh on LinkedIn | Josh Secomb
Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes by Matt Kelly and Josh Secomb
The End of Average by Todd Rose
 
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
 
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
 
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players
 

How far has strength & conditioning gone in the past 20 years? Here with me today is Sean Skahan, owner of Skahan Sport Conditioning with 20+ years of high performance under his belt! We’ll speak about Sean’s 2 decades worth of experience within the NHL and the strength & conditioning landscape as a whole. Sean reflects on his journey, going from an elite college setting to now owning + running a sport conditioning company working with young athletes. We’ll discuss coaching changes in the strength & conditioning field, how he navigated major transitions, and the important lessons he gained during his time in the high performance sphere. If you’re curious how much high performance sports has evolved, then you’re in the right place. Join the conversation for 20+ years of learnings, lessons, and reflections!
 
HIGHLIGHTS
02:00 What led you to becoming an NHL strength coach?
08:35 Then versus now: Coaching changes in the strength & conditioning landscape.
14:05 Unpacking the human element in the high performance sphere.
23:50 What were your biggest mistakes + goals during your first few years?
26:25 Check out the High Performance Masterclass!
27:45 How did you handle new coaching changes + transitions over 20 years?
33:00 A BTS peek into owning and running a sport conditioning company.
44:35 Education within the private sector.
49:05 What advice would you share with young coaches?



RESOURCES + LINKS
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
 
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
 
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
 
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
 
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

In This Episode, You Will Learn:
The impact of A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development on coaches.
Expert advice for young practitioners and coaches.
The deeper fundamentals behind strength & conditioning.
How to build a coaching culture for long term growth.
 
Resources + Links:
Follow Stu on Instagram | @fingermash
Follow Jordan on Instagram | @jordanstrength
Learn more at https://www.jordanstrength.com/
 
Check out ALTIS - https://altis.world/
 
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
 
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
 
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
 
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
 
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players
 
In a world full of noise, how can you find what really matters? Joining us once again is CEO of ALTIS, Stu McMillan, and Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, Dr. Matt Jordan! This dynamic duo is back on the podcast to talk about their blog series, A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development, and the impact it had on younger and older coaches alike. We’ll dive into the different sections of the blog to gain a deeper understanding in the field of strength & conditioning. Through this insightful discussion, we’ll uncover the important fundamentals for all strength & conditioning coaches, including physiology, adaptation, personal leadership, periodization, and more. No matter if you’re just starting out, or a seasoned practitioner, tune in for an educational look into the world of strength coaching!
 
00:00:00 Welcome back to the podcast, Stu McMillan and Dr. Matt Jordan!
00:07:40 How did you two meet?
00:12:35 Who were your shared mentors, and why was that mentorship so important?
00:22:25 Check out the Gain, Go, Grow Manual for training intermediate to advanced players!
00:23:15 The beginnings of A Coach’s Guide to Strength Development blog series.
00:33:45 The fundamentals of physiology + adaptation for strength coaches.
00:38:50 Breaking down the three step process to focusing on what matters.
00:45:30 How have you built and managed your coaching culture?
00:53:50 The significance of learning to receive feedback as a coach.
00:59:05 What are the assumptions of periodization?
01:03:50 What are the biggest issues with the recent technology boom?
01:06:40 The future of the book + where to learn more.
 

What does it take to build a sports performance department out of bare-bones? Our guest this week is Coach Doug Davidson. Doug is the Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, being with the organization since the team’s inaugural season in 2017-2018. We will explore the foundational work + early years of slowly building up a sports performance department, starting from the ground level. You’ll get a closer look at the organization’s decision making process for technology, integration, and beyond, all from a sports performance lens. We also discuss Doug’s background and mentors, what his time in the AHL taught him + how it affected his tenure in the NHL, and his cooperative approach to communication with his veteran athletes. Join in as we break down everything from the VGK performance culture to the practice versus post-game mindset and more!
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Major lessons from time in the American Hockey League, and how that information transitioned to the National Hockey League.
The important elements of successful communication, cooperation, and decision-making.
The early days of building a sports performance department for a new expansion team.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome to the podcast, Doug Davidson, the Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights!
01:45 What are your current responsibilities with the Vegas Golden Knights?
04:35 How did the experiences with your mentors shape you as a coach?
09:50 Major lessons from the American League + transitions into the National League.
15:40 The important elements of successful communication between athletes & coaches.
18:50 What are the foundations of building a sports performance department from ground level?
23:35 Check out the High Performance Hockey Masterclass!
24:55 How were additional hires integrated in the early years?
27:15 Breaking down the VGK performance model and culture.
30:40 How do your relationships bleed into decision making?
32:40 The three keys behind choosing technology.
36:35 How do you approach practice days versus post-games?
39:35 Balancing coaching and cooperation with veteran players.
42:10 What are the current gaps in holistic care from a performance standpoint?
47:05 What is coming up next for you?
Resources + Links:
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players
 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Differences between North America and the KHL in terms of culture, game play, structure, performance, and schedule.
The current strength & conditioning scene in Europe compared to North America.
Advice for young strength coaches considering going abroad.
The importance of communication, consistency, and simplicity as a coach.
 
Resources + Links:
 
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
 
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
 
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
 
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
 
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players
 
Show Notes:
Ever wondered what high performance hockey looks like across the pond? Today, we are joined by Brandon Bovee, the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. Brandon is a 12 year strength & conditioning veteran who has coached all over Russia, from Moscow to the far east in Vladivostok. We have a fascinating conversation uncovering his unique journey from North America to the Eastern bloc + his experiences and formative years abroad. We’ll break down the key differences between North American leagues and the KHL, from culture, game play, structure, performance, and more. Brandon also shares his advice for coaches considering Europe, the importance of building trust in communication, and how he simplifies the process by filtering out the noise. Tune in to broaden your view of the high performance world on a whole new level!



00:00 Introducing a 12 year KHL veteran and the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ak Bars Kazan, Brandon Bovee!
01:35 How did you get from North America to the KHL?
08:05 Formative first years + building buy-in in a foreign country.
10:20 The North American high performance model versus the KHL high performance model.
13:50 Discover the key to training intermediate and advanced players with the Gain, Go, Grow Manual!
14:40 Breaking down KHL legacy, playing style, and schedule.
18:40 What does a typical week of a physical preparation coach look like?
20:15 Comparing the strength & conditioning scene + off season programs in the KHL.
22:05 Who have stood out as your mentors and peers while in Europe?
26:00 What advice would you give a young strength coach considering Europe?
30:00 What does the future hold for you?
32:15 How to focus on consistency and simplicity above the noise.
37:00 Asking ‘why’ to find the best path forward.
 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Textbook skating mechanics and skating efficiency.
The difference between coaching young athletes versus elite level professionals.
Biomechanics and anatomical landmarks for idealized, efficient skating.
The most common equipment and modifications.
 
Resources + Links:
Follow Luke on Instagram | @chilcottskating
 
Check out Anthony’s Masterclass - 
The High Performance Hockey Masterclass
 
Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov
Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov
 
Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast
Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast
 
Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/
 
Check out Anthony’s Books
Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions
The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players
 
Show Notes:
What are the most common skating habits high performance hockey players share? Joining the podcast today is Luke Chilcott, the Dallas Stars skating coach. Luke is in his 7th season working as a skating coach in the NHL, helping develop a deeper knowledge of edgework and efficiency through correct technique, and assisting players in analyzing beneficial equipment as it relates to on ice performance. Our conversation will delve into Luke’s skating philosophy he has fostered working with both younger players and professional level athletes. We’ll explore optimized skating efficiency, biomechanics and anatomical landmarks, common skating habits and modifications, and more. As we go, Luke shares his framework for setting up his skaters for success, including beneficial equipment, on ice & off ice interventions, and return to play. Tune in to discover all that goes into efficient skating from the ground up!
00:00 Let’s talk skating, biomechanics, equipment and more with Dallas Stars skating coach, Luke Chilcott!
01:30 What was your background going from competitive skater to trainer?
04:35 Role and responsibilities as the Dallas Stars skating coach.
07:35 What is your skating philosophy?
10:20 Social media bells & whistles versus in game/on ice patterns.
13:00 Defining textbook skating efficiency + anatomical landmarks to focus on.
17:40 What are common skating habits and mistakes you’ve noticed?
21:30 The pros and cons of block practice for youth athletes.
24:20 Check out the Gain, Go, Grow Manual for intermediate to advanced athletes!
25:10 What is the ideal build for skating, from a biomechanical standpoint?
29:50 How to tangibly make a difference in an athlete’s stride at the elite level.
34:10 Which on ice and off ice interventions would you implement for ankle mobility?
38:30 Equipment commonalities + modifications between pro level players.
44:35 What is the relation between hollows and return to play?
50:00 Where does video fit into your coaching philosophy?
54:05 Favorable prerequisites for warming up a pro level skater.
58:50 What’s coming up next for you?