The High Performance Hockey Podcast

Anthony Donskov, PhD
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  • HOCKEY
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS
The High Performance Hockey Podcast

Hosted by former player, performance coach, author and speaker Anthony Donskov, the HPH podcast is a bi-monthly show that explores the science, practice and pedagogy of high performers in the sport of ice hockey.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    High Performance: Connecting the Dots

    Want a deeper understanding of a coach's approach to training high performing, professional athletes in the private sector? We've got the right guy. In today’s episode, I speak with Curt Truhe, the Director of Performance for Excel Sports Management. Curt has over 13 years of experience training athletes across multiple professional sports leagues – including NHL, NFL, MLB, PGA, and more. We dig into everything you need to know about developing and working with elite athletes at the highest level. Curt shares his advice for young coaches, the skills & qualities that separate a good coach from a great coach, and foundational measurements he looks out for. Tune in to discover how to ignore the noise and move the needle forward for your athletes.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 My top recommended books & their biggest takeaways. 04:10 What did your path as a young coach in the private sector look like? 08:40 How do you develop elite athletes at Excel Sports Management? 16:50 Which metrics & measurements did you value the most? 22:40 How to test health and performance in athletes. 28:50 The right and the wrong way to use data. 34:05 Where is the pendulum swinging in the performance landscape? 39:15 Advice for young coaches who want to work with professional athletes. 46:05 What qualities do you admire for a coach on your staff?   RESOURCES + LINKS Get your copy of Force by Dan Cleather on Amazon HERE Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -  The High Performance Hockey Masterclass Follow Curt on Instagram | @curt_truhe 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

    48 min

  2. 30/12/2024

    2024: Reflection and Contemplation

    What were the biggest lessons I learned over the past year? Today’s episode is a reflection and contemplation of 2024. It’s now the second year of the HPH podcast, so let’s take the opportunity to look back on what has been a year full of growth – both personally and professionally. I share my favorite nuggets of wisdom from previous guests of the podcast, including some of the most impactful quotes that have stuck with me. I also highlight practical advice for coaches, young or seasoned, who are looking to grow the game in 2025 and beyond.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 2024: A year of reflection and contemplation. 01:40 My biggest teaching lessons from coaching a U10 team.  08:10 How to find what you’re looking for & fix what you need to fix. 11:30 Where do measurement errors come from? 15:50 A cooperative approach to communication with advanced players. 17:25 How do you become a good coach? 20:50 My 2024 must-read books.   RESOURCES + LINKS Check out my 2024 recommended books - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov Force by Dan Cleather The Little Black Book of Training Wisdom by Dan Cleather Strength Training for Hockey by NCSA, edited by Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel 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

    26 min

  3. 16/12/2024

    Performance: A Lifetime Pursuit with Lorne Goldenberg

    What does a lifetime pursuit of high performance look like? Today’s guest is the President of Strength Tek Fitness and Wellness, Lorne Goldenberg. As a strength & conditioning OG, Lorne brings extensive experience in high performance sports and has worked with thousands of pro hockey stars over the years. We dive into his career high points, including his early days in the NHL during the 80’s and 90’s and how the landscape has changed in present-day. We also explore his aerobic training concepts and methods, pendulum swings in technology and coaching, and the fundamentals for driving your players forward. Tune in for a fantastic conversation all about strength and performance, backed by over 40 years of experience.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 What advanced training methods do you use for your athletes with large training ages? 04:00 The early days as an NHL head strength & conditioning coach. 10:20 What qualities did you admire most in your mentors? 13:55 What did you value the most as a young coach? 18:45 The main concepts of Lorne’s aerobic training article.  25:05 Methods for working the aerobic system. 27:30 Pendulum swings in the technology landscape. 33:45 What is the metric burger? 35:24 How can high performance coaching improve? 38:00 Fundamentals for young strength & conditioning coaches. 40:15 Advice for parents and young athletes. 43:55 How do you want to be remembered?   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

    46 min

  4. 25/11/2024

    People. Work Ethic. Curiosity: Lessons from the Private Sector with Mike Robertson

    We’re answering an important question all coaches ask: How can we leave our profession in a better place? Today’s guest is a friend and mentor of mine, Mike Robertson. Mike is the Founder and President of Robertson Training Systems with over 20 years of coaching experience. In this episode, we talk extensively about coaching in the private sector. Mike shares the biggest changes and mistakes young coaches can make, as well as unpack his current business model and training philosophy. From step by step training systems to technology, we discuss everything aspiring coaches need to know to sustain a level of high quality for their athletes.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How does in-season programming change from a philosophy standpoint? 06:00 Where did you get your start with coaching? 10:30 How to teach work ethic and curiosity to the next generation of coaches. 15:40 What steps are young coaches skipping? 18:35 How has your business model changed? 23:00 The secret ingredient to sustain quality in your business. 29:00 The current landscape of coaching burnout. 32:30 What is the R7 training system? 35:50 How to efficiently on-board clients in the private sector. 40:30 The most valuable technology from a coaching perspective. 45:00 What metrics do you look for and why? 48:45 How to fuse skill with weight touches. 52:00 What are the best resources for coaches? 55:10 How do you want to be remembered in our field?   RESOURCES + LINKS Become an elite level coach at https://robertsontrainingsystems.com/ 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

    58 min

  5. 11/11/2024

    Strength Training for Hockey with Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel

    Get ready to level up your strength training know-how for high performance hockey! Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel return to the podcast to discuss Strength Training for Hockey, an important resource for hockey players and coaches alike. We’ll dive into the core aspects of the book, who it’s for, and the gap it fills in the ice hockey performance world. As we go, our guests share advice for young strength coaches to get ahead of the game and equip themselves with higher knowledge of strength training. Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the most invaluable resources for high performing athletes and coaches.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introducing Strength Training for Hockey with Kevin Neeld and Brijesh Patel. 03:50 What led to you getting involved with the book? 07:20 How young strength coaches can get more opportunities in the field. 14:55 Strength training for hockey versus other sports. 19:10 What was the BTS process for choosing contributors for the book? 22:15 What are the main lessons and takeaways of the book? 26:20 Foundational principles for designing a training program. 34:10 What have been the biggest changes in sports performance? 40:35 The future of high performance hockey.   RESOURCES + LINKS Get your copy of Strength Training for Hockey on Amazon 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

    50 min

  6. 28/10/2024

    Hockey IQ with Troy Smith

    As coaches, how can we instill our team with one of the most important skills in the game: hockey IQ? Joining us today is Troy Smith, the owner of Hockey IQ – an outstanding, elite video breakdown resource for hockey players and coaches alike. Our conversation is all about hockey IQ + how we can teach and improve it. We’ll dive deep into the X’s and O’s of the game, breaking down game patterns and principles with Troy’s expert eye. Whether you’re training the next generation of athletes or working with professionals at the NHL-level, this episode will equip you with the knowledge they need to play at their smartest. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How do you write better programs as a young coach? 04:35 Who were the mentors + influences that shaped you? 10:55 The difficulties of transitioning from player to coach. 15:25 How to develop your craft as a young coach. 18:00 How do you navigate a hard tragedy? 21:30 Strategies for teaching + improving hockey IQ. 25:35 Breaking down game patterns and principles. 34:00 How to teach D-Zone skills to young + pro players. 39:35 What are basic concepts for the neutral zone? 45:15 The NHL-level patterns of the O-Zone. 47:45 How to utilize shared terminology with your team. 49:50 What is your vision with Hockey IQ? RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Hockey IQ - https://www.hockeyiq.ca Follow Hockey IQ on Instagram | @hockeyiqcan For questions and more info, just Email - info@hockeyiq.ca   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

    54 min

  7. 14/10/2024

    Passion Points: High Performance and Youth Hockey Development with Mark Fitzgerald

    What is the best way to set up the next generation of high performing athletes for success? Joining me today is Mark Fitzgerald, head coach for Kelowna High Performance + founder of Elite Training Systems in Ontario, who has spent the last 15 years working with athletes from a variety of sports at every level. We have an educational hour diving into long-term athletic development for youth hockey. We’ll unpack everything there is about coaching young hockey players, from the pitfalls of the “more is better” mentality to the current state of affairs and its future. Mark also shares his game plan for developing athletes, building team culture, and training for sustainable success on and off the ice. Whether you’re a coach or a parent, you’ll gain key information to best support your young athlete! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 Youth development: long-term process over short-term success. 00:04:00 How did you step into your current appointment? 00:11:35 How to build culture + relationships in a new position. 00:21:00 Building team culture then versus now. 00:28:50 How do you build trust with your athletes? 00:33:05 Reframing the “more is better” mentality in youth hockey. 00:45:45 The common pitfalls of coaching youth hockey. 00:52:30 How do you teach + train for long-term success? 00:59:45 The most consistent way to get results. 01:05:20 How can we make youth hockey better? 01:10:00 What advice would you give to young coaches? 01:17:50 The key to balance work, life, and relationships. 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

    1h 27m

  8. 30/09/2024

    Coaches Corner: Behind the Bench with Steve Spott

    What is the secret formula for building a high performing team? This week’s special guest is Steve Spott, the Assistant Coach of the Dallas Stars. During his three years in Dallas, Steve has guided the club to back-to-back Western Conference final appearances over the past two seasons. Today, we’re diving into lessons from the coaches corner to talk life, hockey, coaching, and more. We’ll unpack the X’s and O’s of the game to see how they’ve evolved and what it takes to coach elite players towards victory. Steve also shares his advice to young practitioners + players, giving tips on achieving work-life balance and building a good team both on and off the ice. Let’s go behind the bench to discover how an elite coach takes his team to the next level!   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Why is everyone scared of developing optimized skating technique? 05:30 The transition from player to full-time coach. 11:30 What mentors changed the way you viewed the game? 14:05 How have the X’s and O’s of the game changed? 18:00 Advice for pre-scouting + teaching elite players. 24:50 What are the hallmarks of a good team on and off ice? 30:30 The key to balancing work and life during a busy season. 34:15 How has sports science evolved since you’ve been a coach? 37:25 How do you communicate sports performance? 41:30 What advice would you give to young coaches + players? 45:45 What do you want your legacy to be? 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

    48 min
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Hosted by former player, performance coach, author and speaker Anthony Donskov, the HPH podcast is a bi-monthly show that explores the science, practice and pedagogy of high performers in the sport of ice hockey.

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