2011 was the first year for the award and a young defenseman  from Edmonton, Alberta, Bretton Stamler, was the winner. I was at the first game Bretton played for UNB and my thought then watching him play was that he was going to be special. I am happy to say that is exactly what Bretton has become to the program.

Here is part of the award description…The successful recipient must possess a high level of physical fitness, have an outstanding work ethic, be community-minded and a team leader on and off the ice. The recipient must have demonstrated successful academic performance (minimum 2.5 scholarship grade point average)…awarded on the recommendation of the Athletic Director in consultation with the UNB hockey coach.

Donor: Alumni of the 1983-84 UNB men’s hockey team.

The 1983-84 UNB players fall into that same ‘special’ category for me. I have never coached a finer group of players who are even better people.

Below is 2011-12 winner Bretton Stamler.

• Do your homework.

Have all avenues to correct the existing situation been explored? Communication is the key here. If all have been explored, it is time to pull the trigger on the change.

Have the players been playing to their ability and is the team framework allowing this

to happen? If not, then a change likely is necessary.

Does the new coach know what the goals of the organization are? He had better!

Has management addressed concerns to the new coach?

Have resources been made available to allow for success?

• Watch the team play with an analytical eye.

Management should know the level the team and individual players are capable of.

The new coach should take the opportunity to watch his new team as an objective observer.

• Plan for a smooth transition.

Be sure all the right people have been contacted in advance and there are no surprises after an official announcement has been made.

Have a plan to move the old coach along in an expedient and dignified way. This can be done in a professional and classy way, with planning.

• Get up to speed quickly.

Know exactly what needs to be changed and immediately start making changes. Players will want to see things happening in a new and improved way.

• Define roles.

Meet with each player and staff member as soon as possible and have all very clear

on their role with the team.

Don’t assume that people know what you want and expect from them. You need to

clearly communicate what you want to each person individually.

Expectations need to be established and shared throughout the team.

• Build a new culture.

Start with respect for each other. Demand basic things like common courtesy to each other and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. This might sound corny, but it works.

Lines of communication should always be clearly defined and free flow of information will follow. Lots of little meetings and informal chats work well.

I took over a team two weeks ago. There were 22 games left in a 68 game schedule. The team was not in a playoff spot and sliding in the opposite direction.

We have two wins and a tie in our first four games and we followed the plan laid out here. Hopefully it will continue to work.

Here is an excerpt from The Hockey Conditioning Handbook chapter on the in-season. Your focus now is on maintenance.

In-Season Training Emphasis:

1)      Aerobic maintenance

2)      Flexibility

3)      Explosive Energy maintenance

Training in-season should be focused on maintenance sessions. This is assuming you have reached the necessary fitness levels prior to the start of the season. If not, you may find there are not enough practice hours in a day or week to do everything that needs to be done. Concentrate on aerobics, flexibility, and explosive energy, regardless of the fitness levels. The game cannot be played well without these.

Following are some suggested programs for in-season conditioning maintenance.
Sample In-Season Training Programs

Off-Ice
Aerobics is still the foundation for training. A good practice will usually have an aerobic drill package built in. Cycling and running are two common ways to do aerobic work off ice. Skiing, both water and snow, is excellent for hockey players because it includes upper body work.
Flexibility should be done daily with emphasis on proper warm up/cool down stretching before and after practices and games. Add at least one weekly flexibility training session.
Explosive energy can be done as outlined in the pre-season section. You can also incorporate stair sprints (2 steps at a time), or stair hops (up and down) using one leg only for each 5-10 second work bout.
Maintenance of strength/endurance and high energy can be accomplished by exercising at least the level attained in the pre-season. If a player’s ability to sustain high energy is still weak, players will need to do additional training. Continue to do high energy training 1-2 times per week, depending on game schedule. High energy work should not be done the day prior to a game. Try to do at least one of the two sessions on the ice.

On-Ice
All aspects of conditioning should be done at least to the level attained in pre-season work using programs and drills as outlined in the pre-season section. To save training time, or for variety in training, exercise circuits can be designed to meet all components of conditioning, except flexibility.

Flexibility should be done separately before and after workouts. A complete on ice training circuit is presented below.

Click on the Store tab above to read more about The Hockey Conditioning Handbook.

Now that our book is on line, I have been taking time to see what else is out there in the hockey conditioning internet world. Checking out the competition has been interesting. Yes, I liked the fact that one of our other books, 52-Week Training for Hockey, is a prominent player.

In my opinion here is a concern when you look at the different programs you have to choose from. It bothers me to see sites showing exercises with little or no background information provided.

If a program or exercise is presented and there isn’t information on proper technique, safety instructions, and a why you should do this, then I would suggest caution.

Conditioning work needs to be specific, if you hope to reach your training goals. Safety issues are important. Any quality site should offer this information to you.

.

These are some of the strengths of The Hockey Conditioning Handbook. All the additional information you need is there for you. The exercises and programs are clearly explained and the why is always answered.

There are training fads out there all the time. But, the trend in training now is back to basics. Be sure to take a close look at any program that interests you. Stay true to your training goals and make sure that any program you choose will get you there.

Here is one last concern for you to consider. Some programs are excellent, but they should be implemented with the help of a qualified trainer. An example is plyometrics. Excellent results can be gained, but if exercises aren’t done correctly, there is a high risk of injury.

Now it is time for you to check out the link to The Hockey Conditioning Handbook.

Just click on the Store tab above.

]]> http://hockeysensei.com/60/checking-out-the-hockey-conditioning-handbook-competition/feed/ 0 http://hockeysensei.com/51/our-first-ebook-is-available-now/ http://hockeysensei.com/51/our-first-ebook-is-available-now/#comments Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:09:38 +0000 Don MacAdam http://hockeysensei.com/?p=51 Continue reading →]]> Ice Hockey Conditioning—Made Easy!

Discover how to have fast, strong, totally fit hockey players all year long.

If you are a coach or a player who has loads of questions and little time to study how to train smart and effectively, The Hockey Conditioning Handbook is for you.

When you apply The Hockey Conditioning Handbook training principles you will develop quicker foot speed, faster skating, harder shots, and more powerful checking.

The book shows you how to apply the principles of training in the off-season, pre-season, in-season, and post-season. The Hockey Conditioning Handbook also provides specific examples you can use when putting together your practice sessions. What could be easier?

Click on Store above and get the rest of the promotional information on The Hockey Conditioning Handbook

With four new NHL head coaches being announced recently, and two on Friday the 13^th, I guess we can’t call hockey coaches and management superstitious.

Most coach hirings come with the usual quotes from owners and GM’s; “…he is he right fit for our team”, “…he brings discipline”, “…brings intensity”. They are all touted as the best man for the job. Typically, at the pro level at least, the ‘best man’ has about a three year shelf life.

At most levels of the game a hockey coach has a similar job description. Knowledge of tactics and strategies, the ability to develop players, run quality practices, handle the stress of game situations, and the ability to motivate players are common traits that we look for in a coach.

There are a couple of traits that will set a few coaches apart from others-communication skills and integrity.

Communication skills are important at any level of coaching. Most coaches are good talkers. The great ones are also good listeners. Mastering the different forms of verbal and nonverbal communication will be a tremendous asset for anyone.

Integrity speaks to the core of the person. The elite coach will base all his coaching on his integrity. There won’t be any attempts to fool players, staff or media. Players will be the first to see through a coach. Others will soon follow.

Strong organizations make great hires almost all the time. Coaching is rarely easy, but a coach in a quality environment has a far better chance to be successful. During the hiring process, the first place an organization, or the individual doing the hiring, should look is at the structure and culture of their organization. This is a key factor in deciding who should be hired and how successful the new coach will be.

“Coaches are hired to be fired”. Bet you heard that one before. There are all kinds of reasons why coaches eventually hear that the organization is ‘…going in a different direction’. Lack of regular season or playoff success is a common reason. One that grates me is ‘the players didn’t like the coach’. When the inmates are running the asylum, nothing much good gets accomplished. Sometimes, the coach just needs to be replaced. Maybe the reason a coach gets fired is the most common reason for a firing-the boss just doesn’t like you.

The coaching profession is no place for a superstitious person. Neither is it a place for management who don’t start the firing and hiring process with an honest look inward.

• End of Season Physicals. Depending on the level, exit physicals may not be required. They are still a good idea. At the professional level they are typically mandatory and players and teams keep detailed records of all medical issues. Deal with all health issues now and institute a follow up system to ensure proper treatments have been completed.

• End of Season Player Meetings. The coaching staff meets individually with each player. Using notes from the same type of meeting that was held before the season began, and additional notes compiled throughout the season, the staff will review the player’s performance. This should be a meeting that covers all the important issues concerning the player. Allow a free flow of communication between all. Player feedback is an important component of the meeting. Assess the past season in an honest and constructive way. Set goals for the off season in areas like conditioning and nutrition. Look ahead to the next season and start the process of goal setting by giving each player an idea of the expectations the staff has for them. Be sure to get all necessary contact information from each player (phone numbers, email address, mailing address).

• Staff Evaluations. Follow the same format as the player meetings. This is a great time to get feedback that can help grow the team, your staff, and you personally.

• Personal Evaluation. Time for self-evaluation. This can be a tough one and it needs to be honest. If at all possible, find a mentor who would give an honest assessment of your performance. This is a great time for a second opinion. Don’t allow the team record to be your main reference point in evaluating your personal performance. Also try to build in personal evaluation questions when meeting with players and staff.

• Inventory. Before everything is packed away for the summer, take an inventory of equipment, pucks and pylons, supplies, etc. Make a hard copy that you can share with the appropriate people. Then everyone will know what needs to be replenished before the start of next season. Be sure to identify any additional needs for next year.

• Thank You Notes. This is never a bad thing. The notes might be in the form of a highlight DVD for the players. They could be an autographed stick to a sponsor or a key supporter. It can be a simple as looking into someone’s eyes as you deliver a firm ‘thank you’ handshake.

• Become a Fan Again. If teams at your level are still playing, try to watch some games. Check out other levels of competition as well and see if there are things others are doing that you could implement and benefit from. This is a great chance to pick up ideas– good and bad. Focus on learning from successful people and successful programs.

• Take a Mental Health Break. Your players have likely seen and heard enough from you for awhile. Once you use the suggestions in this post, give yourself a break from your hockey routine. Do something different like go fishing or hiking. Leave all the issues related to the past season behind for awhile. You have done your evaluations and have taken the lessons learned from last season with you.

Start to re-energize yourself.

And, David runs Websitetology, a course for people like me who need all the help we can get to build and maintain a web site. Go to www.websitetology.com to get details. I have been to two sessions and each has been invaluable getting this site up and running.

Now, time to talk about the Hockey Sensei logo. David came up with it, based on what the site is about and we are trying to accomplish. I love it, I didn’t have to request it, David just did it.

By the way, the name Hockey Sensei was David’s idea as well. I love it as well.

52-Week Hockey Training (52-Week Sport Tra… by Don MacAdam and Gail Reynolds

52-Week Hockey Training

This book is part of a series presented by Human Kinetics Publishers. The goal was to provide training specific to each sport and have programs laid out over the entire 365 days of the year. We were asked to write the hockey version.

Gail Reynolds and I wrote 52-Week Hockey Training based on over thirty plus years each of experience in sports training. Gail has an impressive exercise physiology background and has trained athletes and teams in various sports that competed at all levels from amateur, university, professional and wheelchair. As with all the books we have co-authored, Gail is the brains behind the project.

With 52-Week Hockey Training you will be able to design:

• Yearly training plans
• Monthly practice and game sessions
• Weekly training plans
• Daily practice plans
• Individual team and player training programs
• Specific programs to meet your specific needs and concerns

Here are a couple of quotes from professionals who have used 52-Week Hockey Training:

“This is a great reference for helping both a player and a coach design an effective fitness program that meets the specific demands of playing hockey.”

Dave King- former NHL head coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames and also Canada’s National team head coach.

“Half the battle of conditioning is staying motivated, especially in the off-season. Don and Gail’s program will help you keep your focus and meet your conditioning goals all year long!”

Shjon Podein- former NHL player with the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche.

Here is a look at the contents of the book:

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Exercise and Drill Finder

Key to Diagrams

Part I Year-Round Hockey Training Plan 1

Chapter 1 Off-Season Workouts 3

Chapter 2 Preseason Workouts 25

Chapter 3 In-Season Workouts 49

Chapter 4 Postseason 89

Part II Exercises and Drills 97

Chapter 5 Flexibility 99

Chapter 6 Muscle Strength and Endurance 113

Chapter 7 Aerobic Endurance 155

Chapter 8 Speed 159

Chapter 9 Power and Quickness 169

About the Authors 183

Get this book and start putting together the best season of training and playing that you have ever had!

Click on the link above to get your copy of 52-Week Hockey Training.

Let me be honest about one of the reasons I like this book so much. I am one of the authors. My co-author, and the brains behind the book, is Gail Reynolds. We are very proud of how Coaching Hockey For Dummies turned out. It is a user friendly and fun way for coaches, players, parents, and fans to learn more about coaching hockey, and learn more about the game of ice hockey in general.

Here are some of the reasons why you will like this book.

Coaches will be able to get information on all the topics they will encounter over the course of a season. There will be tips on big picture areas like yearly planning and goal setting, along with daily concerns like practice planning and designing drills for skill development.

Players will be able to gain insight on team play and how to improve individual skills. Now you can be sure, as a player, to be on the same page as your coaching staff.

Parents can browse through Coaching Hockey For Dummies to better understand what the coach is trying to accomplish during practice sessions and games. And, parents may possibly see skills, and areas of the game, that little Johnny or Janie need to work on.

Fans have the ability to gain a more complete understanding of the game by reading Coaching Hockey For Dummies. Areas like the power play and penalty killing strategies are addressed in the book. Now, as a fan, you can better enjoy the game after reading about how these special teams work. Click on the link above on this page for your copy of Coaching Hockey for Dummies, and start enjoying hockey, and hockey coaching, at a whole new level.

Here is the Contents at a Glance:

Introduction 1
Part I: The Puck Drops Here: Coaching Hockey 101 7
Chapter 1: Jumping in with Both Skates 9

Chapter 2: Knowing the Basics of the Game 19

Chapter 3: Getting Organized: Your Keys to Success 47

Chapter 4: Running Great Practices 69

Chapter 5: Game On! 81

Part II: Coaching Beginners 93

Chapter 6: Teaching Fundamental Skills 95

Chapter 7: Drills for Beginners 123

Chapter 8: Basic Coaching Strategies 139

Part III: Coaching Intermediate Players 145

Chapter 9: Teaching the Finer Skills 147

Chapter 10: Coaching Offense to Intermediate Players 167

Chapter 11: Coaching Defense to Intermediate Players 175

Chapter 12: Teaching Goaltending Basics 185

Chapter 13: Drills for Intermediate Players 199

Chapter 14: Refining Your Coaching Strategies 225

Part IV: Coaching Advanced Players 233

Chapter 15: Teaching Advanced Skills 235

Chapter 16: Coaching Offense to Advanced Players 245

Chapter 17: Coaching Defense to Advanced Players 255

Chapter 18: Special Teams 263

Chapter 19: Drills for Advanced players 275

Chapter 20: Further Refining Your Coaching Strategies 297

Part V: Common Coaching Conundrums 307

Chapter 21: Keeping Your Team Healthy and Injury Free 309

Chapter 22: Coping With Challenges 319

Part VI: The Part of Tens 329

Chapter 23: Ten Parts of a Great Practice 331

Chapter 24: Ten Things to Ask Yourself Midway Through the Season 335

Chapter 25: Ten Things You Want Kids to Say About Their Hockey Experience 339

Index 343