In this fourth and last series, Phil demonstrates stick handling skills.

• Stick Handling – Housley demonstrates the need to get into good hockey position and  to transferring the weight to develop the proper technique for stickhandling
• Toe Drag – Housley demonstrates the toe to heal and heal to toe figure 8 drill to develop puck handling skills
• Puck Protection – Phil shows the proper positioning for the best way to protect the puck while under pressure
• Offensive Puck Possession – Phil describes the proper technique on driving to the net with the puck using the body to protect the puck from the defender

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The post Phil’s Skills – Series 4/4 (Stick Handling) appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

In this third series, Phil demonstrates passing skills.

• Passing – Housley shows the techniques on the three basic elements with catching and receiving and the heel to toe movement of the puck on the stick to create the spin for control
• Saucer Pass – Housley demonstrates the proper technique on coming from a good hockey position transferring the weight while going heal to toe with lifting the stick to create some lift on the puck and saucer it to your teammate
• Backhand Saucer Pass – Phil demonstrates the more difficult techniques to make a saucer pass from the backhand position
• Area Pass – Housley shows the correct way to lead a player by passing to an area where your teammate will be the first to reach the puck

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The post Phil’s Skills – Series 3/4 (Passing) appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

In this second series, Phil demos the more advanced shooting skills.

• One-Timer – Phil demonstrates how to get into the prime wheel house position with a strong lower hand following through to the target
• Shooting Angle – Phil Housley describes the technique for changing the angle of a shot
• Indirect Shot Pass – The Shot pass or indirect pass involves the shot from the point where the shooter aims for the stick of a breaking forward to redirect the puck to the net
• Catch & Release – Housley describes the concept of a quick shot on how to catch the puck and shoot quickly by changing the position of the body, catching and releasing the shot

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The post Phil’s Skills – Series 2/4 (Shooting II) appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Minnesota Hockey Magazine is excited to bring you 4 series of exclusive on-ice training videos taken with Phil Housley.  In this first series, Phil demos basic shooting skills.

• Wrist Shot – Phil demonstrates how to perform the basic Wrist Shot
• Snap Shot – Using the same principles as the wrist shot in loading the shot-Housley demonstrates the proper technique taking a Snap Shot
• Slapshot – Phil demonstrates the proper technique for the Slap Shot
• Backhand – Phil demonstrates how to get to the prime wheel house position with a strong lower hand following through to the target

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The post Phil’s Skills – Series 1/4 (Shooting I) appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

This month we are talking about treadmill training but specifically, shooting off a treadmill.  Unlike most others in the market, our treadmill has a very wide skating surface, wide enough to shoot right off the moving tread.  Among other benefits, this forces players to learn to shoot while still keeping their feet moving.  Treadmill shooting is an advanced exercise that only players who have first learned a strong and efficient stride can do effectively.

The benefits of shooting off the treadmill are multiple. Obviously it’s a great leg and stride work out but it is also good for your core, arms, and shoulders which you use while shooting.

Our typical shooting work out on the treadmill consists of seven sets of ten pucks with 30 seconds to shoot them.  The mechanics of the shot we are looking for includes hands out in front with down pressure on the stick so the player can use the benefits of the flex of their stick to release a hard shot.  We also have players alternate which foot they release the shoot on.  Alternating feet while shooting on the treadmill allows the player to practice releasing the puck off either foot in a quick snapshot type motion.   After the player has mastered releasing a puck off both feet, we have the player focus on where shots should be placed.  We look for shots right under the crossbar in both upper corners and 14 inches high inside the pipe just above where the goalies leg pads are in the butterfly.  Most importantly, we go through these mechanics with constant reminders to the player that their head needs to be up using their peripheral vision to see the puck.

If you want to see what this all looks like and to register for one of our treadmill packages, click HERE:http://www.lumberyardsports.com/page/show/1549134-treadmill-training

Share your thoughts with our latest hockey training poll here at www.lumberyardsports.com

Note to readers: This article was reprinted from a full-featured Minnesota Hockey Magazine digital issue.  Like what you see?  Get a back issue or subscribe today on the PressPad mobile app platform for Minnesota Hockey Magazine via Apple Store, Google Play, and Kindle/Amazon.  Don’t miss out!  Get all 8 issues for this upcoming season sent directly to your email box, buy a single issue or pick up the printed version at many local stores near you.  Thanks.  MHM Staff

The post LumberYard Training Tip appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

As she arrived at the New York Islanders practice rink, Barbara Williams didn’t know what the commotion was all about as the parking lot was filled with all types of media, from hundreds of reporters to television camera crews.  The mob of reporters and cameras followed her as she put her skates on and headed onto the ice and in minutes she would make hockey history. In her humility, Barbara didn’t realize until after the announcement that she was the story.

While waiting for the players to come out, legendary Islanders coach Al Arbour stepped onto the ice, skated over to Barbara and said in a loud voice,“The New York Islanders have just named the first female skating coach in the National Hockey League”. He then said even louder, “Let me introduce you to her: Miss Barbara Williams”. With the announcement, she was officially the Islanders’ Power-Skating Coach.

The Jan. 7, 1977 event is historical in that Williams became the first female to officially be recognized by an NHL organization as a coach. The Islanders progressive thoughts would lead to great success for the organization as many of Barbara’s students would go on to have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Beginning in 1980, the Islanders would go on to capture the Stanley Cup not once, but in four consecutive seasons.

Williams says her most profound hockey memory came in 198o, the first year of her tenure on Long Island.

“The memory I have of Bobby Nystrom scoring the game winning goal in the Stanley Cup Finals will stay with me forever, and just to know that I had trained him made me feel so proud,” Williams said.

After working with the Islanders, the next NHL team to name her their official skating coach was the New Jersey Devils. Her ties to New Jersey remain today as her student Keith Kinkade is a goalie in the organization. Most recently, her student Sonny Milano was chosen by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, No. 16 overall, of the 2014 NHL draft.

With over 35 years of experience, Barbara has recently added to her book collection by producing Positive Power, a sequel to her first book, the best-selling More Power to Your Skating published by MacMillan Publishers. Barbara has not only trained players that were already in the NHL, she has introduced countless coaches to the methods she has developed through her camps. Using Barbara’s figure skating and speed skating techniques, these disciples taught many hockey players proper skating form, making her influence on the game historic.

Bob Nystrom – NY Islanders

“Barbara Williams is highly skilled as a power skating coach,” Arbour noted in her book. “She was extremely dependable and always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition. She had the respect and admiration from all of the New York Islanders, and that is why I named her the first female Skating Coach in the National Hockey League.

“Her years with the Islanders were positive, especially winning the Stanley Cup in 1980”.

Positive Power is much more than a power skating book, as it deals with the complete hockey player, from diet to discipline. The tips and charts are easy to understand and many of the drills are done with how to photo’s in a dry land setting.

Over the course of the next few months, Minnesota Hockey Magazine.com is proud to partner with Barbara Williams. We will provide some nuggets from her Positive Power book and will provide our audience a featured article to help you with your skating.

You can also visit her website, bwilliamspowerskating.com, and purchase the how-to book that is filled with charts, pictures and hints from the first female to coach in the NHL.  To order her book, just follow link below to save over 60% on the digital version.

 Buy it now on Amazon.com

The post Power-Skating Pioneer appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

When developing an off-ice plan, coaches and/or parents should look at implementing four basic elements of an exercise program.  These elements include flexibility, cardiovascular training, agility/quickness drills and some sort of resistive training.  Early in the season, players should build a strong cardiovascular base and focus on the flexibility of all the major muscle groups within the body, especially the hip adductors (groin muscles) and hip flexors.   These two muscle groups are responsible for the majority of the soft tissue problems in hockey players.  A good program that incorporates cardiovascular training throughout the week will help the cardiovascular system become more efficient and reduce the fatigue factor in the later portions of the game.

The overall frequency of an off-ice conditioning program will depend on the amount of time on the ice, age of the individual and the skill level of the players.  Aerobic exercise can vary from jogging to sprint/jog workouts that should be changed on a daily or at least a weekly basis.  A well rounded flexibility program can increase joint range of motion, balance and coordination.  Flexibility exercises can be the more traditional static stretches while others may prefer to utilize dynamic stretches or a combination of both stretching techniques.  Yoga has been very popular with sports teams and can be very beneficial for many hockey players/goalies.

As teams start playing more games, their off-ice program should shift into resistive training that incorporates both speed and agility exercises.  This is a great time to introduce the agility ladder, jump rope workouts and five dot drills.  In-season resistive programs should be limited to one or two days per week depending on a team’s practice and game schedule.  Older age groups should factor in the overall exposure to resistive training.  Always start with proper form and technique keeping the repetitions higher and resistances lighter.  Exercises should be multi-joint movements that focus on developing strength within the muscle groups utilized on the ice surface.  Some beneficial multi-joint exercises are hang cleans, squats, lunges and step-ups.  These resistive exercises can be changed on a daily or weekly basis and the repetitions with resistance should change on a monthly basis.

At the younger levels, resistive training should focus more on technique and form throughout the season.  The repetitions should continue to stay high with the resistance coming from an individual’s body weight or the use of some sort of light resistance such as dumbbells or resistive tubing/bands.  These exercises should also focus on        multi-joint movements that will help in the development of coordination and balance.   Many of the multi-joint exercises used by the older athletes can be used by the younger individuals without the use of heavy resistance.  Other resistive exercises for the younger athletes are body squats, wall sits, single leg squats, standing heel raises and pushups.  If these exercises are done properly, individuals will experience muscle soreness even if there is no resistance.

No matter what type of off-ice program your team chooses, make sure your workout is safe, fun and challenging for the age group you are working.  Good luck to all the coaches and players this hockey season.

Mike Gulenchyn LAT/CSCS

Mike Gulenchyn is certified with the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as the National Athletic Trainer Association and has worked for twenty-two years in the sports medicine field as an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist. He has spent a majority of his time working with youth, high school and collegiate athletes, although he has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes as well. Mike has been the brains behind the operation of the off-ice training work outs for the camps and programs at The LumberYard.

The LumberYard Hockey & Sports Center
1650 WASHINGTON AVENUE, STILLWATER, MN 55082
Phone: 651-439-2011

The post Implementing an Off-Ice Training Program appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Behind a tremendous work ethic and dedication to his craft, Stauber maximized his God-given talent to reach the game’s highest level, playing behind Wayne Gretzky in goal for the Los Angeles Kings. Stauber’s best season was in 1992-93, the year he helped the Kings reach the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to the Montreal Canadiens, and Conn Smythe Award winner Patrick Roy, in five games.

With his playing days over, Stauber’s Goalcrease Inc. was established to create a one-of-a-kind training center allowing passionate coaches the opportunity to train dedicated goalies on their journey to becoming a complete and powerful goalie, one who understands the commitment to reach their potential in the game of hockey and life.

Now known for his coaching acumen, Stauber’s labor, and that of his staff, bears championships at all age levels. To get a glimpse of how these champions are produced, head out to Stauber’s Goalcrease this Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for its annual Goalie Show.

HUGE SALE on CCM Reebok goalie equipment

The Goalie Show not only includes an open house but also features a goalie equipment sale, equipment fitting and the opportunity to get on the ice to demo the latest products.  Drawings will be conducted for those in attendance to win a free CCM goalie stick as well as a training session with Goalcrease’s proven championship-producing staff.

This year, as he has done for the past nine in addition to running Goalcrease, Stauber coached the goalies for Team USA’s women’s hockey team in Sochi.

“I think the teams that win in the end are the ones that accept their roles — including the goalies,” said Stauber who is “King of the Goalie World” in the eyes of Team USA players. ”I see it as my responsibility to make sure that no matter who is called on, they are ready.”

One of the keys to coaching is knowing your players and working into their strengths. With Team USA for instance, Stauber said his three goalies all have different styles and different personalities: Vetter is unflappable, Schaus is analytical and McLaughlin is the most athletic.

“I view her as the perfect employee,” Stauber said of McLaughlin. “You make a suggestion to her, and her first words are, ‘I can do that.’”

Stauber has no doubts about Jessie Vetter’s ability because she never has doubts about herself.

“Last year at the world championships, she gave up a goal she did not want to give up,” Stauber said. “When I watched her, she was not doubting herself, she was collecting herself and when a goalie has that kind of demeanor, she seems to end up on the right end of a lot of games.”

Stauber takes that same mentality into his coaching at Goalcrease. The results continue to amaze as his Minnesota high school students rose to the top of the state of hockey, with most of the sectional winners having been Goalcrease-trained at some point.

The following is a list of the 15 Goalcrease students in 2014 who made it to the State tournament in Girls High School Hockey including:

-Amy Jost and Bailey Serum, Alexandria.
-Ashley Corcoran, Red Wing.
-Julia Schaefer, New Ulm
-Catherine Johnson, St. Paul United
-Anna Kruesel and Halley Fine, Blake.
-Maddie Rooney, Andover.
-Lauren Bench and Samantha Squires, Burnsville.
-Abby Cooper and Abby Hatcher, Lakeville North.
-Anna DeGulio, Benilde-SM.
-Paige Kittleson, Mounds View.
-Leah Patrick, Hill Murray.

On the boys side, the numbers were even higher, with 19 Goalcrease boy’s who made the trip to the High School state tourney including:

-Jake Gerdes & Erik Evers, Eden Prairie
-Andrew Rohkohl & Kobi Boe, Edina
-Andrew Lindgren & Bear Stebbing, Eagan
-Josh Benson & Daniel Ahrendt, Stillwater
-Ryan Anderson & Willie Woolever, Roseau
-Will Dupont & Jake Oettinger, Lakeville North
-Camren Dehler, St. Cloud Cathedral
-Adam Smith, Hermantown
-Connor Crabtree, Luverne
-Connor Wagner, New Prague
-Garrett Lieberg, East Grand Forks
-Jonathon Flakne & Grant Mathiason, Orono

What is even more impressive is the list of players who won state titles at the youth level this year who trained with the Goalcrease staff.

Goalcrease goalies who took home a MN youth state championship in 2014 are:

-Junior Gold A: Joe Silbaugh/ Parker Anderson, Wayzata
-Junior Gold B: Alex Branton, Edina
-Bantam AA: Gabe Hollum, Grand Rapids
-Bantam B: Matthew Prondzinski, Linden Olness
-U14 B: Paige Greely, Edina
-Pee Wee AA: Weston Gervais/ Jack Wolfe, Edina
-Pee Wee B: Seth Valento/ Ryan Dehling, WBL
-U12 B: Abby Bollig, Farmington

Simply put, the proof is in the process, and the results in which they bear out. With so many champions, from so many different ages, it takes a special coach to be able to translate this message to such a variety of people.

Different Styles, All Winners

Just like the greatest goalies in the world (ie. Tim Thomas, M-A Fleury, and Ryan Miller) all play differently-so do our finest students.

Alec Richards

Rockford Ice Hogs -AHL

• uses size and patience
• blocks well but great glove reactions too
• working on being better playing the puck

Alex Stalock

San Jose Sharks- NHL

• extremely aggressive when playing the puck
• reactive and unpredictable
• creative and competitive
• uses speed and skating to his advantage

Jessie Vetter

USA Women’s National Team

• 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist
• 2011 World Champion

 

Riku Helenius

Tampay Bay Lightning -NHL/Eliteserien

• Big and flexibile
• Body-based blocking style

Johan Gustafsson

Sweden Junior National Team Gold Medalist
Minnesota Wild  / Iowa Wild

• perfect combo of quickness and control
• strong and mature for a young prospect

Kent Patterson

Minnesota Gophers -WCHA, Colorado Avalanche Draft Pick

• Very athletic (fast, strong, and flexible)
• also very technichally sound
• can be aggressive and reactive or patient and conservative

 

The post Stauber’s Goalcrease – the Goaltending Gurus appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

I have had many clients who are athletes but find that their overall lifestyle has become sedentary.  Our society has, in general, been heading toward a more sedentary lifestyle.  For many people their jobs are often spent at a desk and computer for at least eight hours a day.  Research shows that vigorous exercise does not make up for an overall sedentary day.  Our bodies are designed to move!  Here are some quick tips to stay more active:

• stand up at your desk every 15 minutes
• walk around the office for one minute each hour (carry a clipboard, walk around and count the light bulbs…you will even look like you are working)
• take the stairs at work
• park farther away at work or the grocery store
• incorporate strength training (such as bodyweight exercises) in your fitness routine:
  • do squats to reach down and empty the dishwasher
  • skip a step when going up stairs – turns your steps into lunges

Staying more active overall will help you to stay more flexible and stable (which help us avoid muscle tightness and soreness).  Move more; “live more!”

Helping you live more! 

The post The Inactive Athlete appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

MUSTANGS AAA
The second tryout dates have been set. The tryout will be held at Maple
Grove Ice Arena on Martin Luther King Day. Here are the tryout times;
Where: Maple Grove Ice Arena
When: January 20th (MLK Day)
Cost: $15
Times;
U14 – 9:45 a.m.
U10/12 – 11:00 a.m.
2005/2006-07 Birth Year – 12:15 p.m.
2004 Birth Year – 1:30 p.m.
2003 Birth Year – 2:45 p.m.
2001/2002 Birth Year – 4:00 p.m.

Let’s Play Hockey Show
Look for us again at this year’s let’s play hockey show. The show will be held March 7-8 at the St. Paul
RiverCentre.
2014 AAA Apparel orders
This summer all apparel orders will go through Lettermen’s Sports. We will have 3 different order time frames throughout the course of the year. The first order time frame will be available mid to late February. Each order time frame will last 2 weeks. We will provide updates on the exact dates of
the first order and how to place your
order.

Girls U10 Coaches named
Glenn Brown and Jeremy VanKuyk will be heading up the Girls U10 Team. Both coaches are excited about the season to come!
Midwest Hockey Program has also named Tom Carroll the head coach of the 2003 boys’ AAA team.

QUESTIONS
As we have transferred from Transition Hockey and Warrior Dynasty to Midwest Hockey and the Mustangs, many people have had questions. We encourage you to continue to send us your questions to call 763-225-7320 or contact us at info@midwesthockey.net.

The post Midwest Hockey Program appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.