"Working with Connor was awesome. This past month I have increased my speed and strength dramatically!
I have gained confidence in my game and have learned abilities that I wasn't so good at and now I have them mastered.
They personally helped me with my meal plan and intake on what I needed per day to help me become stronger on the ice.
I am in the best shape of my life and feel so good on the ice because of this program. I want to thank Connor for everything he has done for me because I don't know where I would be today without his help this month!"
-Matheson Mason, Team Canada-
Since coming to train with Connor he helped me reach the best shape I've ever been in, mobility and strength-wise. I saw instant results on the ice in everything I did. Overall I just became a better player thanks to the program he set out for me.
-Ilya Zhilinsky, Junior-
Since coming to AMBN, I've noticed significant improvements in my acceleration on the ice from what we have worked on in the gym, my cardiovascular system has improved drastically, I can log big minutes with no problems at all.
-Linden Hart, U15 AAA-
To Build a faster first step, we need to lay a solid foundation. During this phase, we are building stability and balance, your baseline conditioning, and rebuilding your daily nutrition habits. As a result, you will be wasting less energy in your stride, have more energy for the entire game, and have more confidence in your daily nutrition
The goal here is building the support of the house, you wouldn't build a house with cardboard walls. Within this phase, you are going to see improvements in your strength and power, which will allow you to push harder into the ice. These two components allow you to achieve a higher peak of on-ice speed.
This is where we take all the power we've built and apply it ALL GAME LONG. This will allow you to dominate in every period and become a more reliable player to your team
Answers to the burning questions in your mind.
The best off-ice exercises for hockey players include squats and lunges to build lower body strength and power, essential for strong skating. Plyometric exercises like box jumps and lateral bounds are great for developing explosive speed and agility. Core workouts, such as planks and Russian twists, improve balance and stability, which are crucial for maintaining control during fast, dynamic movements on the ice.
To improve your skating speed in hockey, focus on strength training for your lower body, particularly with exercises like squats and lunges, to build the power needed for explosive strides. Incorporate plyometric exercises such as box jumps and speed skaters to enhance your agility and quickness on the ice. Additionally, practice sprint intervals during skating drills, emphasizing quick starts and maintaining speed through each stride to develop both acceleration and top-end speed.
To increase endurance for hockey games, incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workouts, as it mimics the stop-and-go nature of hockey and improves cardiovascular fitness. Combine this with steady-state cardio, like running or cycling, to build overall stamina. Additionally, focusing on sport-specific drills that simulate game situations, such as repeated sprints or shuttle runs, will help you sustain energy levels throughout a game.
To develop explosive power for hockey, focus on plyometric exercises like box jumps, jump squats, and lateral bounds, which enhance fast-twitch muscle fibres for quick bursts of speed. Incorporate strength training with compound movements like deadlifts and power cleans to build the muscle strength needed for explosive starts and stops. Additionally, practicing short sprints and agility drills will help translate this power into effective on-ice performance.
Prioritize carbohydrates for energy, with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as key sources. proteins from lean meats, fish, and legumes is essential for muscle recovery, while healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil support sustained energy. Proper hydration and well-timed meals are crucial for maintaining peak performance on the ice.
I’m Connor Kowalchuk, an online strength/nutrition specialist for hockey players. I help players from all around the world to increase their on-ice speed to dominate their current level.
“This past month I have increased my speed and strength dramatically!”
Matheson Mason - Wellington Dukes OJHL