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Trayce Johnson & Andrew Stacey

HPD’s 18 year old Trayce Johnson made the NAHL Maryland Black Bears 30 man roster as a Defenseman. Trayce is still currently fighting for a spot and remains on the team, his fellow teammate from last season HPD’s 18 year old Andrew Stacey remains on the North Iowa Bulls 30 man roster as well. Best of luck to these two young players..!

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All ages?

Why does HPD offer off-ice training for all ages? The best way to compliment your on-ice training is to work properly off the ice. In order for this to happen we must understand that a “one size fits all” training regiment, is now obsolete. At HPD our staff believes that age appropriate related strength training can develop strength and power at all ages. Our goals, are to create off-ice programs that directly compliment the ages of the participants. Functional strength training for younger athletes and Olympic lifting variations for older athletes are both great ways to develop explosiveness...

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Increase Skating Speed

How Do You Increase Skating Speed? Many coaches, instructors and players all have their own opinions. It is actually a complex question and involves multiple activities. Adjusting your stride, lengthening it, tweaking it by practicing lots of stride work? Sorry, this will not work alone. The truth of the matter is, it takes lots and lots of time and hard work. The reality is great skaters have worked extremely hard on their craft. Targeting specific muscle groups relating to skating speed is a very effective way of increasing speed over time. At HPD we use off-ice plyometric training. Plyometric...

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The debate

Since its inception in 2009 USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) has been a hot topic in almost every rink throughout the United States. The ADM which was created by USA hockey after years of extensive research that involved world class trainers, doctors, nutritionists and psychologists is continually under public fire. The debate often centers on half ice versus full ice games at the younger birth years. Skeptics to this innovative development model have sought an alternative and have turned to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Many AAU team leaders cleverly recruit by defaming...

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Development opportunity

What makes HPD an elite development opportunity? Over the years through hard work and dedication to the sport we have developed a true system in developing elite hockey players. We specialize in building a strong foundation for our youth players using power skating techniques that reinforce proper skating stride and being strong on edges. For older players on-ice development continues with reinforcing proper skating technique with added emphasis on strength and conditioning. The development process continues off the ice with HPD by teaching our youths how to properly and effectively train...

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Cold Hard Truth when it comes to Skating Stride

I have been working with youth hockey, junior, college and pro skaters for the last fifteen years, I have played alongside players in Division 1 college and then in the Pros with very awkward strides that are in fact great hockey players. Most were very strong and had unbelievable leg and core strength. Some body types cannot be fluent when skating, while others are more equipped to produce a great fluent stride. Believe it or not most young players will improve their stride with simply logging more ice time, attending specialized power skating sessions that preach fixing your stride is somewhat...

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Equipment issues

Hi everyone hope your hockey seasons are going well…. Equipment issues?  I get a lot of questions from hockey parents from time to time regarding various equipment issues.  So I have decided to summarize and list to the best of my knowledge all the basic equipment needed in hopes to help out with the purchasing process of new or used equipment.  As you will find out quickly buying hockey equipment is unfortunately not a one time expense. As your child grows and new “larger” equipment is required you will find prices dramatically increase in size as well.  Also...

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Some are better than others

A Note from former NHL player and Hockey Player Development head instructor Iain Duncan, I know that some years are better than others, but always remember, “YOU ARE PLAYING AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE “WORLDS FASTEST TEAM SPORT”. Look at the positive things that happen throughout this year and think about “What can I do to better to prepare myself for the next hockey season?” And “What can I do as an individual to may my team stronger?”  There are always things you can improve on…skating, shooting, passing, conditioning and strength just to name a few. During...

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