Strength Training for Hockey

“Strength training is the foundation for being a successful athlete. Not only is it scientifically proven to improve performance, but it’s also a staple of performing at the highest level throughout your whole season. It’s a must if you want to continue your path of becoming an elite athlete.”-Rod Brind’Amour, Head Coach of the Carolina Hurricanes“Strength Training for Hockey outlines a detailed approach to improving strength in hockey-specific patterns, and it provides you with the necessary tools to improve athletic performance, both on and off the ice.”-Devon Toews, Defenseman for the NHL Colorado Avalanche“Strength Training for Hockey provides great guidance on how to improve efficiency in resistance training and recovery to achieve peak strength and power performance on the ice.”-Zdeno Chara, Seven-Time All-Star and Retired NHL Defenseman“Strength Training for Hockey stands as a definitive guide, crafted by leading experts in hockey strength training, for preparing players for competition at any level. Grounded in scientific principles and extensive practical experience, it is an indispensable resource for coaches aiming to maximize their players’ potential.”-Matt Price, MKin, CSCS, Director of Strength and Performance Science for the Los Angeles Kings

ABOUT THE EDITORS

Kevin Neeld, PhD, CSCS, CPSS, RSCC*D, CMT, is the head performance coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees the organization’s performance training program and sport science initiatives. He previously worked as a strength and conditioning coach with the San Jose Sharks and USA Hockey’s women’s team. Neeld earned his PhD in human and sport performance from Rocky Mountain University, where his research focused on the relationship between workload and performance in elite hockey. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of Ultimate Hockey Training and Speed Training for Hockey. He has been an invited guest speaker at events hosted by the National Hockey League (NHL), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Hockey. Neeld is certified as a strength and conditioning coach and as a performance and sport scientist through the NSCA.

Brijesh Patel, MA, CSCS, RSCC*E, has been an innovator, leader, and highly regarded coach in the health and performance field for over 20 years. His passion for improvement, growth, and development has played a major role in the success and well-being of hundreds of individuals. Patel is a sought-after speaker and consultant as well as a mentor for coaches across all sports. He currently serves as the associate athletic director and director of athletic performance at Quinnipiac University. Patel has built the strength and conditioning department from scratch, instilling his philosophy and approach to creating the best overall environment. He prides himself in leading a department in which each student-athlete is given his or her own individualized program that is designed to improve movement skills, core strength, power, speed, strength, balance, and flexibility. Although Patel oversees the strength and conditioning development for all 21 varsity sports at Quinnipiac, he works primarily with the men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey teams.