Hey, Coach Josh here. When I was prepping for my tryout with the Red Wings, I realized I needed something different. I joined the typical trainings that summer with other Wings players and prospects, but what I really needed was quicker feet during my starts. So, I hired a pro skating instructor and spent the entire summer focusing on just that—my starts. After 15 years of having a sluggish start, a few targeted sessions completely changed my speed off the block.
I had spent countless hours at power skating clinics—and my parents had shelled out suitcases full of cash—but it took those focused, personalized sessions to make a real difference. That experience transformed how I think about training.
People treat youth hockey development like a Costco run—thinking more is better. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Line drills and overcrowded practices often reinforce bad habits instead of correcting them. Take my quick starts as an example—I’d heard the right instructions hundreds of times, but it wasn’t until a focused coach provided specific corrections that my form truly improved.
Sports psychology is often overlooked, but it’s a game-changer. Skills like managing stress and building confidence are just as crucial as skating and shooting. By the time I got drafted, we were all exceptional athletes. We could all skate, shoot, think, etc. The guys who made it stayed injury free and mentally strong. That's it.
Many hockey camps try to boost their perceived value by adding generic add-ons or mediocre dryland sessions. But these extras are often a waste of time and resources. Not always; but often. At Headspace Hockey, we focus on things players can't do at home: targeted skill development and mental fitness.
I understand that choosing a premium program can feel like a leap, especially with so many low-cost options. But here’s the truth: investing in quality training saves you time and money in the long run. You get what you pay for. Real resilience, competence, and confidence don’t come from standard line drills; they require focused coaching, specialized knowledge, and the right approach to truly develop your athlete.
Four games after training camp with the Detroit Red Wings, I fractured my skull. It was not my favorite day.
My body eventually healed, but it took a significant toll on my mental health, highlighting a hard truth: I was simply not prepared for the mental challenges the OHL and NHL threw my way.
Decades later (ouch again), I'm surprised by how little has changed – the mental side of the game is largely ignored, and the training hasn't kept pace with science. That's why I founded Headspace Hockey.
Our program combines skill development with mental fitness to create complete athletes. Reach out to learn more or get started today.