Physical Preparation for Ice Hockey ─ Biological Principals and Practical Solutions

This book was written for both hockey player and coach. Hockey has been a passion of mine since early childhood. Born and raised in Canada and relocating to the United States in 1990, hockey has been the fabric of our family tree. From youth hockey to having the opportunity to play at the minor professional level, I have enjoyed this great game and the life lessons it has instilled along the way. It was during my career in university where coaching became a passion. I loved the weight room, the preparation, and the process. It was, and still is, a place of solace for me—a classroom. My love for strength and conditioning was born in the sweaty confines of the Miami (OH) strength and conditioning facility located in Oxford, Ohio, and run by then strength and conditioning coach Dan Dalrymple. Coach D instilled pride, work ethic, and belief in his athletes. Our two-thousand-square foot weight room was a place of preparation, competition, and embodied the “team first” spirit. At that instant, I knew my calling was to serve as a coach. I owe much gratitude and appreciation to Coach D. He was a mentor to me! Thanks, Coach, your imprint has left an indelible mark.

Anthony Donskov is the founder of Donskov Strength & Conditioning, Inc. (www.donskovsc.com) located in Columbus, Ohio where he serves as the Director of Sports Performance. He currently oversees all facets of physical preparation including: assessment, program design, exercise protocol, testing, and continuing education. Donskov earned a Masters Degree in Exercise Science from Cal U of PA and his BSc at Miami (OH) University. Anthony has served as an assistant strength coach for the USA Women's National Ice Hockey team (2010–2014) and has participated as a guest coach for several National Hockey League development camps.

Donskov is a Head Instructor/Director of off-Ice Training at Donskov Hockey Development. DHD (www.donskovhockey.com), is a family run hockey school with a renowned reputation for developing youth athletes. Anthony played two years of minor professional hockey (2001–2003) for the Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League. He was named the 2003 Central Hockey League's "Man of the Year" for his leadership on the ice and in the community. Donskov played his collegiate hockey at Miami (OH) University (1997–2001), where he served as an assistant captain his senior year. Anthony is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (PES). He resides in Columbus, Ohio with his dog Cossack.

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