Elev802 and Strategies For Client Individualization
Why We Built a Gym/Ice Rink Joint Facility
In November 2019, Elev802 opened its doors in Essex Junction, Vermont when recent pro-hockey retirees Torrey Mitchell and Peter Lenes couldn't imagine doing anything that didn't involve hockey.
So, they opened an ice-rink… a mini ice rink (56x40) in a one-story building the size of a hair salon. Their vision for the Elev802 wasn't just to be the go-to place for hockey development in the greater Burlington, Vermont area, although that's part of it. Really, they wanted to create a place where every player could get complete and individualized attention. And, they couldn't neglect a huge piece of that puzzle: strength and conditioning. So, in addition to the rink, the facility includes a 1400 square foot training facility, which Torrey and Pete enlisted me to man the head strength and conditioning duties of. An Essex, Vermont native, I have 12 years of experience as a strength coach and I currently coach the local Essex High School boys hockey team.
For me, as a trainer, individualization is one of the most important factors. So, my values as a strength coach aligned perfectly with theirs as coaches. This is crucial to our business model; we all need to be on the same page when it comes to the development of an athlete both on and off the ice.
Understanding each athlete's goals as well as where they're currently at in terms of movement and skill is vital to an athlete's success in both settings. The Elev802 model allows Peter, Torrey, and I to plan out an athlete's program based on what they're seeing on the ice, and what I see off the ice. We work together to adjust both the on-ice and off-ice aspects to each player. A facility like this has fostered an environment where it's much easier to individualize the program. Here, there is no “one size fits all” approach.
So, we create an intimate environment where we all work together. Mitchell and Lenes run all on-ice sessions which range from 1-on-1 lessons to small groups of up to 4 players at a time. Each client that touches the ice goes through a skill evaluation to identify opportunities for growth, from there they customize sessions to develop the necessary skills to take their game to the next level.
I oversee all of the off-ice sessions which range from private 1-on-1 to our summer program which will have groups of 8 working together with 2 coaches at a time. Each client goes through a movement assessment and initial movement and performance testing that sets the pathway for their program.
In essence, with our format, we can streamline the individualization process.
However, not all strength coaches and hockey coaches have the luxury we have of collaborating between on-ice and off-ice development, and in the small numbers that we exclusively work with.
But you can mimic some of the benefits of the relationship.
As Strength Coaches, Our Job Is To Develop Players to Improve Their On-Ice Performance. Yet, It's Rare Outside of Team Settings For Strength and Team Coaches to Collaborate.
If you're a private-sector strength coach, make a point to reach out to your clients' coaches. Let them know what you're working on, what you see off the ice, and if that holds true in their minds. More than likely, you'll come out with insight that will enhance your coaching methods with each player.
And just as that information from their team coach will be helpful, you should connect with who they're skating with during the summertime also. This may even be more important because knowing their on-ice workload and what it's focused on will change your offseason programming. Are their summer sessions skills-focused and less intense, or are they adding significant workload that would affect the training sessions?
You should get in touch with all the key figures in their development. Including, of course, their parents, who may be driving forces in their nutrition and other elements.
Players: You Can Take This Into Your Own Hands.
Introduce your strength coach and hockey coach to one another. Connect everybody a part of your development so they can work in unison.
While our facility streamlines the individualization process, you can take the same concepts to provide a program tailored to each athlete.
If you'd like to learn more you can visit our website www.elev802.com.
