Hockey Performance
Coach Steve Phillips provides a video testimonial for David
Pollitt & DP Hockey
“I
trained under Dave for the 3 years when I played for
the Banff Hockey Academy and I still use his
training programs and ideas in my training today.
My development as a hockey player to the level I am
was not possible without Dave’s support.”
Takuya Mihara
Waseda University Ice Hockey Team, Japan
“Thank
you for all your help and guidance."
Stephen Margeson Professional
Hockey Player
Lake Erie Monsters, (AHL)
“Thank you for everything you have done for me.
I am a better player thanks to you!”
Tyler Doherty,
Concordia University
CIS Ice Hockey player
“Being a smaller player on the ice, I need all the
help I can get. Not just to perform better, but to
avoid injuries. Dave introduced me to off-ice
conditioning and made me realize its importance. I
noticed a huge difference in my ability to perform
on the ice over the time I spent working with you,
which helped get me to the D-1 level.”
Taka Hoshino
Sacred Heart University Pioneers
(NCAA Division I Ice Hockey)
"Your training
and belief in me has helped a lot in my college
hockey success and as I prepare for NHL tryouts.
Thanks a million!"
Justin Todd
New Mexico Scorpions (CHL)
Lebanon College Flying Dutchmen (NCAA D-III)
"Dave
has helped me become an all around stronger player
with his innovative training methods that keep me in
the gym and excited to workout. He has helped me
get to the next level of hockey with his inspiring
attitude, and his motivation in the gym. Without
his level of expertise I would not be able to
perform at the level I am at now."
Justin Anonas
Wentworth Technical Institute
NCAA Division III Ice Hockey
“I
worked with Dave for three years and learned a great
deal about weight training and specifically training
for hockey. He took my hockey abilities to another
level and taught me a lot both in the weight room
and out of it. I can’t thank you enough for all
you’ve done for me. It made the transition to
college hockey a lot easier, and I still use his
programs now that I'm at the college level.”
Jay
Seals
Starting Goaltender
Castleton Spartans
NCAA Division III Ice Hockey
“I have noticed
a great deal of improvement in many of our players both on
the ice and off with the strength and conditioning program
you did for our Duquesne Ice Dukes Hockey Program. It has
helped us compete at a higher level. We are confident that
your contribution will help us compete for a National
title.”
Dave Shondeck
Head Coach
Duquesne University Ice Hockey
“I have
been using your training methods with my pro team in
Manchester and my teammates are starting to join me
with workouts. I am so much stronger and faster
thanks to you.”
Mark Thomas
Sheffield Steelers/London Racers/Manchester Phoenix
(EIHL) English Elite Hockey League
"Dave was my
trainer for 3 years, and throughout that time he prepared me
for an elite level of hockey. His training increased my
speed, balance, and overall strength, and very few people
can out muscle me on the ice. Over the years Dave has been
an immense influence on my off ice training and a great
mentor"
Pat Voll
Junior A Hockey Player
(SJHL) La Ronge Ice Wolves
“I was lucky
enough to have Dave as a Strength and Conditioning Coach
while at the Banff Hockey Academy. After the academy, Dave
designed a 5 month summer program for me to help prepare for
my upcoming NCAA hockey season. After the summer, I saw
incredible results:
Before
After
Change
Bodyweight
195
217
+22 lbs
Bench
205
255
+50 lbs
Power
Clean
180
235
+55 lbs
Deadlift
275
380
+105
lbs.
All of the body
weight gains were lean, and I improved in cardio and
anaerobic performance as well. Most importantly, my on ice
improvements were phenomenal thanks to Dave. I was named
All-Conference Goalie of the Year my first two seasons in
college. I have continued using Dave’s programs since he
joined the Duquesne University Coaching Staff, and now I am
preparing for pro tryouts this summer. He was so
inspirational, in fact, that I am now pursuing a career in
Sports Science to follow in his footsteps.
Clint Hazen
Duquesne University Ice Hockey
“Thanks
for all the programs and advice. You’re awesome!”
Nick Kooiker
Eastern Washington University
NCAA Division III Ice Hockey
“Dave is
100% committed to improving his athlete’s
performance. His passion for hockey conditioning is
unmatched. I have seen his players make big gains
in just one season, which goes a long way to help
them achieve their athletic goals.”
Oly Hicks, BA, MA
Assistant Coach
Manhattanville Valiants
NCAA Division III Ice Hockey
"Thanks for all your help Dave in our success these
past years!"
Mike Papciak
All-Time Leading Scorer
Duquesne University Ice Dukes
“You
helped me get a great start on a great career. Your
influence and coaching is much appreciated. You
truly made the difference!”
Peter Mercredi
Junior A hockey player
(MJHL) Winkler Flyers
“David
was well prepared for his role as our strength and
conditioning coach and proved to be very capable of
accurately assessing injuries and providing
appropriate rehabilitation programs for our injured
athletes. By the end of his tenure with the BHA,
David proved to be an inspiring coach for our
student-athletes.”
Billy G. Doherty
Director
Banff Hockey Academy
“I
got some unbelievable results from your programs.
Thanks for all your help!”
Ciaran
Mulhall
Duquesne University Ice Dukes
“I feel that
David’s programs will not only increase our strength but our
conditioning as well. I know first hand that this will help
us to prepare for the national tournament. Thanks again!”
Tim Bosack
Assistant Coach
Duquesne University Ice Hockey
“David’s
training methods and programs help athlete’s
functional strength and body balance, but more than
that he manages to get the best from his athletes,
which translates into better conditioning and sport
performance.”
Kendra Kuhl, RMT
Owner, Maximum Health Massage
Canmore, Alberta
“As an athlete
working with David Pollitt was one of the best experiences I
have had with a strength and conditioning coach. Everything
we did was extremely innovative and sport specific which
enhanced my teammates and my own performance on and off the
ice. The most creative workouts I have ever done were part
of David Pollitt's ab-ball work-outs. I spent about a half
hour at the end of every lift practicing on the ab-ball.
First we learned just how to kneel on it and balance by
ourselves, followed by abdominal conditioning. Slowly but
surely Dave pushed us to learn how to jump onto the ball and
balance without using our hands. By the end of my time with
Dave I was able to readily stand up onto an ab-ball without
using my hands and do squats on it with weights he handed
me, pass a ball back and forth while just standing on the
ball, and juggle while standing on the ball, as well as
jumped onto a ball that was thrown at me and stop it and
balance on it at the same time with my knees. David
Pollitt's knowledge of athletes allowed him to push my
teammates and I to optimal levels of strength and
conditioning. Using team based techniques in off-ice
training such as indian runs, races up the Centre Hill, and
position specific training helped me to walk onto the Boston
University Hockey team in 2002-2003. Although i was cut
after my first season, when it came to strength and
conditioning, technique, and hard-work I was able to show
that i was in the top echelon of Division 1 athletes. David
Pollitt was a great strength and condtioning coach because
of his knowledge in his field. Dave could read althletes,
knowing how and when to push them and when to give them a
break. Also, working out with many coaches it was a plearse
that Dave is not just concerned with the team as a whole, he
takes time with each individual to make sure they reach
their potential.”
Dan Gableman
Boston University Terriers
(NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey)
“You
made a big difference in my training and in hockey.
Thank you for helping me get to the next level.”
Ryan McInnis
Junior A hockey player
“Dave worked
with me for years and helped me prepare for racing on the
international circuit. I owe him a lot as a mentor and as a
friend.”
Chera Ghidoni
Canadian Military Biathlon Team, 1992-96
“Thanks
for being a great coach, trainer and most of all, a
friend.”
John Accardo
Junior B Hockey Player
Banff Flying Icemen
"Top notch workouts Dave!"
Mike Heath
ACHA Rookie of the Year
Duquesne University Ice Duke
"I believe David
is an excellent trainer because he takes personal
pride in the success and accomplishments with each
of his clients. In my mind he’s the greatest
trainer ever."
Lisa Newcomb
Track Athlete
Cal State Long Beach)
“David has
achieved tremendous results in strength improvement for the
individual athletes of the Banff Hockey Academy. I have
witnessed through personal observation the great strides
that these young athletes have made because of his hands on
coaching and dedication. He is able to get young high
school athletes to believe in the importance of strength
improvement as a means to greater success in hockey.”
John
Petroff
Physical Education Teacher
Banff Community High School, Banff, Alberta
"For
me, working with Dave has definitely provided the right base
to move on to the next level. I got a lot stronger and
bigger while keeping up, or even improving my agility and
flexibility. Dave was a great trainer to work with and I'm
grateful for his good work and help."
KJ
Haas
Junior A Hockey Player
Hartford Junior Wolfpack (AJHL)
“David has
a lengthy list of achievements, volunteer experiences, sport
specific education and a variety of work experiences that
help him as a professional in the health and fitness
industry.”
Dennis
Hrycaiko, Ph.D.
Dean, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies
The University of Manitoba
“We are
effectively using David’s training programs with our program
as a handout to our protected list players as well as our
returning veterans with great success.”
Bob Miller
Head Coach
(AJHL) Canmore Eagles Junior A Hockey Club
“My name
is Gray Cook and I had a small piece in T&C magazine when
you did the Searching for Symmetry article. I just
wanted to commend you on your work and message. I did a
book called Athletic Body in Balance last year and hopefully
relayed the same message. It is good to see this type of
work and I just wanted to let you know it was well
received. I hope to see more of your work…”
“We at the NSCA
Commission and its Executive Council sincerely appreciate
the recognition that is created by the professional
activities of industry leaders like you with your recent
articles on training and conditioning.”
Thomas R. Baechle, CSCS
Executive Director
National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification
Commission
“I remember
running through the mountains, a wide variety of weight
training, all kinds of dryland workouts with the medicine
balls, ladders, sleds, plyometrics, balls, and other ungodly
things. The training really did get me into the best shape
of my life. I think that Dave’s workouts kick serious
freakin’ ass.”
Brian La Barbera
UAlbany Ice Hockey (MCHC League)
“Dave is a
person who believes and understands the true spirit of
sport. His enthusiasm, creativity, broad perspective and
extensive sport background in sport combined with his
education make him a resource every athlete should use!”
Tom
Huisman, MBA
Director of Operations and Development
Canadian Interuniversity Sport, Ottawa Ontario
"Dave [Pollitt]
gave me the guidance, confidence and one-on-one time that I
needed to reach my goals both in and out of the weight
room".
Stephen McNutt,
Junior B hockey player
Banff Flying Icemen
“For the 5
years Dave worked with the Manitoba Nordic Ski Team he
proved himself invaluable as a coach, team leader, and
resource for the coaches and athletes of Manitoba. His
enthusiasm and love of skiing has helped carry many of our
skiers to better performances at the provincial and national
level.”
"Thanks Dave for teaching
me how to workout and exercise properly for hockey, I have
no problems staying fit for the Army after training with
you!"
Brendan Whalen
Former Junior B Hockey Player
Private Second Class, Combat Medic
United States Army
"David has a
unique talent for getting the most consistent results
because of his complete understanding of all the many facets
of training. His approach to varying the routines and style
keep the workouts from becoming stale. The mechanics to
mental aspects of training including nutrition and work
ethics of his cliental are part of his complete approach to
fitness training.”
Glenn Baldwin
Owner, Design Form Inc. and former champion hang-glider
Los Angeles, CA
"Dave,
I wanted to write and tell you that the program you sent us
really was a well put together program. I like the
workloads you outline in the different phases and I think
you have the right training phases at the right times. Well
done!"
Adam Culligan, BPE, BEd
Athletic Director
Banff Hockey Academy
"I originally
wanted to work with a personal trainer a couple of sessions
just to revitalize my own workout program. However, when I
started working with David, his creativity, skill, knowledge
and warmth made me want to continue with him. David pushes
me harder than I will push myself and I am getting the
results to prove it!"
Cindy DeBerry, PT
Physical Therapist
Tustin, CA
“I have been
training with Dave for almost a year and a half. At 55
years old, I am stronger and in better shape than I was at
35. I don’t feel this would have happened with a regular
“trainer”. Dave is not “regular” in any way because he gets
results.”
John Wyatt
VP Sales, Mag-light
Ontario, CA
"The off ice
training I did with Coach Pollitt gave me the extra edge
that I needed to take my game to the next level.”
Kevin Sheffield
Junior Hockey Player
Banff Hockey Academy
“Dave always had
the best interests of his athletes in mind over anything
else. "He is a great coach, mentor, and friend.”
Brett Turner
Junior B Hockey Player
Banff Flying Icemen
David whipped me
into shape as I trained for the police academy. I had never
worked out before I met David. He created a personalized
training regiment and I feel confident that I can survive
anything the academy might throw at me.
Blake Kunisch
Orange, CA
“David’s
programs have helped our hockey team compete at a higher
level. Having done these programs with our players I
realize why they work.”
Kurtis Jones
Head Coach
Canmore Timber Wolves Hockey Team
“You have helped
me become a stronger athlete and through that I have
realized my potential. Thanks for everything!”
Sean Keating
Junior A hockey player
Banff Flying Icemen
“I wanted to
thank you for your contributions to the 1995 National
Coaches Seminar as co-chair of the event. We could not have
put on such a successful seminar without your support.”
Randy Anderson
General Manager
National Coaching Institute (Manitoba)
"Dave showed me the
correct way to train for hockey. While training with Dave I
was the strongest, leanest, and most conditioned I have ever
been. He knows how to get athletes to the next level and
has inspired me to pursue a career in strength and
conditioning."
Nicholas Friebel, CSCS
Former Junior B Hockey Player & Current Strength Coach
Chesapeake, VA
“I am impressed
with David’s work ethic and professionalism. He seeks
excellence from his athlete clients and himself. The proof
is in his clients' marked improvements in performance. I've
learned a great deal from David and have improved the
quality of my own training.”
Ian Gordon, CSCS
Personal Trainer, Mr. Jill’s Body Firm
Tustin, CA
“I read
your article on yearly Yearly Weight Training Program for
a Hockey Academy and really enjoyed it.”
Bill Coffey, CSCS
Director of Sport Medicine
Nichols College, Dudley, MA
“I read
your article on Sled Dragging for Hockey Training in
the 2003, Volume 25, Number 3, pp 7-16 issue of the Strength
and Conditioning Journal. Nice work. I have used tires on
the ice in the past with great success.”
Steig
Theander, CSCS
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Phoenix Coyotes