“It has to be a team oriented thing where they’re having fun. At that age, it can’t be a grind.”

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In episode #242 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Mark Poolman, the Head Athletic Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Coach of the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team. 

Poolman's reputation precedes him and it’s no secret that UND is a pipeline of NHL talent. The alumni list includes the likes of Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, TJ Oshie, Jake Sanderson, Ed Belfour and Brock Boeser, just to name a few. To put it in perspective: last season alone, 23 former UND players suited up in the NHL. 

Listen as he shares off-ice training tips for youth players, why sleep is critical to player performance, and how to deal with stress as a coach.

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 UND Facility
• 2:00 Remodelling the weight/training room
• 9:30 His role as the Athletic Trainer
• 13:50 Fundamentals of athlete training
• 17:50 How to support young players training
• 22:25 Motivation through camaraderie
• 24:40 Growing up on a farm
• 27:40 Getting into a career in sport science
• 30:30 Playing Football in UND
• 33:20 Supporting the UND culture
• 36:00 The pressure and exposure for current players
• 40:30 Building a training plan
• 44:00 Importance of nutrition and sleep
• 51:40 Fitness for coaches
• 55:20 Advice to coaches for dealing with stress
• 56:30 Working with Blais, Hextall, Berry
• 1:00:30 Making it about the individual