As the founder of Katy Jo Power Skating, Katy Johnson has built a strong reputation across Minnesota and beyond for developing skaters who thrive on balance, speed, and control. Her coaching blends clear language, sharp biomechanics, and an upbeat style that keeps players fully invested in the moment. That blend was on full display at TCS Live Minnesota in 2025, as she led coaches and athletes through a session centered on what she calls clean speed.
Johnson opened by explaining a simple truth. Skating fast is great. Skating clean is better. Momentum, pressure points, and force production all matter, but none of it works without grip on your edges and an understanding of how the body interacts with the ice. She then introduced her four E’s, the pillars she leans on in every session:
- Equipment
- Evaluation
- Exercise
- Execution
Here's a complete breakdown of the four E's.
The four E's are the cornerstones of Johnson's system. An athlete might be elite but they can't outperform inefficiencies in their game.
Once Johnson got started she moved the players into an activation glide between the bluelines, asking them to be steady, still, and stable, with weight distributed through the mid-heel and pine in a neutral position. She stressed the importance of ankles being flexed.
"Let's evaluate the ideal turn from bottom up."
Want to put your knowledge to the test? Watch these clips demonstrating proper technique and sharpen your perspective for your next skills session. There's an interesting example featuring one of the best skaters on the planet you'll want to watch.
Johnson's terminology is simple on purpose. She wants players dialled in to one area of the body at a time, whether it’s hips, ankles, spine, or shoulders.
She’s also purposeful in the ownership she gives the players. During her 25 minute presentation she asked for feedback from the players more than once. Questions like How does that feel? What are you noticing? What changed for you? She adjusts her coaching based on their answers because she believes this kind of internal awareness leads to long-term improvement. And when she pushes players (cutting a turn tighter, accelerating a touch quicker) it comes with encouragement that made the challenge feel attainable.
Maximum Interaction with the Ice
The session evolved into extension work, adjustments in weight transfer, and edge anchoring. At one point, she even had all the coaches stand in their hockey stance, telling them to push their ankles and shins into the imaginary tongues of their skates.
It was a perfect reminder that skating technique is universal, not age-dependent.
For Johnson, clean speed wins. Players need to grip their edges and anchor into the ice to create force with purpose. She showed everyone that when you combine biomechanics, clear language, and athlete input, you unlock skaters who are not just faster but more confident in every stride.
Here are drills used in Katy's presentation you can use with your own team.
Coaches’ Challenge
This week, pick one skating detail you can reinforce with crystal-clear terminology. Maybe it’s ankle flexion or weight distribution. Use consistent language in every drill and watch how quickly your players begin correcting their own posture and movement.
Noteworthy timestamps:
- 0:00 Equippment prep
- 2:30 Evaluating technique
- 9:30 Executing the skills
- 16:20 Adding second turn
- 19:45 Adding pucks and pressure
Looking for more? Here are the assets used in Katy's presentation.
