The PWHT Podcast

The PWHT Podcast

Join Dr. Zack Rourk on a dynamic exploration of hockey’s inner workings through the lens of ”The PWHT Podcast.” Each episode unfolds as a unique journey, dissecting the challenges, victories, and crucial lessons that define the paths of accomplished players. Beyond player narratives, we bring you exclusive interviews with industry professionals - sport psychologists, skills coaches, nutritionists, and more. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing success in the world of hockey. Subscribe today for an immersive experience into the secrets of hockey triumph. Whether you’re an aspiring player or a devoted parent, ”The PWHT Podcast” is your key to unraveling the mysteries behind a successful hockey career.

Episodes

The Parent’s Guide to Off-Ice Training for Pee Wee, Bantam & U15 Hockey Players

April 1, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode, Dr. Zack Rourk breaks down what every hockey parent needs to know about off-ice training for Pee Wee, Bantam, and U15 players. From when to start, to how to choose the right program, to balancing short-term performance with long-term development—you’ll walk away with clear, honest answers and a better understanding of how to support your young athlete’s journey.
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What are the Best In-Season Exercises?

January 30, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode of the PWHT Podcast, Dr. Zack Rourk breaks down which exercises deliver the biggest impact for in-season performance—helping you stay strong, powerful, and game-ready without overtraining. Learn how to streamline your workouts, focus on high-return movements, and avoid unnecessary fatigue.
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In-Season Recovery Methods

January 30, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode of the PWHT Podcast, Dr. Zack Rourk breaks down the truth about in-season recovery—what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes that slow you down.
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The Secret to In-Season Performance

January 30, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode of the PWHT Podcast, Dr. Zack Rourk shares the Golden Rule—a proven formula to balance training, games, and recovery for optimal development. Learn how to manage your weekly exposures, avoid overtraining, and stay at your best all season long.
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Should Hockey Players Lift Weights In-Season?

January 30, 2025 • 9 mins
In this episode, we break down whether you should be lifting weights in-season and how to balance training, games, and recovery for peak performance. Tune in now and take control of your development!
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How to Maintain Hockey Conditioning During the Season

January 4, 2025 • 11 mins
Stay in peak hockey shape all season! In this episode, learn effective ways to maintain conditioning through smart training, recovery, and managing your workload to stay fast and powerful on the ice.
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How to Maintain Muscle Mass During the Hockey Season

January 3, 2025 • 11 mins
Want to keep your muscle mass through the hockey season? In this episode, discover practical strategies to balance training, nutrition, and recovery, ensuring you stay strong and game-ready all season long.
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How to Maintain Explosive Power During the Hockey Season

January 3, 2025 • 13 mins
Struggling to maintain explosivity during the hockey season? In this episode, learn why balancing training and recovery is key to staying powerful and injury-free, along with practical steps to manage your schedule and maximize performance.
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What’s the Right Approach to In-Season Training?

January 3, 2025 • 11 mins
Discover how to stay explosive and injury-free all season. In this episode, learn practical tips to balance training and recovery, boost performance, and avoid burnout during the hockey season.
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Training Topics: Plan Your Personal Hockey Summer Development Program

May 31, 2024 • 30 mins
Are you struggling to plan your summer training? How much and what kind of training should you be doing? In this episode of The PWHT Podcast Dr. Zack Rourk discusses how to best plan your own personal hockey development program. First he discusses what kind of training is appropriate at every age level, then he gives suggestions for how much training to do over the course of the summer.
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Training Topics: Best Conditioning Methods for Hockey Players

May 22, 2024 • 31 mins
In today's episode, Dr. Zack Rourk dives into the nuances of hockey-specific conditioning. He breaks down the differences between anaerobic and aerobic training, explains the significance of VO2max as a marker for hockey performance, and highlights common mistakes made in hockey conditioning. Tune in to learn effective strategies for conditioning hockey players both on and off the ice, and discover how to optimize training to enhan...
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Journey Episode: Jackson Nevers: Learning to Lead

May 15, 2024 • 45 mins
Sit down with Jackson Nevers, a standout hockey player committed to the Gophers, fresh off a victorious state championship win with Edina. In this candid conversation with Dr. Zack Rourk, Jackson reflects on his hockey journey, navigating adversity, and the evolving role of leadership in his life. Gain insights into Jackson's personal growth and his aspirations to lead both on and off the ice.
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Training Topics: Hockey Hip Mobility

May 10, 2024 • 19 mins
In the latest episode of the PWHT Podcast, Dr. Rourk delves into the crucial topic of hip mobility for hockey players. In this episode, Dr. Rourk explores the nuances between mobility and flexibility, shedding light on why mobility is favored over flexibility for optimal performance on the ice. Discover practical strategies for enhancing hip mobility and learn about common pitfalls associated with traditional flexibility and mobili...
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Training Topics: What is Hockey Specific Training?

May 5, 2024 • 31 mins
Join Dr. Zack Rourk as he delves into the intricacies of sport-specific training in the latest episode of the PWHT podcast. Dr. Rourk explores what it truly means for an exercise to resemble the performance it's designed for, with a special focus on hockey. From dissecting movement patterns to understanding the force-velocity relationship, Dr. Rourk breaks down the essential elements of sport-specific training. Tune in to learn wh...
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Journey Episode: Drew Stewart: Seeking Out Challenges

May 5, 2024 • 62 mins
Drew Stewart, long time PWHT athlete, Notre Dame Commit and current RoughRider of the USHL sits down with Dr. Zack Rourk to talk about the challenges that he has faced in his hockey journey.
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Training Topics: Why Hockey Players Should Not Do Plyometrics

April 24, 2024 • 19 mins
Dr. Rourk breaks down the fundamental principles of plyometric training, highlighting its origins and the misconceptions surrounding its application in hockey. Through an insightful analysis, he reveals why plyometric exercises may not be the most effective choice for hockey players looking to enhance their on-ice performance. Instead, Dr. Rourk offers valuable insights into alternative training methods tailored specifically for ho...
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Ask An Expert: John Schiavo A Unique Background Leads to Innovative Skills Ideas

April 19, 2024 • 50 mins
Tune in to an enlightening conversation on skills training with Dr. Zack Rourk and John Schiavo, a professional inline and ice hockey player, and the owner of Best Shift Hockey in Eagan, MN. With his diverse background in both inline and ice hockey, John brings a wealth of innovative ideas to the table. Discover unique insights and effective strategies to elevate your skills training regimen and unlock your full potential on the ic...
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Training Topics: How Should Hockey Players Train their Core?

April 19, 2024 • 25 mins
Discover the keys to effective core training for hockey players in our latest Podcast! Dr. Zack Rourk delves into the definition of the core, common imbalances, and the impact on performance and injury risk. Plus, find out our approach to training the core for optimal performance on the ice. Don't miss out on these insights!
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Training Topics: Recovery Methods Unveiled: What Works Best for Hockey Players?

April 12, 2024 • 20 mins
Join Dr. Zack Rourk as he delves into the world of recovery methods for hockey players, including cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and compression therapy. Discover the surprising findings from research and learn which methods are most effective for enhancing performance and preventing injuries on the ice. Tune in to optimize your recovery routine and elevate your game!
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Training Topics: Stretching Demystified: Enhancing Performance and Preventing Injury in Hockey

April 1, 2024 • 37 mins
Join Dr. Zack Rourk in this enlightening episode as he unravels the misconceptions surrounding stretching in hockey. Dr. Rourk explores how stretching can indeed improve performance when utilized correctly, dispelling common myths about its role in recovery. Moreover, he sheds light on the potential risks of improper stretching techniques. Tune in to gain valuable insights into optimizing your stretching routine for peak on-ice per...
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