STEPS TO CREATING YOUR INDIVIDUAL PLAYER PROGRAM!
1. Read through each category (skating, stickhandling, shooting, scoring, defensive tactics) that we have to offer.
2. Think about which categories you would like to train
3. Click “Create your program” to register for a session
4. In the training form that follows, select the categories you would like to train
5. Complete training form
6. Receive confirmation email
You will have the autonomy to pick the development topics in which you would like to work on (not the program level). We will then place you in the program level based on our assessment.
WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?
As Kinesiologists, we have combined our extensive knowledge of biomechanics and hockey to construct this ELITE program. This program was designed by breaking down our NHL client programs into a format in which younger players can track their development journey compared to the best in the world. It teaches young players the foundations and progressions that we have found to be at the core of elite player success at the highest levels. The progressions of the program are designed to accompany players from the minor hockey levels to major junior and collegiate players.THIS PROGRAM IS TRULY ONE OF A KIND AND UNPARALLELED IN THE DEVELOPMENT WORLD!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Read through each category (skating, stickhandling, shooting, scoring, defensive tactics) that we have to offer.
- Think about which categories you would like to train
- Click “Create your program” to register for a session
- In the training form that follows, select the categories you would like to train
- Complete training form
- Receive confirmation email
If you are an existing client:
- We will allow you to choose 2-3 development topics (Skating, handling, shooting, offensive skills, defensive skills) in which to work from
- Then we will place you in a program within those topics based on our assessment of the player and their needs
If you are a new client:
- We will use our first session to assess your abilities
- You will also get to choose development topics (Skating, handling, shooting, offensive skills, defensive skills) in which you would like to work on
- We will then place you in the programs within those topics based off our assessment
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I HAVE TO BOOK TO CREATE PROGRAM?
- Book 5 sessions or less and you can choose up to 2 development topics
- Book more than 5 sessions and you can choose 3 or more development topics
- The last 10-15 minutes of each session will include drills from another topic of the program to keep the training well-rounded
- Do you have to sign up for all 5 sessions right away?
- No, if we are booked up and there are no more sessions please email us and let us know that you are planning to book at least 5 sessions with us and we will create your program accordingly.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT LEVEL YOU GET PLACED IN?
- After registering for classes/sessions. We will send out an email (if you are an existing client) with what level of programming we have placed you in
- Coaches will have constant dialogue with players throughout our sessions regarding progress and obstacles that the player is facing.
WHAT IF YOU ARE ON A DIFFERENT PROGRAM THAN A PLAYER IN YOUR GROUP?
Each individual will be working on their individual player program while working with other players. Coaches will emphasize different components of movements to different players. We will prepare practice designs which allow each player to not simply perform a drill but rather learn the skill that is a part of their individual player program.
Clients
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Alex Kerfoot
It’s a pleasure to work with Justin. I have learnt how passionate he is about coaching but I also learnt how intelligent he is. He has the ability to translate a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics into the sport of hockey in order to train efficient, applicable movements. As opposed to some coaches who I have worked with in the past, Justin has a purpose and a reason behind every movement he teaches. His innovative training philosophy is designed to mimic in-game scenarios, which means the skills you learn at Kaivo are directly transferrable to your on-ice performance. I am really looking forward to continue working with Justin because I think he can help take my game to the next level!
Vancouver Canucks
Adam Gaudette
I’ve had the opportunity to skate with Justin. I took away so much from the training. Justin teaches little things that you can adjust and change your game enormously. His philosophy on small, quick movements allow you to be more efficient and deceptive on defenders. I’m looking forward to continue working with Justin!
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Nic Petan
Justin has helped open my eyes to the detailed part of my game throughout our training. Working on details from cut backs to puck protection to quicker puck handling and body fakes have been super effective for me to translate to in-game situations. I've been impressed at his overall view of the game and of how he studies the game. Justin has perfected his on-ice movements and is able to teach them with detail. I'm very excited to continue working with him!
About Us
Justin Rai is the founder of Kaivo Hockey. He grew up in the lower mainland playing for the North Shore Winter Club for the majority of his minor hockey. He began his junior hockey career playing Junior B for the Richmond Sockeyes. He played the next 3 seasons in Junior A for the Prince George Spruce Kings in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Through his playing career in the BCHL he earned a scholarship to an NCAA Division 1 Hockey East school, the University of Maine. The prestigious Maine hockey program consists of alumni such as Paul Kariya, Ben Hutton, Ben Bishop, Gustav Nyqvist, Devin Shore and Scott Darling.
Jonathan Philley is the Head of Strength/Conditioning and a Head On Ice Skills Coach for Kaivo Hockey. He began his junior hockey career playing Junior B for the Mission City Outlaws and eventually the Aldergrove Kodiaks (PJHL). Following Junior B, Jonathan travelled east to play Junior A hockey for the Dryden Ice Dogs where he would finish his junior career. Through his time in Dryden he earned a scholarship to play at the college level in St. Louis, Missouri (NCAA) where he received awards in both academics and athletics while pursuing his degree in Biomedical Physiology and Health Science. Jonathan is currently an ACE certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer, providing high-performance development programs for his clients both on the ice and off the ice.
Biomechanics of Skating
Explosive Skating
The biomechanics behind edge work and skating efficiency is often misunderstood, giving a misleading message to skaters. Kaivo Hockey detects deficiencies in edge placement after each stride or crossover, allowing the player to transition into another stride or perform a skill move with fluidity. Elite NHL players are able to explode into minimal gaps in the defence because they are in control of their movements at all times and do not need to waste time recovering from microscopic deficiencies. Kaivo Hockey shines light on the biomechanical movements of hockey which allow the player to become a more efficient and more explosive skater.
Deceptive Stick Handling
Puck placement
Elite stickhandler’s are able to operate their hands at high speeds while having the puck under full control – this is the concept that is widely understood. What these stickhandler’s also posses is the ability to portray the puck as though it is in a reachable position for the defender to commit to, before controlling it to another location. Puck placement is the key ingredient elite stickhandler’s use to have the defender at their mercy. They use strategic movements of the puck to move the defender to the area they want. This concept creates deception. Kaivo Hockey teaches these situations in a practice environment, giving skaters game-like situations in which they can proper practice their deception and puck placement. Quick, smooth puck placement movements are more beneficial than choppy stick handling.
Hockey IQ
How to use skills in a game
Some of the best players to ever play the game do not necessarily have the most elite overall skill set in terms of speed, shooting and stick handling. Hockey IQ is a general term used to describe these players greatness. For players growing and developing into their potential, understanding which skill to use in a specific game situation is essential to the success of the move. As players grow to play in Juniors and/or NCAA, the difference between players who earn space are the players who are deceptive stickhandler’s but also know which skill to use in what situation. Kaivo Hockey teaches technique but also expresses when the skill is most effective for the player to operate the movement without hesitation in a game situation. Hockey IQ is a misunderstood term, yet arguably the most important skill.
Testimonials
``I have coached Justin since he was around 9 years old and enjoyed every year. Justin was always one of the most skilled and well prepared players that I have coached. What set Justin apart was that he always wanted to learn and he would practice it. I remember telling Justin something and the next practice he would be the first player on the ice trying to perfect a move or a shot.This along with his skill is what set Justin apart from most players.”
Tony Tanti
- 13 NHL Seasons
- Vancouver Canuck Alumni
- BC Hockey Hall of Fame
- OHL Rookie Goal record (81)
- Vancouver Canucks Hat-Trick Record (10)
``Justin is always the last player on the ice putting the extra time and effort into the small details of the game. Stickhandling, passing, shooting - Justin approaches the finer points of hockey with meticulous attention to detail. While he's naturally talented, it's his determined approach to the skill aspect of the game that makes him such an effective teacher. Justin knows the value of hard work more than anything, and it shows in his dedication to coaching and working with the future stars of our game.``
Sven Butenschon
- University of British Columbia Head Coach
- 9 year NHL career- including Vancouver Canucks
- 2010 Vancouver Olympic- Team Germany
- 17 year professional career
``Justin Rai was a key piece of our team for three seasons. His skill set, ability to think the game at an elite level, hard work and determination were what allowed him to excel on our team and in the British Columbia Hockey League. His commitment to getting better everyday is what set him apart and allowed him to become one of the most dynamic players in our league. Justin's off season commitment was also extraordinary as he always returned bigger, stronger and faster after each off season.”
Mike Hawes
- General Manager of the Prince George Spruce Kings- Junior A BCHL
“As a player, Justin had an elite skill set and was always looking for ways to improve. His love of the game and thirst for finding new ways to get better, made him the talent that he was.”
Ben Guite
- NCAA DIVISION 1 Hockey East – University of Maine Assistant Coach—Head Scout
- 5 year NHL career- 13 professional seasons
“I had the pleasure of playing with Justin for a year. First off, he is an unbelievable person. Justin has one of the best skills sets I have been able to see firsthand in my career. During our season together I watched him do certain things with the puck and deceive players constantly. Justin would always work on his skill after practice with all kinds of drills that would set him apart from everyone else. He was an awesome guy to play with and learn from.”
Cam Brown
- NCAA University of Maine Captain
- Professional hockey player in the Calgary Flames System
“Justin is by far the most talented player I have ever played with. He has a tremendous skill set that allows him to dominate with the puck. If he can’t beat you with his hands or his feet, he’ll beat you with his mind. His ability to process the game at high speed is extraordinary.
Some would say Justin is a natural talent, but I know first hand how hard he has worked to hone his craft. Hours and hours spent training to take his game to the next level. Beyond that, Justin is a terrific human and a pleasure to work with.”
Mike Ball
- Richmond Sockeyes Assistant Coach- Junior B
- Simon Fraser University Hockey Program Alumni
“Along with being an unreal guy off the ice, Justin's passion and love for the game are a few things that jump out as you start getting to know him. Playing with him for one year he was well liked and respected by guys on the team right from the start. Between his great skating ability, his puck handling ability and hockey IQ, he was able to not only impress his teammates but teach them things along the way throughout the season. Personally I learned a lot from him on and off the ice.”
Nolan Vesey
- Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick
- NCAA Division 1 Hockey East- University of Maine
``After my first time being on the ice with J.Rai before the start of my freshman year at the University of Maine, I knew Justin was a very gifted and crafty hockey player. Watching some of the moves he would do with the puck was fun to watch and exciting to see first hand. He would always be the first guy I would go to to ask for drills to work on my hands or ask him to stay around after practice to teach me some of his moves. I think everyone should get the opportunity to work with Justin and watch their game grow exponentially.”
Daniel Perez
- NCAA Division 1 Player
Kaivo Hockey focuses on the fine details that breed dynamic players with elite skill sets. Explosive speed, deceptive stick handling and hockey IQ are all essential details that have become the fundamentals behind success in today’s world of hockey. With the game becoming faster each generation, the margin separating players is becoming finer. Kaivo Hockey provides a high intensity environment in which technicalities are tediously taught, while also encouraging mistakes because they are the roots to success. Proper practice accelerates improvement – at Kaivo Hockey we do not simply go through drills.