--- title: Strength and Conditioning in the NHL with Mike Potenza description: In our latest episode of Powering Performance, we are joined by Mike Potenza, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks. image: https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hubfs/Max%20Lankheit.png --- [![BridgeAthletic Blog](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hs-fs/hub/414934/file-1317417595.png?width=150&height=50&name=file-1317417595.png "BridgeAthletic Blog")](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com) - [BridgeAthletic.com→](https://bridgeathletic.com/) ![](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hubfs/Max%20Lankheit.png) December 16, 2020 By BridgeAthletic # Strength and Conditioning in the NHL with Mike Potenza Share: - - - In this week's episode of Powering Performance, we are joined by Mike Potenza, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks. Tune in to hear about the adjustments to training Mike made in lieu of COVID-19, how he tailors training based on gameplay philosophy, and how the Strength Coach role is evolving in the NHL. **Ways to listen: ** [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/4igsH9ozOtNAzYv5hsRKAC) [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/powering-performance/id1402246072) [Web](https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/17229908) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/414934/1310bda0-38b8-44f1-a561-cf80aea20c71.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/414934/1310bda0-38b8-44f1-a561-cf80aea20c71) Check out these three highlights: 1. Mike speaks to how he adjusted training for the unusually long off-season to keep his athletes in shape and focusing on key aspects of their performance.  *"It's almost like you have to have two renditions of your training program. You have your full off-season, and then another full off-season especially for us because we didn't make the playoffs ."*   2. Mike talks about the examination of skating mechanics and the breakdown of different phases that translate to training in the weight room and on the ice *"I did put a premium on low positional work to keep their bodies used to the low skating position because we're static down in that low position. There's very little locomotive type cycling in our stride, unlike running. So we're in a different plane. "*   3. Mike shares how  the role of the NHL strength coach has evolved over time and his team's ability to work cross functionality.  *"The growth in 15 years has been tremendous. There's still a lot of catching up to do, especially the Director of Performance models and the Sports Science models."* **Connect with Mike Potenza** Email: [mpotenza@sjsharks.com](mailto:mpotenza@sjsharks.com)   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/414934/cf67e2fd-29c5-45c0-882f-715d611af8aa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/414934/cf67e2fd-29c5-45c0-882f-715d611af8aa) Thanks to Mike Potenza for joining us!  #### About the Author [BridgeAthletic](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/author/bridgeathletic) ![](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hs-fs/hub/414934/file-1246672403.png?width=75&name=file-1246672403.png) At Bridge, we are all athletes and coaches first. As athletes, our team has experienced everything from riding the pine on JV, to winning NCAA championships, to competing in the Olympic Games. As coaches, we have helped countless athletes reach their full potential, winning everything from age group section championships to Olympic Gold Medals. ### Related Posts [![](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hubfs/coaches%20conference_blog%20card.png)](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/2022-nsca-coaches-conference) January 20, 2022 #### [2022 NSCA Coaches Conference](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/2022-nsca-coaches-conference) The BridgeAthletic team attended the 2022 NSCA Coaches Conference in San Antonio, Texas January 6-8... [Read More](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/2022-nsca-coaches-conference) [![](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/hubfs/Fusion%20Sport_blog%20featured%20image.png)](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/2021-fusion-sport-conference) December 10, 2021 #### [2021 Fusion Sport Conference](https://blog.bridgeathletic.com/2021-fusion-sport-conference) The BridgeAthletic team attended the 2021 Fusion Sport Summit - North America at the UFC... 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