We're excited to introduce specialized treadmill skating sessions designed to elevate your child's on-ice performance. These sessions, tailored for young athletes in our program, use state-of-the-art skating treadmills to provide targeted training in a safe, controlled environment right here in Crookston, MN. Backed by peer-reviewed research, this innovative approach can help your child skate smarter, faster, and more efficiently, giving them a competitive edge while building confidence and skills.

Proven Benefits for Young Hockey Players

Treadmill skating isn't just a novel workout—it's a science-backed method that delivers measurable improvements, especially for youth players. Here's what the evidence shows:

• Enhanced Skating Efficiency and Endurance: Studies demonstrate that even short exposure to treadmill skating leads to rapid adaptations in young players. For instance, in a group of 10-year-old hockey players, just 6 weeks (totaling 24 minutes) of treadmill training resulted in significant decreases in stride rate, heart rate, and perceived exertion, alongside increases in stride length. This means your child can maintain higher speeds with less effort, reducing fatigue during games and practices—perfect for those intense third-period pushes.
• Improved Stride Mechanics and Technique: Research on competitive youth players (around 9-10 years old) using a 12-session treadmill intervention showed positive changes in joint angles, such as increased hip and knee extension, and reduced trunk lean, leading to more efficient strides. These biomechanical tweaks not only refine form but also help prevent common skating inefficiencies that can lead to injuries over time.
• Better Kinematics and Overall Performance: Treadmill training has been linked to enhanced skating kinematics, including better joint coordination and posture during strides. In youth-specific studies, participants exhibited a more upright trunk position and improved propulsion, which translates to smoother, more powerful skating on the ice.
• Boosted Speed and Power: Early research highlights how skate treadmills build speed through progressive overload, improving anaerobic capacity and stride power—benefits that extend from youth to higher levels. For our Crookston kids, this could mean quicker breakaways and stronger defensive plays, aligning perfectly with the demands of Minnesota high school and travel hockey.

These findings come from controlled studies involving injury-free youth hockey players with no prior treadmill experience, mirroring many of our local athletes. Sessions are fun and accessible, with adaptations retained even after a short break from training.

Why This Matters for Crookston Youth Hockey

In our close-knit community, where winters revolve around the rink, these sessions complement our on-ice practices at the Crookston Sports Center. They're a smart investment in your child's development, fostering skills that shine in tournaments across Minnesota and beyond. Plus, with experienced coaches overseeing every session, safety is our top priority—no high-risk maneuvers, just focused progress.

We invite you to sign up your young Pirate for our upcoming treadmill skating program. Let's help our kids glide toward success—together!

Brady Heppner

Raised in Crookston, Minnesota, Brady Heppner turned a standout playing career into a passion for developing hockey players. After two seasons in the NAHL with the Minnesota Magicians, he attended Saint John’s University, completing a major in Global Business Leadership with a minor in Sports Studies. On the ice, he earned MIAC All‑Rookie recognition and followed it with three consecutive First‑Team All‑MIAC selections, helping the Johnnies capture a regular‑season title. Over four collegiate seasons, Brady totaled 42 goals and 40 assists.

He then moved to the professional ranks. With the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (SPHL), Brady appeared in 94 games and produced 29 goals and 37 assists, highlighted by a 20‑goal, 23‑assist campaign and a Player of the Week honor. He finished his pro journey with the Sydney Ice Dogs (AIHL), adding ten points in eight games.

Brady’s coaching foundation spans Exceed Hockey Development, East Grand Forks Hockey Camps, Northland Hockey Academy, and Sanford Sports Academy in Bismarck, ND. In his first season assisting the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles, the program went 22‑8‑2, placed fourth in conference, ranked 10th in the Central Region, and came within a single goal of its first Nationals berth—while Brady helped elevate habits, confidence, and team culture.

As an independent contractor partnering with Nextstride LLC, Brady focuses on skating mechanics, edge work, speed, and game awareness, delivering sessions that meet athletes where they are and helping them take the next stride forward.

Focus areas: Skating mechanics • Edge control • Speed & power • Game awareness • Confidence & leadership
Education: B.A., Global Business Leadership; Minor in Sports Studies, Saint John’s University
Pro notes: SPHL Player of the Week • 94 pro games • 66 NCAA points

Book coaching sessions with Brady through Nextstride LLC Treadmill Signup Link.