programdirectorcraigshepherd

APPLIED HOCKEY SCIENCES

Applied Hockey Sciences program director is Craig Shepherd. Craig has been coaching for 27 years at the high school, Jr., collegiate and professional levels of hockey. Craig is a Minnesota State High School League licensed head coach, a Level 4 certified coach by USA Hockey, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist C.S.C.S.by the National Strength and Conditioning Association N.S.C.A. Craig's vast knowledge on hockey specific training programs and team systems, has allowed him to provide professional leadership to both teams and individual players, as a head coach, assistant coach, and conditioning coach.

As a hockey player Craig holds the distinct honor of being the first ever non-Russian player to play for Dynamo Moscow in the former Soviet Elite League (now known as the KHL) as a free agent. Previous to Dynamo Moscow, Craig played professionally in Germany and in North America attending three N.H.L. training camps; two with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and one with the Calgary Flames. Craig also spent time playing professionally in the I.H.L., E.C.H.L., C.H.L., and Colonial Hockey Leagues. As a college player Craig received his degree in Communications while playing under Ron Mason at Michigan State University and being a part of a team that won two C.C.H.A. league championships, made four N.C.A.A. tournament appearances, and had two N.C.A.A. Frozen Four appearances. Previous to Michigan State, Craig played one season at U.S. International University under Brad Buetow where he helped the Gulls win the Great Western Hockey League Championship and was selected as an alternate captain as a freshman. Previous to his college and professional playing days Craig played one season in the U.S.H.L. for the Minneapolis Jr. Stars, and in high school Craig played under Willard Ikola and Bob O'Connor in Edina, Minnesota where he was a member of the 1984 Minnesota State High School Championship team.

Craig feels very fortunate to have been exposed to great coaching throughout his entire career.

Craig states: "It is truly amazing when I think about the legendary coaches I worked with and played for. They all had a different way of teaching but they all demanded hard work, discipline, and they held you accountable. I am grateful to all of my past coaches for being as dedicated as they were. They all had a major impact on my career and on my life as a person, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to pass my knowledge and experiences on to the players of today."

In addition to coaching Craig has also served as a volunteer and motivational speaker for organizations such as the United Way, The Ronald McDonald House, Feed My Starving Children, The Special Olympics, Big Brothers, and USA Hockey/Minnesota Hockey.

"BUILDING BETTER HOCKEY PLAYERS THROUGH SCIENCE"

APPLIED HOCKEY SCIENCES