Ryan Esselmont is the founder and managing trainer of HST (Hockey Specific Training), a Vancouver based sport specific training company. With 7 years of training and coaching experience, Ryan’s philosophy and primary focus to on and off ice training is by helping players improve their hockey skill set, game play and physical condition.  HST’s specialized approach develops and prepares our athletes on ice performance to the high expectations of modern day hockey.
Other then training, HST also develops and manufactures training equipment called StrideSlide. StrideSlide and its training program utilize slideboard technology to provide an effective off ice tool for hockey players.
See www.strideslide.com

Training / Coaching:

Ryan interest and career development as a trainer began 11 years ago in University playing hockey and studying Kinesiology and Business. During his 8 year pro career Ryan developed a passion for coaching and his training philosophy from his personal experiences and the coaches he played for. During the last 3 years playing professional hockey, he was also hired as the team’s strength and conditioning trainer. For the past 5 years Ryan has been teaching his unique style of powerskating. Ryan’s powerskating teaches fundamentals to provide technically sound skating for all ages, building quickness, power and efficiency.

Personal Training / Coaching Experience - 5 years
• In 2002, Ryan received his ACE certification (American Council of Exercise) personal training certification.
• In 2003, Ryan and HST were hired from the West Van School District as coaches and trainers for the Sentinel Hockey Academy.
• In 2007 Ryan achieved and is now certified in NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program).
Ryan continues to develop the latest coaching and training techniques, keeping ahead of the game.

Hockey Experience:

Ryan grew to love hockey growing up in Kamloops, skating at the age of 4. During his early years of hockey in the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association he played all AAA levels and was fortunate to have a Dad who also coached and passed on his knowledge of the game. 
At 16 years old, Ryan moved to Trail, BC to play hockey for the Trail Jr.  Smoke Eaters, winning the Western Canadians. The next year he moved on to the BCHL where he started with the  Bellingham Ice Hawks and then finishing his last 3 years of Junior with the Kelowna Spartans. During the first year, the team won the Royal Bank Cup, (National Championship). The second year the team returned back to the National Championship finished second in a hard fought final game. During the third year, Ryan achieved a personal best and most successful of his Junior career, receiving a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University. Following University Ryan played eight memorable years as a professional hockey player in the US and European leagues.

Hockey Schools:

Ryan, at a young age of 14 developed an interest in coaching and teaching. Ryan first work experience started with the Kamloops Blazers Hockey School. During these 4 years at this school Ryan was fortunate to learn hockey from some of the best coaches in the game today, Ken Hitchcock, Tom Renney, and Don Hay. Ryan has continued to work with various hockey schools in Canada and the US.
For the past 4 years Ryan has been the off ice  trainer for the Junior Pre Hockey Camp, Western Canada’s premier development and exposure opportunity for elite Junior, Midget, Bantam and Pee Wee players and goaltenders. Within the Jr. Prep Camp he works along side NHL coaches such as Barry Smith and Mike Johnson. Plus, is the head instructor, responsible for all the on and off ice programs at the 4th Annual Sunshine Coast Hockey School.

Current CONTRACTS & REFERENCES:
1. Sentinel Hockey Academy (5 year) Diane Nelson 604.435.6440
2. Junior Prep Hockey Camp (5 years) Phil Levesque 888.277.8282
3. Sechelt Hockey School (4 years) Tom Poulton 604.741.2247
4. Adult Private hockey instruction (6 years)
5. Personal Training (6 years)