The Hockey IntelliGym

Brain Workout for Hockey Players

The Hockey IntelliGym is a revolutionary cognitive training program that develops hockey sense. It was co-developed by USA Hockey and Applied Cognitive Engineering with assistance from the BIRD Foundation. The program is available at TheHockeyIntelliGym.com.

The Hockey IntelliGym is a software-based program that develops perception, awareness, anticipation, short-term memory, focus, planning, decision-making skills and execution. The program adjusts automatically and continually to the strengths and weaknesses of each trainee, and was created in a game-like atmosphere, keeping it engaging and fun for players.

The Hockey IntelliGym in action

The IntelliGym has been in development during 2009-2010, during which time players at USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP) adopted the program. Since its inception, the U.S. youth National Teams, U17 and U18 have been using the IntelliGym with unprecedented results. After the first 8 weeks of using the software, the athletes have increased their PPG by 42% on average. During the first three seasons 4 cohorts (92s, 93s, 94s, and 95s) have been using the IntelliGym, winning Gold medals in two thirds of the international tournaments they have participated, including World Championships, and claiming Silver in most of the rest.

The Hockey IntelliGym in use by the US National Teams, U17, U18

Program origins

The technology for the Hockey IntelliGym was initially created to train fighter pilots on the cognitive brain level. The results with air force pilots were crystal clear; 30% improvement in the cockpit. USA Hockey provided the appropriate knowledge to help adapt these similar cognitive skills to the game of hockey.

In May 2010, the Hockey IntelliGym was selected as the grand prize recipient in the first annual Brain Fitness Innovation Awards. Chosen from among a group of 10 finalists, the Hockey IntelliGym was recognized as being a results-oriented and scalable initiative that showcases innovative use of non-invasive tools to improve cognitive and emotional functions and real-world outcomes.

Who is it for?

The IntelliGym is designed for competitive hockey players all the way from professional level down to junior, college, and minors - 12 years old and up. The software continuously measures the performance of each athlete and adopts its various parameters in order to optimize the training to the player. Just like in the weight room. It is addressed to both skaters and goaltenders.

First users

First to use the Hockey IntelliGym were USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor Michigan. Says Jim Johannson – two-time Olympian & asst. executive director for hockey operations at USA Hockey: “We fully expect the Hockey IntelliGym to become part of the regular training regimen for players at all age levels and abilities.” The US U18 National team adopted the IntelliGym in 2009/2010, in which season the team increased its wins ratio (during the season) from 29% to 70% and won Gold in the IIHF World U18 Championship, as well as the NTDP 4 Nations tournament. Said Kurt Kleinendorst, former head coach of the US U18 National Teams: “We want to be the best at what we do and the Hockey IntelliGym allows us to stay ahead of the curve. The mind is the most powerful tool and we have to develop it.” Following the U18 National Team joined the U17 National Team, also doubling their wins ratio, and also winning Gold in 2009/2010 U17 World Challenge, and U17 NTDP 4 Nations.

In the fall of 2010 the Hockey IntelliGym became available to the public with thousands of individual NHL, Collegiate, and minor hockey players joining the program. On top of that high profile teams, such as the Main University and the Air Force Academy, joined the program presenting significant improvement throughout the program.

The Hockey IntelliGym is offered to active USA Hockey members for a special price. The program is available to individual players or teams at an annual or month-to-month packages.