About Us

 Brian Shackel is a Manitoba-born former hockey player and the founder of Making Stridz Athlete Development. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Biomechanics, allowing him to break down skating mechanics, edgework, and movement efficiency with a level of precision rarely found in traditional hockey training. , Making Stridz combines real playing experiences with sport science to deliver training that translates directly to game performance.

With over 15 years specializing in hockey skating development, edgework, first-step quickness, and deceptive movement. We focus on the technical and tactical details that create time and space in real game situations. Our training is built on purposeful repetition, efficient mechanics, and a deep understanding of how skating impacts decision-making under pressure.

 Our methods are also trusted by coaches, scouts, and player agencies seeking objective movement analysis, skating evaluations, and development support for high-performance athletes.

Using advanced video analysis and biomechanical principles, we break down every stride, edge, and transition to improve efficiency, power, and deception. Our game-specific skating and skill development programs are designed to mirror real hockey situations — preparing athletes to perform when the pace is high and time is limited.

Trusted by organizations across Western Canada and the United States, Making Stridz Athlete Development supports players ranging from novice to elite and professional levels.

No shortcuts. Just development that holds up when it matters most.

 Making Stridz Athlete Development works with athletes and organizations that value quality over quantity and understand that real development requires attention to detail.

We work with:

• Individual hockey players seeking elite skating and skill development
   
• Teams and minor hockey organizations looking for game-specific skating support
   
• Hockey academies and high-performance programs focused on long-term athlete development
   
• Coaches, scouts, and player agencies requiring objective skating evaluation and movement analysis

 We believe in small group sizes and focused sessions — because development doesn’t happen in overcrowded drills.
By keeping sessions intentionally small, athletes receive:

• Personalized feedback
   
• Meaningful repetition
   
• Individualized correction and guidance
   

This allows us to coach movement, decision-making, and habits that actually transfer to real game situations — not just run players through lines.

Small on group size. Big on development.

 Brian has also been featured on the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, where he breaks down his development philosophy, coaching approach, and views on modern hockey training.
For players, parents, and organizations wanting a deeper look into how Making Stridz develops athletes, the episode offers valuable insight into the “why” behind the work.

👉 Listen to the episode to learn more about our philosophy and approach.