Real Training. Real Results. Why Our Athletes Win On and Off the Ice.
Sean Cromarty • July 20, 2025
Parents: Think Before You Email
Recently, our club received an email from a parent accusing me of being “too hard” and suggesting we were forcing young athletes to lift heavy weights beyond their capacity. As the founder of Competitive Advantage Training, I take these claims seriously—but I also know when they're rooted in misunderstanding.
Program Breakdown: Year-Round Athlete Development
Pre-Season Training (12 Weeks)
In-Season Training (20 Weeks)
Off-Season Training (4–5 Days/Week)
Two More Future Pros: Marc Del Gaizo & Alex Rauter
Let’s be clear: no athlete has ever been injured in my program. I’ve trained hockey players from youth levels to professionals, as well as adults aged 25 to 75. My methods are based on decades of exercise science, coaching, education, and proven outcomes. And we TRAIN HARD! It is unlike anything most kids have experienced but the results are proven.
What happened in this case? A sub-par player struggled—not because the workouts were unsafe or poorly designed, but because he chose excuses over effort. While his peers trained, progressed, and elevated their game, he remained stagnant. This wasn’t about safety. This was about accountability.
The Science of Development: Our Training Philosophy Athletic success isn’t random. It’s built on controlling variables:
- Time of year (season or offseason)
- Program design (sets, reps, rest periods, tempo)
- Training stage (newcomer to elite)
- Athlete level (youth vs. junior/pro)
By introducing specific stimuli in a progressive, well-coupled way, we build athletes with linear increases in strength, speed, agility, and resilience.
In hockey, skill and strength develop together. That’s why our training is built on four core pillars:
1. Balance
2. Deceleration
3. Core Stability
4. Weak Point Elimination
Foundation Stage: Where it All Begins
Our Foundation Training Program is specifically for younger athletes (ages 11–13) or those just beginning their training journey. The focus is on education, movement literacy, basic technique, and functional strength.
We deliberately avoid early specialization. Instead, we provide broad exposure to athletic movements that form the General Physical Preparation (GPP) all elite players require.
John Farinacci (Boston Bruins organization, Team USA) and
Drew O’Connor (Pittsburgh Penguins / Team USA) trained with us from ages 13 to 16. These
two professionals are prime examples of what happens when you commit to the
process early and build a solid foundation.
Program Breakdown: Year-Round Athlete Development
Pre-Season Training (12 Weeks)
Focus:
- Bridge off-season gains into the season
- Avoid burnout
- Stay sharp without overtraining
Format:
- 2 days of weight training
- 1 day of speed/agility work
Too many players attempt to run offseason-style workouts during the season and
burn out by December. Our system prevents that.
In-Season Training (20 Weeks)
Focus:
- Strength maintenance with minimal volume
- Injury prevention
- On-ice performance first
Format:
- 1 training session/week
- 4 sessions per month
The goal is not to build, but to preserve strength and mobility as the rigors
of the season accumulate.
Off-Season Training (4–5 Days/Week)
Focus:
- Maximal gains in strength, power, mobility
- Corrective work
- Conditioning and explosiveness
Format:
- 4-day/week lifting protocol
- Optional 5th day for recovery or skill-specific work
We program based on athlete needs: upper/lower body balance, explosive
movement, and flexibility are prioritized. Athletes walk away faster, stronger,
and more durable.
The Bottom Line
I’ve helped hundreds of athletes during their most formative
years. From the NHL to youth players trying to make a AAA team, the formula
works when the commitment is there.
To the parent who wrote that email: I invite you to come in, observe, and learn
the “why” behind every drill. This isn’t about being hard. It’s about being
right.
Competitive Advantage Training
We don’t make excuses.
We make athletes.
Two More Future Pros: Marc Del Gaizo & Alex Rauter
Alex Rauter trained with me from age 15 until college. From being drafted to the USHL and the ups and downs of Jr hockey, becoming Captain at Cornell, to playing pro hockey across the ECHL and AHL, he’s another example of how this program builds winners.
Marc Del Gaizo, now part of the Montreal Canadiens organization, began training with us at the age of 13. From those early sessions on the turf to eventually playing Division I hockey at UMass and then turning pro, Marc exemplifies the kind of transformation our program is built to deliver.
The second photo captures Marc in a group session during one of our foundational
power and stability circuits. What separated Marc early on was not just
talent—but consistency, effort, and a refusal to take shortcuts.
Marc Del Gaizo training at 16
Seen vs. Noticed By Sean Cromarty | CompAdvFitness.com Attributes of a Player Who is Seen Plays for a top-20 team with “all the guys” but gets no top time less than a point-per-game Has no “B game.” Positioned deep in the lineup: bottom-six forward or third-pair D, no special teams, no exposure — with zero context for why. No system awareness. Doesn’t understand what the opponent is doing. No structure. Thinks “your skill will shine through” like in mites. Doesn’t help the team improve but parents hype “you’re on a top team.” These are non-transferable skills. No matter the email to the organization, nobody wants a do-nothing player. Attributes of a Player Who is Noticed Compete. Compete every shift — show you want to win. DAWG! Skating. No speed = no spot. Period. IQ. Understand what the opponent is trying to do — and how to stop it or use it. Fit the System. We play a certain way. If you skate through everyone skill-wise but can’t adapt to that format, you won’t grow. Drive the Game. Noticed players help all game situations — defense, power play, net-front presence. 🧠 Year-by-Year Coaching Summary: Players Who Got Noticed 2012–2014: Westfield High School (Head Coach) 2 Year Record: 34‑10‑5 2013 State Tournament: Advanced to quarterfinals 2013-14: Won Union County Championship 2014 State Tournament: Lost in shootout in semifinals Noticed Players: Chris Kattak – Pomfret School Liam Devin – Taft School Sam Meyer – NH Monarchs JR. 2013–14: NJ Rockets Bantam Major (1999) Ranked 25 th nationally (W-L-T): 40-24-8. GF=275 GA=175 Reached district semifinals Noticed Players: Marc Del Gaizo → UMass Amherst (DI), Montreal Canadiens Matt Brown → UMass Lowell → Boston University (DI) → Flyers (AHL / ECHL) John Spetz → UConn (DI) Steven Agriogianis → Northeastern → Mercyhurst (DI) John Daniello → Western New England (DIII) Gerard Maretta → Trinity College (DIII) Anthony Del Tufo → Neumann University (DIII) 2014–15: SUNY Cortland (Assistant Coach) NCAA Division III program Focused on defensive development, recruiting, video breakdown, & off ice training Noticed Players: Nick Zappia D-III All American, leading goal scorer, signed to ECHL 2015–16: NJ Rockets EHL Premier & U19 Showcase Team EHL Record: 20‑18‑3 — program’s first winning season under my leadership; Most wins in program history of EHL Noticed Players: Marc & Anthony Del Gaizo → Muskegon USHL/ Anthony (USHL Forward of the Year) → UMass Amherst (DI) Luke Rowe → Air Force Academy (DI) Douglas Elgstam, Michael Lindberg → SUNY Cortland (DIII) Alec Mono (Curry), Justin Tiso (Nichols) 2016–17: NJ Rockets EHL Premier & U18 EHL Record: 26‑20‑2; 6 more wins than previous season Improved by +20 goals scored, –10 goals allowed over prior season Reached EHL playoff semifinals U18 Lost in USPHL Finals 3 Players moved to the USHL over the course of 3 Years from Tier III Jr Hockey. Most in the league Noticed Players: Matt Brown → Des Moines USHL → UMass Lowell → Boston University (DI) → Flyers (AHL / ECHL) Luke Rowe → Air Force (DI) Joe Fiorino → Southern New Hampshire (DIII) Donny Flynn → Wilkes University (DIII All‑American/leading scorer) Aaron Brickman (Trine), Jeremy Briscoe (Trine), Paul Michura (SUNY-Potsdam), Riley Flynn, Ethan Hendrickson (St. Michael’s), Cole Sanderson (Babson) → NCAA DIII 2024–25: NJ Rockets Bantam Major Premier & U15 15U Premier Team Record: 29‑29‑3 Goals: 209 GF – 163 GA Rating: 93.35 Rankings: #19 District Final Loss Noticed Player: Jake Prunty → USA Hockey Five Nations U17 Team / USHL DRAFT PICK Mason Hrizov - USHL /OHL DRAFT PICK Bantam Major Premier District semifinal loss in overtime Record: 30-32-1 Goals: 213 GF - 198 GA Rating: 94.83 Ranking: #31 District semifinal loss in OT ✅ Noticed Players Coached by Sean Cromarty PRO: Marc Del Gaizo (NHL) • Anthony Del Gaizo (AHL/ECHL)• Matt Brown(AHL/ECHL) • Luke Rowe (AHL) • John Spetz (AHL/ECHL) NCAA DI: Marc Del Gaizo • Anthony Del Gaizo • Matt Brown • Luke Rowe • John Spetz • Steven Agriogianis NCAA DIII: Donny Flynn (DIII All-American) • Joe Fiorino • Douglas Elgstam • Michael Lindberg • John Daniello • Gerard Maretta • Anthony Del Tufo • Aaron Brickman • Jeremy Briscoe • Paul Michura • Riley Flynn • Ethan Hendrickson • Cole Sanderson •Justin Tiso USHL: Marc Del Gaizo • Anthony Del Gaizo • Matt Brown • John Spetz • Steven Agriogianis National Team: Jake Prunty – USA Hockey Five Nations U16 🎯 Final Take Seen players take up space. Noticed players make games happen and grab attention. They adapt, they grow, they work inside the system — and they earn their chance. It’s not about fancy jerseys, your swag, having an advisor, or cool pics for IG. It’s about what you do on the ice to get noticed. That’s how players I have coached move from youth to college, national teams, and beyond.
by Competitive Advantage Training | @compadv_fitness Whether you're moving into AAA midget, looking at prep school, or being recruited by a junior or NCAA program, one thing stays the same — you have the power to ask questions. Too often, players are so excited to be contacted that they forget to learn about the coach, the program, and the commitment ahead. But remember: the recruiting process is not a one-way street. At Competitive Advantage Training, we’ve seen firsthand how asking the right questions can completely change the trajectory of your career. Below is a curated list of must-ask questions that every hockey player (and parent) should bring to the table when speaking with a coach. Hockey and Coaching Philosophy · What is your personal playing background? · How would you describe your coaching style? Training and Development Commitment · What off-ice/off-season training and conditioning programs do you offer? · Who else are you recruiting for my position? · When would you expect me to begin playing? Academics and Support · What academic support programs are available to student-athletes? · Is summer school available? If I need to take summer school, will it be paid for? · Are there academic criteria tied to maintaining the scholarship? Daily Life and Expectations · What is a typical day like for a student-athlete? · What are the residence halls like? Financials and Scholarships · How much financial aid is available for the academic year and summer school? What does your scholarship cover? · How long does my scholarship last? · Exactly how much will the athletic scholarship be? What will and won’t be covered? · Am I eligible for additional financial aid? Are there any restrictions? Injury and Insurance · Who is financially responsible if I’m injured while competing? · Under what circumstances could my scholarship be reduced or canceled? · What scholarship money is available if I suffer a career-ending injury? Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Passive Coaches respect players who come prepared. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your future — academically, athletically, and financially — is on the line. At Competitive Advantage Training, we help players like you prepare for every step of the journey, from performance training to the recruiting grind. Stay Ready with Competitive Advantage Website: www.compadvfitness.com Instagram: @compadv_fitness Whether you're talking to a prep coach, junior recruiter, or NCAA staff, these questions will give you clarity, confidence, and control. #compadv #hockeyrecruiting #playerdevelopment #ncaa #ushl #prep #juniorhockey #bantammajor #hockeytraining
At Competitive Advantage Training, we’re committed to helping young athletes and their families make the smartest choices when it comes to hockey development. If you’re a Bantam Major to Midget player (14–17 years old), navigating the college hockey recruiting process can seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to recent updates by the NCAA, there’s a clear timeline that governs when coaches can talk to players and when offers can be made. Knowing this timeline is crucial for players who want to stay eligible and make the most of their opportunities. Let’s break it down so you and your family can plan ahead with confidence. ________________________________________ 📅 Division I Men’s Hockey Recruiting Timeline Grade What Happens? What It Means for You Before Jan 1 of Grade 10 ❌ No recruiting conversations allowed Focus on development, not contact with coaches. Stay NCAA eligible. Jan 1 of Grade 10 (typically age 15–16) ✅ Recruiting conversations are permitted Coaches can now reach out and begin talking to you about their programs. Before Grade 11 (Aug 1) ✅ Verbal offers allowed ✅ Official campus visits permitted You can begin visiting schools and even receive early offers (non-binding). Grade 12 (Senior Year) 🖊️ National Letter of Intent signing period opens Time to formalize commitments. Signing becomes official. Post-High School / Junior Hockey 🏒 Most players commit at age 19 during junior hockey Even if you don’t commit in high school, you’re not behind. NCAA teams often recruit older, more mature players. ________________________________________ 🧊 The Reality: Most Players Commit at Age 19 It’s easy to feel pressure when some players are getting offers at 16. But the truth is, the average age of commitment for Division I hockey is 19. This gives players time to grow, develop, and prepare to succeed at the college level — physically, mentally, and academically. ________________________________________ 🧠 How Competitive Advantage Training Can Help At Competitive Advantage Training, we use our decades of playing and coaching experience to prepare young athletes for every step of this journey: ✅ Skills & strength development ✅ Academic and recruiting planning ✅ Advice on navigating CHL/NCAA decisions ✅ Personal mentorship and guidance Whether you’re just entering high school or already in junior hockey, we’ll help you build a strategic roadmap to your goals. ________________________________________ 📲 Follow Us for More Insight Stay up to date and get daily development tips on Instagram: @compadv_fitness For more information on NCAA rules and updates, visit CollegeHockeyInc.com ________________________________________ You only get one shot at this. Let’s make it count. — Coach Sean Cromarty, Competitive Advantage Training
🏒 The Changing Ice: How CHL Players Are Now Skating Into NCAA Division 1 — What This Means for You For years, elite youth hockey players across North America were forced to make a defining choice early: commit to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and forfeit NCAA eligibility—or go the U.S. junior route through the USHL or NAHL to preserve it. But that all changed in July 2024. As of the 2025-26 season, CHL players are now eligible to compete in NCAA Division 1 hockey —a landmark decision reshaping the development roadmap for Bantam Major and Midget-level players across North America. Why This Matters to Players Ages 14–17 Whether you're lacing up for your Bantam Major season or entering the highly scrutinized Midget years, your development path just gained a new level of flexibility . For players training with Competitive Advantage Training, this means a new set of opportunities—and a new set of decisions. What Led to This Rule Change? The NCAA’s decision stems from several evolving trends in player development: Demand for competitive parity between major junior and college hockey Pressure from elite CHL alumni who were previously shut out of the NCAA system Recognition that many CHL teams operate with academic integrity and player support systems rivaling their U.S. counterparts Now, the NCAA is adjusting course to remain a premier destination for elite development—and that means top CHL talent is now fair game . CHL to NCAA: The 2025-26 Outlook Here’s what you need to know: There are currently 64 NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey programs . As of July 2025, over 50 CHL players have committed to NCAA Division I programs for the 2025-26 season—a number expected to grow rapidly. Schools like Michigan, Boston University, North Dakota, and Minnesota Duluth are already integrating CHL players into their rosters. Which CHL Leagues Are Feeding NCAA Rosters? While the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL all fall under the CHL banner, the OHL currently leads in NCAA commits , followed closely by the WHL. The QMJHL is still gaining traction but has seen a spike in recruitment interest from Hockey East and ECAC programs. Why are NCAA programs targeting CHL players? High-level competition in the CHL mimics NCAA pace and intensity Players have already been exposed to pro-style systems Many CHL players are physically and mentally ready to contribute immediately How This Impacts Recruiting Timelines For 14–17-year-olds, recruiting timelines remain critical . According to NCAA recruiting rules: June 15 following sophomore year : Coaches may begin written communication and verbal offers . August 1 before junior year : Coaches may initiate off-campus contact and official visits . That means if you’re entering Grade 10 or 11, you're already in the window . CHL vs. USHL: How the Development Leagues Compare League # of Teams Notable Facts CHL (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) 60 (20 per league) Historically viewed as "major junior" and previously ineligible for NCAA USHL 16 Top U.S. Tier I junior league with strong NCAA commitment track record Now that the eligibility wall has come down, NCAA coaches are scouting both leagues with equal intensity. The key is being in the right environment, getting elite coaching, and showing up on the radar at the right time. The Competitive Advantage At Competitive Advantage Training , our goal is to help you own your path—not just follow someone else's. Whether you’re training for CHL exposure, USHL showcases, or NCAA camps, we’re building complete players —on the ice, in the gym, and in the film room. We know the game because we’ve played it, coached it, and studied the systems behind every league . Follow us on Instagram @compadv_fitness for elite training insights, recruiting updates, and development strategies tailored to where you are right now. Ready to elevate your development? Train with purpose. Train with advantage. #NCAAHockey #CHLHockey #YouthHockey #USHL #HockeyDevelopment #BantamHockey #MidgetHockey #NCAARecruiting #CHLtoNCAA #CompAdvFitness #HockeyTraining