hockey skills
Off-Ice Skills and Drills
30-minute, 1-on-1 sessions with Kevin Raine
Do you want to try, learn, or excel at the game of ice hockey?
Whether looking for a bit of craic or looking to take things to another level -- the ability to join Kevin for off-ice shooting and stick handling will allow you to develop your game.
Breaking down foundational skills, mechanics, technique, and ensuring you get tons of reps during your time coached by Kevin -- you will become a better stickhandler, shooter, and hockey player.
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TESTIMONIALS
As president of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs Jr A hockey club I have come to know Kevin Raine over the last several years as an alumni player, friend of the team, ambassador to the sport and trainer to my son.
Kevin has been a winner at every level of hockey from Minor through Junior to Pro, and I have no doubt that that will translate into his business as well. Personal Best is a company and philosophy that Rainer lives and breathes, and that will be the key to his success.
If you're dealing with Personal Best you're dealing with the genuine article, I guarantee it.
Mike Sveinson / Dryden, ON / Program: Mentorship, Off-Ice Hockey Skills Coaching, and Personal Training
My son did an 8-week virtual training with Rainer this past summer.
Between the awesome workouts he designed for him using the TrueCoach app and Kevin’s personal motivational messages daily it was an amazing experience for my son.Mid July my son was in Dryden, I texted Rainer to see if he had time to meet my son, he dropped everything and not only met him, did a workout with him that day!!
Thanks Rainer, you are the best.
Mike Bailey / Fort Frances, ON / Program: Virtual Personal Training
When I first mentioned getting a personal trainer some of my friends said, “why pay for something you could put together yourself”? I did think they had a point. Let me explain why this is money well spent.
I have always been able to get myself in good shape and race-ready. So why a personal trainer and why Personal Best? Lockdown affected both my physical and mental health. I couldn’t bring myself to get into the gym. I didn’t have motivation. That’s when I saw some posts from Rainer at Personal Best (instagram: @personalbesthockey). I am an ice hockey fan but explained I didn’t need hockey training. From the first email it was clear that Rainer listened to my needs. He didn’t push ideas, he listened and explained what he offered and how the training would be delivered. We had an initial 1-to-1 over video chat. I explained where I was at, what I wanted to achieve and the equipment I had.
Personal Best then custom-designed a training block for me. We had daily checkups, adjustments, tips, and advice. Using the TrueCoach app and a vast library of videos to help with technique, correct form, etc. As my form and fitness changed so did the routines. Rather than a one size fits all, Rainer adapted my program as he saw me progress. Accountability is a huge factor and having someone not only to encourage you but also give you guidance on form, technique, and progress has been so beneficial. My mobility has been hugely transformed. Less aches and pains and almost zero injuries.
Training doesn’t have to be in the best gyms and most people fail because they try too much too soon. I was using my garage, a few small weights, but most importantly body weight exercises and bringing it back to rebuilding, setting the foundations, and building slowly from the ground up. In my head I was doing things the right way and I thought my form was correct. Rainer pointed out small adaptations to make sure I was using the correct form to get the best results out of every exercise or movement I made.
I would highly recommend Personal Best for anyone wanting help and guidance. Should it be mobility work, strength and conditioning, full-on weight training with correct form or hockey training. Personal Best works with you, for you.
I would like to thank Rainer for his time, effort, and professionalism throughout my time with Personal Best.
Michael Regan / Belfast, UK / Program: Virtual Personal Training
We reached out to Rainer about off-ice lessons after he was recommended by a friend.
As parents, we couldn’t speak any higher of Kevin in terms of the professional and personal experience he brings to the table. Mason’s stick handling skills have improved above and beyond what we expected he would get out of the sessions. Kevin commits himself fully to the training sessions in terms of planning and precision and you can see that reflected in Mason. Kevin doesn’t just bring ice hockey to the table.
He offers emotional support for a growing boy, encouraging him to be the best he can be in all aspects of his life.We definitely recommend achieving your Personal Best with Rainer and can’t wait for Mason to continue his journey with him!
Kyle & Nicole Clayton / Belfast, UK / Program: 1-1 Off-Ice Stick Handling
I first reached out to Kevin in august 2022. I was lost, my mum had been very unwell the year before and I had a lot placed on my shoulders. She landed in hospital and things got bad. I was the main carer for her but also looking after my other family members and life got tough. Every time someone asked how I was my answer was ‘I’m getting there’ or ‘What can you do, you just have to get on with it’. Was I really getting there or getting on with it though? No, not really…I believe I was avoiding dealing with it mentally.
The thoughts of my mum being in such a dark mental state was tough, it still haunts me. Every time my phone rings and I see its mum or family members calling, my mind still automatically thinks somethings wrong. Even though she is in a much better place now, my mind automatically goes to the worst scenario.
It all caught up with me, I gained a lot of weight, I had zero motivation, I was depressed and although I have dealt with anxiety and depression all my life, I had never felt such a lack of motivation before. I just couldn’t get shit done; I didn’t have it in me. It was such a crazy and vicious circle. It’s time to make changes before this rabbit hole gets even darker…
What do I do? I tried lifeline as their counselling had worked in the past, but it didn’t help this time. Doctors just wanted to give more meds, but I already rattle when I walk with the amount of medication I am on so I didn’t really want that. Then I remembered one of my idols did some coaching and had a good understanding of mental health. So, I reached out to my favourite player of my favourite ice hockey team, the incredible #22 Kevin Raine of the Belfast Giants.
From the first time we spoke I felt like Kevin had my back, I wasn’t fighting this alone. I felt he understood what I was going through, he was compassionate and understanding. I felt like he wanted to help me succeed. It was exciting to spark up a new partnership, we were and still are teammates. Not only that, but I feel I have made a friend for life!
Kevin and I set realistic goals, we spoke via video call every two weeks but also stayed connected via messages. I checked in daily and let him know how I was doing, and he was always excited for me when things went well. If they didn’t go great, he helped me reset and try again. We had many deep conversations, and I placed my trust in him 100%. He helped me achieve more than I had done in a long time. My mindset was slowly changing, I was and still am feeling more positive than I was back in august. I feel I am dealing with things better, and when I’m not feeling great, I’m able to acknowledge it isn’t the end of the world and reset myself.
He gave me access to a library of videos on his YouTube channel that helped me in terms of exercises and how to work some machines at the gym. He helped me with any questions I had regarding diet, exercise or life in general. He was a great teammate in every possible way and was able to help me navigate my way through any difficulties I was having.
I’m writing this at the end of December, I have had to take a little break to give myself some financial breathing space. I’m feeling happier, I know how to use machines at the gym and my diet is a lot better (except over Christmas lol!). I’m making smarter life choices; I’m thinking about my future and what I can do now to benefit me later. I’ve had the confidence to get some guitar lessons. I’m feeling more positive about life in general. Most of all I am thankful for the people I have around me, that includes Kevin and I will finish off with a note to the man himself.
Kevin, I can’t thank you enough for the kindness, understanding and love you have shown me. You are an amazing human being, and your friends, family and fans are so proud of you and the work you are doing. Taking on other people’s issues isn’t an easy task yet you succeed in changing lives. It takes a special person to do that. Life is currently throwing some difficult punches in your direction, yet you are still generously helping others.
Retirement isn’t an easy thing for anyone, especially when it comes too soon. We have laughed with you, cheered for you, and we have also shed tears for you. Most importantly we love you. You are everything a Belfast Giant should be but more importantly you are everything we should strive to be as human beings. Thank you for your dedication not only to our club, but to our people. Though life might not be easy now, there is no doubt in my mind that there is brighter days ahead for you. Keep striving to be your ‘Personal best’ because ‘We ain’t finished’.
Stephen Mills / Belfast, UK / Program: Mentorship & Accountability Coaching