BPRO Hockey

Player Development — Borys Protsenko

I am a former professional hockey player, an NHL scout with the Dallas Stars organization, and a dedicated player development coach specializing in puck skills and long-term athlete development.

Over the years, I have developed my own structured training systems based on my playing experience, scouting background, and many years of working directly with players. These systems are designed to build skills that translate to higher levels of hockey — not temporary improvement in drills.

My approach is different from typical skill sessions. I do not simply run drills. I teach players how to skate, handle the puck, and make decisions in ways that will continue to work as the game becomes faster and more demanding. Many young players perform well in their current age group but struggle when the pace increases in AAA, junior, or higher levels. My training is built to prevent that.

Because of my scouting experience, I am trained to identify details that often go unnoticed — skating posture, balance, puck reception, timing, and decision-making habits. I can quickly recognize the specific weaknesses that will limit a player at higher levels and, more importantly, I know how to correct and improve them through targeted development work. I personally demonstrate and execute every skill I teach so players clearly understand how proper technique should look in real game situations.

I use the same development principles with young players that I use when working with higher-level and professional players. I have worked with NHL players, and the teaching approach remains the same — only the speed and difficulty change. This helps young athletes build correct habits early and avoid needing to rebuild their technique later.

I focus on the foundation that determines future success:

• Advanced puck control with head-up play
• Skating mechanics and edge control
• Shooting mechanics, release, and accuracy
• Balance, posture, and body positioning
• Execution at top speed
• Clear player understanding of “How?” and “Why?”

I train players based on what fast-paced hockey actually requires, along with what helps them look good in practice or at a tournament today. The goal is to develop habits and movement patterns that translate to the next level.

Players who train with me typically show rapid improvement in confidence, puck control, and the ability to create extra time and space. As their skills become more automatic, their creativity begins to take over. Parents often notice their child starts playing with their head up, makes plays earlier, and looks more composed with the puck.

Sessions are demanding but supportive. I work closely with each player, explain what we are fixing, improving, or learning and why, and give them tools they can continue to use independently.

The objective is simple: help the player improve now and be prepared for the level of hockey they want to reach.

For more information, please contact me at boprosv@yahoo.com or (403) 660-2252.

Borys Protsenko