Expert coaching from former player, John Swanson, designed to elevate your game and boost your confidence on and off the ice.
Too many young athletes with passion end up sitting on the bench because they lack the right training. Here are some common issues that young players face:
Developed by Coach John Swanson, a former professional hockey player, the X7 Protocol is a unique, results-driven training program. It’s designed to help youth athletes sharpen their skills, master the fundamentals, and gain the competitive edge to make the starting lineup.
With years of collegiate and professional experience, Coach John has trained numerous professional and Olympic athletes. Coach John Swanson brings a wealth of experience that only a former professional player can provide. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest levels, and he brings that expertise to every training session.
The X7 Protocol is unique to Coach John and has been the cornerstone for many successful hockey careers. This method isn’t just about drills; it’s a comprehensive development program that focuses on physical skills, mental resilience, and strategic awareness. The X7 Protocol combines cutting-edge training techniques with time-tested fundamentals, making it a program that works for players at any level.
Tailored attention helps young athletes reach their full potential faster. At X7 Hockey, every player is treated as an individual. We understand that each athlete has their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals. That’s why our personalized approach is so effective—every session is an opportunity to focus on the unique aspects of your child’s game that need improvement.
Enroll in One of Our Programs
Getting started with X7 Hockey is simple. Browse through our training programs to find the right fit for your young athlete. Whether they need one-on-one attention, small group sessions, or a specialized training camp, our programs cater to all levels of players. Enrolling is the first step toward unlocking your child’s potential. Our streamlined enrollment process ensures that you get all the information you need, and our team is ready to guide you in choosing the perfect path for your child’s unique needs.
Follow the X7 Protocol
Your child will begin their journey under the personalized mentorship of Coach John Swanson. With a wealth of experience from college and professional leagues, Coach John has developed the X7 Protocol—a systematic, step-by-step approach that emphasizes mastering the fundamentals and building advanced skills. Training sessions are designed to push each athlete while maintaining an encouraging, supportive environment. Here, every player gets personalized attention to focus on areas of improvement, build confidence, and make rapid progress.
Watch Your Skills Grow
After committing to the X7 Protocol, you’ll witness a transformation in your young athlete. With enhanced skills, greater understanding of the game, and improved confidence, your child will be ready to stand out on the ice. They’ll not only dominate practices but also apply what they’ve learned to real game situations, giving them the edge they need to earn their spot in the starting lineup. The focus isn’t just on improving their athletic performance, but also on instilling a sense of discipline, leadership, and teamwork that extends beyond the rink.
"My kids have always had a strong passion for hockey. As young as six, we were driving 1.5 hours for practices because my son always wanted more. In our area, there just wasn’t a program that offered what he needed. Other families thought we were crazy, but this was HIS choice—he wanted to get better.
Then X7 Hockey and Coach John came to our area. From day one, my boys connected with Coach John. They thought he was “cool,” but more importantly, they knew he was knowledgeable and could help them improve.
X7 Hockey changed everything for us. It eliminated the need for long drives to the cities and multiple programs. Instead of bouncing between edge work, stickhandling, heads-up play, and speed training with different coaches, we got everything in one place with X7.
This program delivered exactly what my son was looking for and took his game to the next level."
- X7 Hockey Parent
"I highly recommend this program for any child or athlete looking to improve their hockey skills. From skating and puck handling to shooting, this program covers it all. The coaching staff is top-notch, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Your athlete will undoubtedly leave as a better, more confident player."
- X7 Hockey Parent
"As an age level coordinator for U8/Mite, I’m often asked about training options outside of our association. In the past, my answer involved several different programs, each focusing on specific skills and usually requiring travel to the metro area. X7 Hockey has completely changed that conversation.
X7 offers a comprehensive program that focuses on the most important skills while remaining local for our families. Coach John and his staff have provided an opportunity for skaters to improve, including players who may not have otherwise chosen to pursue hockey training outside of what our association offers."
- U8/Mite Age Level Coordinator
“Over the past eight months, I have seen dramatic improvement in the fundamental hockey skills John and X7 Hockey has been able to offer players in the area. Not only has the on ice portion that X7’s program been able to help these hockey players, but the off ice program has seen dramatic improvement as well. John has put in a lot of time and effort to create a beneficial product to any age level player willing to push themselves to be the best hockey player”
- Cory Thorson
St Cloud Youth Hockey Director, retired NCAA D1 Player
"I have two Squirt-age boys who have been working with Coach John and his staff at X7 over the past year and a half. At first, I wasn’t sure if they were ready for this level of training or if it would hold their attention. But I was pleasantly surprised when both of them told me it’s some of their favorite on-ice time.
They love it because they can see themselves improving and are gaining the confidence to try the skills they’re learning at X7 in their next practice or game. X7 emphasizes fundamentals and builds a strong foundation that will support their game for years to come."
- X7 Hockey Parent
Without the right coaching, many talented players never get their shot to shine. Don’t let your athlete fall behind because they lack the skills or confidence needed to succeed.
Join our community of athletes, parents, and hockey enthusiasts to get exclusive advice from Coach John Swanson, training tips, and the latest updates on all things hockey. Don’t miss a beat—sign up today!
The biggest difference comes down to our approach to skill development—a proven system that focuses on:
• Game Transferability: Every session teaches players a specific skill they can use right away in their next game. We’re not working on skills they might use in six months—we’re focused on immediate improvement.
• Reactive Countering Training™: Unlike traditional cone drills that focus only on isolated mechanics, our training introduces reactive and decision-making components. This mirrors real-game situations where players must make quick, instinctive choices.
Think of it this way:
• Traditional training is like practicing golf swings on the driving range without ever playing a real hole.
• X7’s Reactive Countering and Dynamic Skills approach combines the swing and game situations, so players improve faster and smarter.
This is why our players leap ahead—we combine mechanics, decision-making, and speed into every rep.
Speed is about efficiency—not effort. Traditional training often overlooks this. At X7, we break skating into small, manageable mechanics that players refine, master, and implement step-by-step.
Here’s what makes us different:
• Skating Mechanics: We teach advanced skating patterns—like linear crossovers, punch turns, and edge control—that improve both acceleration and lateral speed.
• Energy Efficiency: Better skating mechanics mean less wasted energy, which keeps players faster for longer.
• Speed Under Pressure: We integrate these skills into game-like scenarios where players learn to skate explosively and react under pressure.Bottom Line: Your player will skate faster, cover more ice, and win more races because they’ve mastered the small details that other programs ignore.
Yes. Scoring comes from creating time, space, and opportunities—and we train all three.
Here’s how:
• Evasive Skating Techniques: We teach players how to beat defenders using quick changes of direction, deceptive movements, and explosive acceleration.
• Game-Specific Shooting Drills: Players work on quick releases, shooting in stride, and puck control under pressure—skills that translate directly to scoring goals in real games.
• Hockey IQ Integration: We challenge players to make decisions on the fly, so they learn to anticipate and capitalize on opportunities.
These skills turn your player into someone who creates offense, not just waits for it to happen.
Injuries often happen due to poor mechanics and repetitive stress. At X7 Hockey, injury prevention is built into our program.
Here’s what we do:
• Focus on Proper Skating Mechanics: Better posture, balance, and alignment reduce strain on the hips, groin, and knees.
• The Downhill Stride Model: This skating method helps players glide efficiently with less stress on the body.
• Mobility and Strength Training: Off-ice work focuses on functional strength, flexibility, and core stability—essential for injury prevention.
By prioritizing proper mechanics and mobility, we help players build a strong, resilient foundation that keeps them healthy and performing at their best.
This is a common concern, but it’s also a big advantage of our program.
Here’s why:
Hockey is a skills-based sport. Each player works on their own development during our sessions.
• Our coaches provide individualized feedback, helping every player improve at their pace.
• Sessions are structured so players focus on mastering specific skills—like skating mechanics, puck handling, or shooting—regardless of age or level.
It’s like a driving range where golfers of all skill levels can improve side-by-side. Everyone leaves better, no matter where they started.
It’s a fair question. Parents often associate speed and intensity with “good” practices. But the truth is, skill acquisition requires deliberate, focused work.
• See It, Feel It, Do It: Players must first slow down to see the movement and feel the correct mechanics before they can replicate it at high speeds.
• Repetition with Purpose: Doing something fast but incorrectly just reinforces bad habits. We focus on quality repetitions that build muscle memory the right way.
Once the skill is learned, we ramp up speed and pressure to ensure it transfers to the game. This process is how players make real progress—not just get tired.
Here’s the key difference:
• Summer Camps focus on volume and exposure but often lack individual skill development. Players leave with good memories but little tangible progress.
• AAA Teams prioritize games and tournaments, which limit opportunities for focused skill work. Game-to-practice ratios are often 1:1 or worse.
• Associations balance team development with games but can’t always provide the individualized focus players need to address weaknesses and maximize strengths.
At X7 Hockey, we are:
• Skills-Focused: Every session emphasizes specific mechanics, game-transferable skills, and individual player development.
• Deliberate and Efficient: Players get more quality reps in our sessions than they would in weeks of team practice.
• Proven: Our methods mirror the systems used by elite NHL players and college athletes to elevate their performance.
We’re not here to “babysit” skaters or fill ice time. Our goal is to give every player the tools and confidence they need to stand out when it matters most.
At the heart of our program is this:
We don’t just train skills—we turn skills into instincts that players can trust when the puck drops.
Everything we teach is designed to transfer directly to games, helping players skate faster, create offense, and play with confidence.
By combining cutting-edge skill development with injury prevention and a focus on individual progress, we give players an edge that sets them apart—now and in the future.
Ready to see the difference? Let’s get to work.
Copyright - John Swanson LLC - All Rights Reserved
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