The Power of Cognitive Training for Ice Hockey Performance

Hi, I’m Gustav Wallner, CEO and skills coach at Starzone Sports in Sweden. With over 20 years of experience in hockey coaching, biomechanics, and leadership, my passion is helping players reach their full potential. At Starzone, we work with thousands of athletes worldwide, integrating physical and cognitive training to enhance performance.

Hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport, and success depends on more than just skill—it requires elite-level cognitive abilities. That’s why I incorporate the latest neurotechnologies like NeuroTracker into my coaching programs. Here I'll share why the results have been outstanding.

The Starzone Sports Philosophy

''We’ve worked with over 30 hockey academies and trained more than 10,000 players''

At Starzone Sports, we combine traditional Swedish hockey training with cutting-edge techniques in cognitive development. We’ve worked with over 30 hockey academies and trained more than 10,000 players, ensuring they not only improve their physical skills but also sharpen their mental game.

I firmly believe that the difference between an average and an elite player is their cognitive ability—how quickly they process information, make decisions, and adapt under pressure. That’s why leveraging neurotechnologies has become an essential part of our training program.

Why Cognitive Training is Critical for Hockey Players

Hockey demands rapid decision-making, heightened situational awareness, and the ability to process multiple moving elements simultaneously. Traditional training focuses on strength, agility, and skill development, but without cognitive training, players miss a crucial piece of their performance potential.

Key cognitive skills that separate elite players from the rest:

• Faster reaction times – Anticipating and responding quickly to plays.
• Enhanced peripheral vision – Tracking teammates and opponents effectively.
• Increased mental stamina – Staying sharp and focused throughout long games.
• Stronger decision-making skills – Making precise, confident choices under pressure.

The human brain has remarkable neuroplasticity, which means these abilities are highly trainable with the right methodologies and technologies.

How I Use NeuroTracker at Starzone Sports

At Starzone, we don’t just train the body—we train the brain. In particular we’ve incorporated NeuroTracker into our daily training to develop:

• Processing speed and focus – Players learn to track multiple moving objects simultaneously, improving their awareness on the ice.
• Cognitive endurance – Just like physical conditioning, the brain can be trained to sustain high levels of concentration.
• Better game intelligence – Players become more adaptable and learn to anticipate plays before they happen.

I also integrate NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis techniques into my training to strengthen mental resilience. NeuroTracker complements these methods, reinforcing focus, reaction speed, and cognitive flexibility, making it a game-changing tool in modern hockey training.

Athlete Transformations with Real-World Results!

I’ve seen firsthand how NeuroTracker impacts player development. For example one of my regional select team players started using NeuroTracker five times a week before school, and within six months, we saw significant improvements in his reaction speed, situational awareness, and confidence on the ice.

These cognitive improvements directly translate into faster decision-making, quicker reflexes, and a stronger presence in high-pressure moments—all essential qualities of a top-tier athlete.

The Future of Hockey Training is an Holistic Approach

My vision is to create a fully integrated performance center, combining physical, technical, and cognitive training into one seamless program. I want Starzone to be a one-stop shop for player development, where athletes can train in an optimized environment with access to the best resources.

I believe that cognitive training is the future of elite sports performance, and integrating tools like NeuroTracker gives my players the ultimate advantage in today’s competitive hockey landscape.

Why Every Hockey Player Should Train Their Brain

At Starzone Sports, we are redefining the way hockey players train. By combining high-quality coaching with NeuroTracker’s cognitive training, I am helping players unlock their full potential—both physically and mentally.

If you’re a player, coach, or parent looking to take performance to the next level, I invite you to explore how Starzone Sports and NeuroTracker can help. The future of hockey belongs to those who train not just their bodies but their minds.

Stay tuned for more insights from NeuroTracker Experts Corner, where we continue to explore the science of cognitive training with leading professionals.

Feel free to learn more on our website: Starzone Sports