About True Stride Hockey Development

True Stride Hockey Development was built on the belief that development goes far beyond drills and systems. Since 2016, True Stride has focused on helping athletes build confidence, improve skating and skill performance, and develop habits that transfer directly into game situations.

Led by founder and lead instructor Michael H. Macdonald, who brings 25+ years of coaching experience, True Stride provides progressive hockey development for athletes ranging from grassroots minor hockey to junior, collegiate, and high-performance levels.

True Stride emphasizes a detail-oriented and high-energy approach centered around:

  • Skating mechanics & mobility
  • Edge control & efficiency
  • Stickhandling, passing & shooting mechanics
  • Competitive habits & hockey IQ
  • Small-area game transfer concepts
  • Athlete confidence & mentorship

Unlike traditional skill sessions that focus strictly on repetition, TSHD aims to create purposeful training environments where athletes are challenged to think, compete, and apply skills under pressure.

Programs are designed to meet athletes where they are in their development while building a strong foundation for long-term growth both on and off the ice.

What We Offer

Development Clinics

Focused sessions targeting skating mechanics, puck skills, shooting, mobility, and compete habits.

Team Development

Practice support and team-based development sessions tailored to game concepts and player growth.

Private & Small Group Training

Individualized instruction designed to accelerate athlete development through detailed feedback and progression-based teaching.

Position-Specific Development

Customized training for forwards, defence, and overall game awareness.

Mentorship & Leadership

Building confidence, accountability, preparation habits, and a strong development mindset.

Seasonal Programs

Spring, summer, and in-season training opportunities designed to complement athlete development throughout the year.

At True Stride, the goal is simple:

Learn. Practice. Compete.

About Mike Macdonald

Michael “Mike” Macdonald is the founder and lead instructor of True Stride Hockey Development and brings more than 25 years of coaching and player development experience to the game.

Mike began his hockey journey playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Falcons and Fort Erie Meteors before transitioning into coaching and athlete development. Since then, he has dedicated his career to helping athletes improve their skating, confidence, and overall performance both on and off the ice.

Over the past two decades, Mike has worked with athletes from grassroots minor hockey through junior, collegiate, and high-performance levels. His experience includes six seasons as Lead Assistant Coach for the Brock University Men’s Hockey program and the past seven seasons as Lead Assistant Coach and Development Coach for Brock University Women’s Hockey, including the 2021/2022 OUA Championship season.

Mike currently serves in several leadership and development roles throughout the Niagara Region, including:

  • Director — FEIA Girls Hockey
  • Director of Development — GCMHA
  • Director of Development — SCFHA

He also holds his Hockey Canada High Performance 1 certification and has played a key role in building progressive player development models and mentorship opportunities within multiple hockey organizations.

Known for his high-energy, detail-oriented coaching style, Mike focuses on creating training environments that challenge athletes to think, compete, and develop skills that directly transfer into game situations. His philosophy blends both North American and European development concepts to create a fast-paced, positive, and competitive learning experience.

At True Stride, the mission is simple:
Create an environment where athletes can build confidence, improve habits, and develop a true passion for the game while being pushed beyond their comfort zones in a positive and motivating atmosphere.

Players leave each session not only challenged physically, but motivated mentally — sweating, smiling, and eager for the next skate.

Learn. Practice. Compete.