Episode 39 (2020) Devan McConnell

Devan McConnell is the Director of Performance Science and Reconditioning with the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. In this role, he oversees the integration and application of sport and performance science technologies, systems, and practices. In addition, he assists with the day-to-day performance training of all National Hockey League athletes within the organization, oversees the return-to-play training of injured athletes and assists with the organizational vision and directive of the Performance department, at both the NHL and AHL levels. Prior to his appointment in New Jersey, he was the Head of Hockey Performance and Sport Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In this role, he was responsible for the oversight and development of all aspects of physical development for the Ice Hockey team, including strength, speed, and power development, energy system development, nutrition, recovery and regeneration, physiological monitoring, sport science, technology integration, as well as coordination of analytics, long term athletic development, and tactical periodization. In addition to this role, he is responsible for the physical development of the Field Hockey team. Prior to joining UMass Lowell, McConnell served as the Sports Performance Coordinator at Stanford University from 2008-11. He worked closely with the women's basketball team, along with men's and women's volleyball, all of which were regulars in the NCAA Tournament. During his tenure, Women’s basketball competed in 3 straight Final Fours, the Women’s volleyball team competed in two Final Fours, the men's volleyball program won the 2010 NCAA Championship.