Andy O'Brien

Andy O’Brien is the director of high performance training and athlete development at Edge School and the DPC.  He is directly responsible for mentoring all DPC Strength and Conditioning Coaches, and oversees the development of systematic models for training, injury prevention, performance analysis and athlete development.  Andy has been training athletes at the professional and Olympic level for over 15 years and has worked with many of the world’s top athletes, such as NHL player and Olympic hero Sidney Crosby, 12-time Olympic medalist in Swimming Dara Torres, Figure Skating World Champion and World Record holder Patrick Chan, and former Baseball MVP Alex Rodriguez.  Andy has been widely recognized as a key factor in the success of many of his clients, and is considered a pioneer in the area of sport specific performance training.  

Andy was a multi sport athlete excelling in Hockey, Track and Field, and Powerlifting.  He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario where he studied Kinesiology and Psychology, and is currently completing a Master of Science degree in Human Movement.  Andy worked for 5 years in the NHL as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Florida Panthers, and currently consults for Hockey Canada in the areas of sport science, off-ice training and player development. 

Andy has been featured in numerous publications and television media, including the Globe and Mail, New York Times, Men’s Fitness, TSN, and CBC.  Andy was recently featured in the Hockey News’ “People of Power and Influence in Hockey”. 

Andy’s brings to Edge his unique training philosophy for developing athletes, which emphasizes principles of motor learning and dynamic movement efficiency.  Under this philosophy, athletes achieve a significant level of athleticism prior to specialization, involving concepts of core stability, power, and fluidity. Once becoming specialized, athletes are taught how to maintain performance and prevent injury by maintaining musculoskeletal balance, and optimizing recovery techniques and nutritional practices.