ONE OF  COUNTRY’S THE PREMIER  STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES, Network Hockey is proud to  announce Frank Costello’s association the NHDP.   Serving as the NHL Washington Capitals strength and conditioning coach for more than two decades, Frank was honored as the top ISAA strength and conditioning coach in the United States in 1988, receiving the prestigious Stan Jones Award.

Amongst his many distinctions, Frank was brought on by the Washington Capitals in 1984 as the very first coach of this kind for the NHL, with virtually all teams following suit in the following years. During his tenure with the Caps, Frank worked with and trained some of the top hockey players in history, including Rod Langway, Scott Stevens, and Mike Gartner just to name a few. Franks expertise and  influence in professional hockey is unique even amongst his piers, as  Frank hails as the architect for the NHL “Combine” — a strength and conditioning test currently used by the NHL to determine the fitness level of prospective NHL draft choices.

Frank graduated from the University of Maryland in 1968 as one of the most decorated athletes in Terrapin history, winning two All-American titles. Following graduation, Frank served as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the Terrapins, and also served as their head coach of the Track and Field team for many years. During his tenure as coach, Frank took several of his teams  to National titles and also served as the head coach of the US National Indoor Track and Field team. 

Frank is the author of several books and publications on the subject of physical conditioning. Frank graduated from Maryland in 1968 with a degree in Exercise physiology and has a Master of Sports Science from the International Sport Science Association.

Frank has over 40 years of athletic training experience and we know that our participants will benefit greatly from his expertise. We are proud and pleased to have Frank as the strength and conditioning coach for the NHDP.