Function and Strength Off-Ice Conditioning
Specialized off-ice training to support elite athletes
VF Minutemen have partnered with Function and Strength since the 2016-17 season as the official conditioning partner for all off-ice conditioning.
TRAINING APPROACH
Our off-ice training is designed specifically to compliment on-ice development—helping players move well, get stronger the right way, and stay healthy as they grow. Programs emphasize:
- Proper movement mechanics and mobility
- Strength development appropriate to age and stage
- Speed, balance, and coordination
- Injury prevention and long-term durability
- Habits that support performance during a demanding season
Training sessions are delivered by Function and Strength’s professional coaching staff using a structured system aligned with the expectations of Tier I hockey. As players progress through the Minutemen program, training demands evolve to match their age, physical development, and competitive level.
ABOUT FUNCTION & STRENGTH
Function and Strength is a sports performance facility based in Bridgeport, PA, specializing in athlete development. Their staff works with youth, high-level amateur, and professional athletes, using a unified approach that prioritizes purposeful training, consistency, and long-term progress.
For additional information about Function and Strength, visit functionandstrength.net
Ryan Heickert
Owner, Function & Strength
Function and Strength was founded by Ryan Heickert, a former junior and collegiate hockey player and licensed athletic trainer. Ryan brings a hockey-first perspective to athletic development, shaped by his playing career and extensive experience training athletes across multiple levels of competition.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training, Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC); Masters in Sports Management.
Athletic Career
Ryan played his junior hockey in the OPJHL for 4 years. He was a 3-year captain and leading scorer for the Oshawa Legionaries, Ontario. Ryan was then traded to the Wexford Raiders in his final year.
As a collegiate athlete and Neumann Knight, he helped lead the team to an ECAC West Championship and NCAA DIII National Championship in 2009. Ryan’s accolades include being a team captain, ECAC West All academic team 05-09, Team Defensive Player of the year 2005, Team Coaches Award 2009 and played in 100 college career games. For the 2009-2010 seasons, Ryan was an assistant coach for Neumann University.
Professional Training Career
Ryan has trained athletes of all levels and past strength and conditioning clients include athletes from the NHL, AHL, NLL, various NCAA sports and European leagues.
Certifications and Seminars
- Licensed Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania
- National Academy of Sports Medicine- Performance Enhancement Specialist
- USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach Level 1
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Level 1 and 2
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
- Kettlebell Athletics Level 1 and 2
- First Aid and CPR with AED for the Professional Rescuer
- MMA Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- CrossFit Movements and Mobility Trainer
- CSAC (Certified Speed & Agility Coach)
- FRCms (Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist)
Have questions or need more info?
Reach out so we can help!