When the Tampa Bay Lightning released their feature “Beyond The Boards with Ryan McDonagh”, it revealed more than his on-ice performance - it showed the process, training, and preparation that make him an elite defenseman.
At Empowers Performance, we know that peak performance isn’t built on talent alone. It’s built on intentional effort, foundational movement, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Ryan’s story is a perfect example of that.
In the video, McDonagh opens up about his off-season workouts, his focus on mobility, positional strength, and skating mechanics, all aimed at sharpening his defensive game and sustaining performance throughout a grueling season. You can watch the full Tampa Bay Lightning feature “Beyond The Boards with Ryan McDonagh” to see his routine in action.
At Empowers, we teach our athletes that the off-season isn’t just “less games” - it’s the time to build durability, explosive movement, and sport-specific strength. Ryan’s approach mirrors that: mastering posture, transition, and recovery so when the games pile up, he’s ready.
McDonagh’s off-season work pays dividends during the season - not just in minutes logged, but in leadership, composure under pressure, and reliability in critical moments. That’s exactly what we focus on at Empowers: repeatable performance under fatigue. Strength, speed, and skill matter most when they can be delivered consistently, shift after shift.
McDonagh’s quiet but effective leadership shows the value of leading by example. He sets standards through his preparation and dedication - a philosophy we instill in every athlete at Empowers. Showing up, committing to the process, and setting the tone through effort are what separate good players from great ones.
The video also highlights McDonagh’s approach to recovery, nutrition, and mental readiness. High performance isn’t just about lifting weights and skating fast; it’s about holistic management of body and mind. That balance ensures longevity, peak performance, and resilience - core principles of the programs we design at Empowers.
Whether you’re a youth player or an elite-level athlete, McDonagh’s example highlights important lessons:
Ryan McDonagh’s journey is about precision, preparation, and persistence. At Empowers Performance, we build our programs on these same principles. When it’s game time, you don’t rise to the occasion - you fall to your level of preparation.
You can watch the full “Beyond The Boards with Ryan McDonagh” feature from the Tampa Bay Lightning to see how elite preparation translates into performance.