Building The Next Generation of Top-liners
To advance in today's competitive environment, you must be determined and motivated. However, not everyone has easy access to advanced developmental programs. So, former NCAA and Professional Hockey Players Justin Selman and Connor Leen co-founded the Topline Program. Combining the knowledge and training methods garnered from its instructors' firsthand experiences into a single, convenient location enables aspiring athletes to focus on development rather than worrying about accessibility or travel. Athletes in Topline's program get access to top-tier modalities across the board. Whether it's through hockey-specific strength and conditioning programming, cutting-edge skill and shooting training, or the nutrition requirements to meet the game's increasing demands.
I recently spoke with one of the co-founders, Justin Selman, and he shared with me his journey, motivations, and visions for the company. Justin is a University of Michigan alum, where he was the captain and helped lead the Wolverines to their 2016 Big Ten Ice Hockey Championship. The former professional hockey player was a part of the St. Louis Blues organization and most recently played in the ECHL for the Worcester Railers.
Starting Top Line: A One-Stop Shop for Hockey Development
Growing up, Justin traveled between Bergen County, New Jersey, Chelsea Piers, and other locations for hockey training and development. His aim was to “create a location where players could access all the resources they need to improve their skills, including training, gym, nutrition, and recovery in one place.” This way, kids don’t have to worry about excessive travel in order to develop. Top Line focuses on all levels of the sport, from the youngest mites all the way to up through college.
Learning from Michigan
During his time playing hockey at Michigan, Justin learned how to prepare and act like a pro. The coaching staff had high expectations of the players and treated them as such. This experience prepared Justin for the pros, where the locker room culture and “the way the coaches spoke, wasn't anything that caught [him] off guard” as it was similar to what he had experienced at Michigan. The coaching staff imposed strict punctuality and preparation standards, equipping the players with the necessary tools for success. Justin gained valuable insights on how to conduct himself as a professional athlete, which is exactly what he wants to pass on to other young hockey players.
Advice for Young Hockey Players
According to Justin, young hockey players must focus on three things: having fun, recovering, and developing. “It's important to remember that hockey is a sport and should be enjoyed, but also to take care of one's body, both physically and nutritionally.”He also advises against comparing oneself to other players and instead focuses on personal development.
Advice from a Former Coach
The best advice Justin received from a former coach was from Red Berenson, his coach at Michigan, who is a former NHL player and hall of famer. This advice was that “life will be longer without hockey than it is with it.” Justin wants young players to understand that while hockey may be a significant part of their lives, it won't last forever. He encourages players to prepare themselves for life outside of hockey by finding their passions and learning new skills that can be applied later in life. Justin feels that hockey is a great way to build relationships and network in the future. Hockey players consider themselves family, and family always takes care of themselves.
Long-Term Vision for Top Line
Justin sees Top Line as having multiple locations in the hot spots of hockey, providing young players with career opportunities and growth. He also wants to expand the reach of Top Line through an online component, allowing players from all over the country to train with them. His ultimate goal is to “continue to provide top-notch resources and opportunities for hockey players to develop their skills.”
Topline is not just a hockey development program but a platform for young players to grow both on and off the ice. With experienced instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, Topline provides aspiring athletes with the resources they need to improve their skills and reach their full potential. Justin Selman's journey, from traveling between multiple locations for training to leading Michigan to a Big Ten Championship, highlights the importance of preparation and dedication in achieving success.
The company's long-term vision of multiple locations and an online component will continue to provide hockey players with the best opportunities for growth and development. Justin's advice for young players to focus on having fun, as well as his former coach's words of wisdom, emphasize the need for balance and perspective in a sport that can consume one's life.
For more information on Top Line, you can check out their website, Instagram, or Facebook.