| Train Off the Ice... For on the Ice! | | | | have some stamina for the energy they expend |
| It is no secret that in order to become a better athlete | | | | throughout three periods of play. The main focus here |
| in any sport, some training is required. For hockey | | | | should not be for distance running, but more for short |
| players, it is essential! Hockey players are the ultimate | | | | sprints. This will better emulate a shift in a real game. |
| athlete; they need to have speed, agility, strength, and | | | | 3. Explosive Power. This can be accomplished through |
| coordination all at the same time. This is why it is so | | | | plyometrics. It is important to have explosive power in |
| important to have a good off-ice program. | | | | hockey for hitting, acceleration, and overall skating |
| The main components in a hockey off-ice program | | | | strides. Plyometrics is a great tool for every player that |
| are as follows: | | | | I would HIGHLY recommend. |
| 1. Muscle Strengthening. It is imperative that hockey | | | | Why do Off-Ice Training? |
| players increase their muscle strength, especially for | | | | Hockey players need to always be ready for that |
| the older players and the higher levels. Hockey is | | | | next challenge on the ice. That next challenge can |
| violent sport that only gets worse as you get older. It's | | | | mean anything from tryouts, injury prevention, or simply |
| important that you have the strength and dexterity to | | | | making the starting line-up. By showing dedication off |
| become a better hockey player, but most importantly | | | | the ice and putting the effort in, you will surely see the |
| for your safety. | | | | results on the ice and I guarantee you will be satisfied |
| 2. Conditioning. You do not necessarily need the | | | | with them. |
| conditioning of a soccer player, but youdo need to | | | | |