Growing up in Oil Country most kids learn to skate at a young age and begin playing hockey shortly after. It’s a passion that defines us and feeds young players’ dreams of playing in the NHL. Ultimately, the goal of hockey should only be to have fun, lead an active lifestyle and stay healthy. However, as players get older and want to increase their compete level, they often look for ways to set themselves apart from their teammates. The question is, what can hockey players do to reach a higher level of hockey? According to the pros, the answer lies in a commitment to their sport and proper training. If you’re looking to enhance your game, here are a few tips from the Edmonton Oilers Strength and Conditioning Coach Simon Bennett and the Oilers new Head Athletic Therapist TD Forss to take your game to the next level. Because the consensus is, if you’re training off the ice, it will help to improve your game on the ice. Bennett is the president and co-founder of Body by Bennett, a premier professional health, wellness and training facility, where he provides training and conditioning programs to professional athletes and regular health enthusiasts. He joined the Edmonton Oilers two years ago and is actively involved in the training, conditioning and nutrition of the players. According to Bennett there are three priorities that young players can focus on to enhance their game and demonstrate a healthy athletic lifestyle.
“First and foremost work on building your leg strength,” said Bennett. Bennett suggests players whose main focus is around building endurance and size should focus their workouts on strength inducing exercises. This allows players to build appropriate leg muscle, furthering their fundamental skating skills and core power. Second, Bennett said that a lot of amateur players underestimate the power of good nutrition, but it’s one of the key ingredients to becoming a strong and successful hockey player. “Ensuring proper pre- and post-game nutrition is very important,” said Bennett. When it comes to pre-game or practice nutrition, breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, crucial to both growing and fully experienced players. Getting the proper proteins and energy early on tends to set the whole body into action for practices and game days. “What I recommend in the mornings is a really solid, complete protein. Players want veggies and fruit and a sufficient amount of sugar or starchy carbs, especially at this crucial time when the body’s ability to absorb or tolerate carbohydrates is highest,” added Bennett. Finally, Bennett stresses the importance of mobility training, starting from a young age. “The best way to explain mobility training is to maintain proper flexibility and balance between muscle groups,” said Bennett. Through proper exercise and strength conditioning, the body’s opposing muscles are able to work together and function properly. However, when one muscle becomes less used than another, the relationship no longer functions, leaving a much higher potential for fatigue and injuries. Also weighing in is TD Forss, the Edmonton Oilers new Head Athletic Therapist. Forss has an extensive background in professional sports therapy, joining the Oilers from his previous seven-year role as the Edmonton Eskimos Head Athletic Therapist. Other professional organizations on his resume include the Calgary Flames and Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Forss suggested, “Proper fitness training for your age and skill level is paramount in preventing injuries. By properly training you can improve your balance and reduce the times you fall or are knocked off the puck.”
Hockey Edmonton Magazine
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