Rebels put off-season training to test as camp opens
It’s become a year-round responsibility for major junior hockey players.
These days, more than ever, players are expected to report to their respective training camps in prime physical condition.
“There’s definitely more guys putting a lot of emphasis on their summer training,” Rebels assistant coach Mike Egener said Thursday as he helped run the team’s fitness testing at the Peavey Mart Centrium and RDP Gary W. Harris Centre.
“Thinking back to when I was playing, not everyone had their own trainer,” added Egener, a former Calgary Hitmen defenceman who played at the pro level in both North America and Europe. “But I’d say a lot of these guys now have their own trainer and spent a lot of their time in the off season training.
“A lot of kids are on the ice too, but at this age it’s about building foundational strength, so they need a lot of time in the gym during the summer.”
Prior to heading home after the WHL season, Rebels director of high performance and fitness Colleen Manning supplies the players with specific training programs they’re expected to follow during the off months.
“Colleen puts together a real good program for them that tailors towards what we kind of want in terms of growth for the players,” said Egener.
It’s clearly paid off, at least in recent years, with the returning players, almost without exception, showing up at training camp ready to roll.
“They come in in tip top shape, they look good,” said Egener. “That again is so much different from when I was playing. Then you’d get more guys who weren’t in great shape.”
Thursday morning testing at the Peavey Mart Centrium included pull-ups, pushups, sit-ups, left and right bounding (jumping from side to side) and long jumps.
Afternoon activity at the Gary W. Harris Centre included vertical jumps, a mile test on the facility’s track and 200m and 400m runs.
“This is our third year (at the Harris Centre) so the returning guys know what we do. They know what our expectations are for everyone here,” said Egener.
There’s no question that year round fitness is becoming the norm instead of the exception for players hoping to excel during the winter months while working towards their goal of becoming pros.
“It’s so important. Summer is four months, and hopefully shorter than that,” said Egener. “It’s a lengthy time and a chance for you to grow as a player, building your foundation and strength off the ice, gaining muscle, getting stronger, getting quicker.
“It’s not only for the individual to get better in the summer, but also for us. We want guys training hard so when it’s time to start the season they’re ready to hit the ice and ready to go.
“You can waste a lot of time if guys come in and they’re not in shape. That’s a big reason why our team started off so well last year — guys were ready to go. That’s our same mindset here so Derrick (head coach Walser) can get right into teaching.”
While the entire coaching and support staffs were involved in the off ice testing Thursday, Egener and Manning were at the forefront.
“I’m not an expert in the field but I support her in what she’s doing,” said Egener. “She does a great job with the players.”
Egener also praised Manning for her work with the players during the actual hockey season.
“Even during the season we’re doing our off ice stuff,” he said. “We look at it as an opportunity to continue to grow in that area. Why can’t you get stronger and maintain your strength and speed in the season?”
The Rebels main camp players will undergo on ice testing Friday morning prior to a pair of practice sessions in the afternoon. The testing will feature six timed sprints with 30-second breaks.
