The Okanagan Hockey Academy off-ice conditioning portion of the program is implemented out of the Okanagan Hockey Academy Performance Center. The Performance Center is used exclusively by our Academy hockey team players. Blaine Harrison is our certified strength and conditioning coach, who oversee's the off-ice program. Chad Oliver and Casey Bresch are our athletic therapists who work with injured players in their rehabilitation of any injures, as well as injury prevention.
Each player that participates in the Academy goes through a series of tests that measure his strength and conditioning levels. The information is analyzed and an individualized program is put in place for each player. Most players are in a scenario where they are growing and want to gain weight and strength. Others are in a situation where they need to lose weight to become quicker in today’s fast paced game. In association with our off-ice staff the players set goals for weight gains or losses for the end of each month. Each week they have an official weigh-in to monitor their progression. Incremental testing is done to gage each player’s progress in his strength and conditioning, which is charted over the year. On average each player in the program will gain 10-15 pounds in a season.
Players are in the Performance Center four to five times a week focusing on core strength and conditioning. Our off-ice conditioning workouts are very hockey specific, as is the equipment used. Bosu balls, stability balls, balance boards, medicine balls, stationary bikes with heart monitors, agility ladders and much more are used on a daily basis. The days of hockey players training with heavy weights and no direction are over. Everything off-ice is suited to assist players with speed, agility and strength.
The Okanagan Hockey Academy continuously works on stretching and flexibility. Daily dynamic warm-up routines are an important part of the program. By warming up in motion, better allows the body proper preparation for activities both on and off the ice. This reduces the chance for injury. Yoga classes are implemented into the program for additional stretching and flexibility. Yoga also teaches better breathing and relaxation techniques, which is important for optimum performance.
Each Academy player receives a yearly workout binder. This binder allows players to keep a complete diary of all their workouts. It is also an import summer tool to ensure their progression continues.
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