“Nobody’s a natural. You work hard to get good and then work to get better. It’s hard to stay on top.”

–Paul Coffey, NHL Hall-of-Fame defenseman
As double sessions and practices begin to kick off, understand that the work put in during pre-season will directly affect the season’s outcome. You may have some natural talent, but unless you work to better your ability, the competition will pass you by.
Trust what the three-time NHL Defenseman-of-The-Year has to say. During Coffey’s 20-year stint in the National Hockey League, he singlehandedly changed the role of the defenseman. Always willing to outwork his opponents, Coffey used his speed and scoring ability to create the “offensive defenseman.” His 48 goals during the ’85-’86 season are the most ever scored in a single season by a blue liner.
Coffey’s off-ice power and speed training became an obsession. In one instance, while filming an instructional video with an elite power skating instructor, he often interrupted shooting in order to leave for the gym. The training paid off in the end, though. During Coffey’s twilight years as a player, it helped him routinely out-skate much younger opponents.
In 2004, the League recognized Coffey’s achievements as a high scoring defenseman, inducting him into the NHL Hall of Fame.
Head over to STACK TV and check out the current NHL Defenseman-of The-Year, Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks, and his off-season training. See how this top-conditioned defender trains off the ice for the upcoming NHL season at Crash Conditioning.
Photo:  hockeyforum.com
Source:  brainyquote.com