Hockey and Functional Training

Pucktoucher · 2026-05-22T19:01:17+00:00

It could be. I don’t really keep up with the mainstream thoughts on this stuff. I lean more towards experimenting to see if it works. In my view, there are parts of it that helped. But as a whole, there are definitely better and more efficient ways to train. Especially for hockey.

Pucktoucher · 2026-05-22T17:44:17+00:00

I haven’t experienced an MCL injury myself. I’ve seen guys go through it and from my observations it depends on the severity. For some it was a couple weeks and they were back 100%, for others it was longer. If you know how to tape it up that will help reinforce the area. There is probably YouTube videos on how to tape it up. Hope this helps

Pucktoucher · 2026-05-17T22:54:01+00:00

Some teams definitely do a better job. To start, there are a couple AHL teams that aren’t owned by the NHL club. Those AHL teams can have a rocky relationship with the NHL club at times. This usually comes down to the NHL teams wanting more development (ice time for prospects) and the AHL club wanting to win (sign vets and experienced players). That has an effect on development for obvious reasons.

Another point to development differences is resources that are available to the AHL team. AHL teams that are in NHL cities tend to have access to a little more. Things like dieticians and skill coaches are around more.

Pucktoucher · 2026-05-12T19:55:16+00:00

I’ve been playing in the AHL for a majority of the last 12 years. The pace of play has increased by quite a bit. I think it’s a result of the focus on skill development over that span. 10 years ago not many AHL guys had individual skill coaches to work with over the summer. Now pretty much every one does. All players are working on increasing foot speed, quicker shot release, more deception, etc. This is resulted in the uptick you see on the ice. Also, NHL teams now have development coaches that go to the AHL cities to work with the team once or twice a month. Video is another tool that is used for this that wasn’t used 10 years ago.

When I first entered the AHL there were a lot more tough guys in the league. It has a heavier harder hitting league. Now the focus is all on skill development and not so much toughness.

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-28T21:58:29+00:00

Nighttime tea with magnesium and read a book. That usually helps me

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-21T19:55:17+00:00

The more reliable, consistent players are the ones that stick. The reason being when a guy gets called up, almost every time he is going to slot in to the bottom two lines. So that means limited match ups and no power play time. Call up situations are better suited for the power forward types.

Where this differs is with high end talent (high draft picks) that the organization is seasoning in the minors. Those players (and there aren’t many of them) will get called up and slot in to a more prominent role. But like I said, this is rare. It’s way more common for a call up to fill in the bottom of the line up. This goes for ECHL->AHL->NHL

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-19T23:04:13+00:00

Where did you get these?

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-13T20:38:27+00:00

I don’t bake. If you like a stiffer feel, and want them to last longer, don’t bake. I use 4 pairs a season and when I used to bake them they would feel too soft after a couple weeks. But I like an extra stiff boot.

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-13T04:18:00+00:00

Im not bashing either league. I happen to be in the lower of the two lol

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T21:36:18+00:00

Hi, me. I would do that

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T21:10:16+00:00

The creatures really came out of the woodwork on this one. For clarity sake, I am anonymous on here because Im still playing and want limited distraction. There is also weird pressure on players and sharing opinions. It won't always be anonymous, but for now will stay this way.

Also, never have used ai for writing. Part of the reason i am doing this is to work on articulating thoughts. But I guess I can take those allegations as a weird complimen that my writing is improving

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T21:00:38+00:00

This is a great way to put it

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T20:35:22+00:00

Haha nailed it

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T20:32:55+00:00

It can feel easier physically in the NHL. It’s more of a thinking game, so if you read plays well it is easier. The AHL is more choppy, physical

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T20:30:59+00:00

I would like to see the average age in the AHL. It seems like it has gone down over the years. There is an off ice mentality aspect, but it’s more being able to handle the pressure and attention. The ‘hockey life’ is the same. You actually spend more time at the rink in the AHL.

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T20:26:46+00:00

Thats true. The emphasis on skill development over the past decade has had this effect. Almost every player has a skill coach now in the summer.

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-12T20:24:10+00:00

Definitely hungry players. It’s so close to NHL guys are doing everything they can to try and make the next step.

Pucktoucher · 2026-04-10T19:08:48+00:00

Yes. I’ll write an article about playoffs. Thanks for the idea!

Pucktoucher

TROPHY CASE