08/29/2026
☀️🚂🫡
Our hockey off-season training officially wraps this weekend as nearly all the summer guys have returned to their Pro/NCAA/WHL/Club teams and Victoria Royals training camp gets underway, marking the shift directly into in-season mode.
While I’m pumped for what lies ahead with the Royals this year, the start of camp is always a natural reminder to reflect on the summer work with the fellas.
In the S&C world, coaches often talk about “my athletes.” The truth is, no single trainer or facility “owns” an athlete. High-level players are built through a massive network of support, great coaching along the way, and their own relentless internal drive. I’ve simply been fortunate enough to have a front-row seat to their work.
This off-season was another special group to work with—driven, talented guys who brought elite intent, work ethic, and standards through the door every single day. Each of these guys gets all the credit for their work; it’s my responsibility to stay humble, current, and curious so I can build the framework, uphold the standard, and challenge them to execute and develop.
Epictetus famously wrote: “We must undergo a hard winter training and not rush into things for which we haven’t prepared.” (Or in the hockey world: a hard, deliberate summer training followed by intelligent in-season phases 😉).
Over the last four months, these guys leaned into the quiet, unseen labor—building high-end speed, stacking heavy strength volume, sharpening mobility, and building the resilience required for an 9-month grind.
To the fellas who trusted me with their preparation this summer—thank you for the trust and the daily effort. The groundwork is laid. Trust your preparation and go execute. I’ll be watching each of you closely all season. 👊
Now, it’s time for me to shift gears and get down to business with the Royals. Year 7 starts today—excited to see what this group is capable of.
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