For college hockey players, the off-season is arguably just as important as the season itself. Athletes need to ensure that they are getting their bodies into tip-top shape in order to compete at the highest level on the ice. If you're a college hockey player looking to guarantee a solid upcoming season, you need to do the right things in your off time. Here are seven ways to do just that:
1. Tend to Any Injuries
While it may be easy to play through minor injuries during the season, it is important for athletes to make sure they are fully healthy headed into next year. The off-season is a great time to have any nagging injuries looked at by a doctor to find out the proper steps to resolving the issue. If any medical procedures are required to get healthy, the off-season is an excellent time to do so to make sure hockey players are ready to go or miss minimal time at the beginning of the new season.
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2. Build Your Strength
Over the off-season, all of a college hockey player's future competitors are in the gym getting stronger, so it is imperative that they do so as well. Hockey players should work to not only improve their functional strength, but also their structural balance and power. This way, when next season rolls around, these athletes are more than ready to go head-to-head with any opponent on the other side of the ice.
3. Improve Your Conditioning
Similar to how college hockey players should look to improve their strength, they should also develop their conditioning. There is nothing a college hockey player wants less than to show up to training camp and be a step behind everyone else on the ice. Hockey players should focus on high intensity and high output bursts for short periods of time, supplemented by lower intensity periods in between to mimic their shifts on the ice.
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4. Focus on Nutrition
It is crucial for college hockey players to continue to fuel their bodies in a healthy way over the off-season to guarantee they are prepared for next year. Hockey players should be sure to consume lean protein, low fat dairy, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables to improve how they function both physically and mentally. Not eating right is one of the easiest ways for hockey players to put themselves at a disadvantage for the upcoming season.
5. Set Goals
College hockey players need to set goals for both themselves and their team over the off-season. These goals can be quantitative, such as scoring a certain number of goals, or qualitative, like being able and willing to fulfill any role the team needs. Goal setting is one of the best ways for a college hockey player to motivate themselves to get better over the off-season and give everything they have during the season.
6. Stay on the Ice (to a Degree)
During the season, college hockey players may be stepping on the ice almost every day of the week. When the off-season rolls around, some players may be quick to want to stay away from the rink until the next season arrives. Even if this feeling is present, it is very important for college hockey players to still find their way on the ice in some capacity. Even if it's as little as one or two days a week, it will ensure the athlete is ready to contend the following season.
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7. Enjoy Some Time Away from the Game
With the off-season being as much of a time for recovery as it is for preparation, it is important for college hockey players to enjoy their time spent away from the ice and get some rest. Allowing themselves to relax and participate in other interests outside of the game is key, as this will help college hockey players avoid any sense of burnout compared to if they continue to train every day of the off-season.
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* Originally published on April 21, 2023, by Owen Roche
