By Jeff Lynt

January 31

The Path to the NHL: The Physical Demands

Making it to the National Hockey League (NHL) is a dream for many young hockey players. However, the journey to get there is not easy, and it takes an immense amount of hard work and dedication, especially in terms of physical conditioning. The physical demands of playing professional hockey at the highest level are immense, and it takes a toll on the body, making it important for players to be in top physical condition if they want to reach their goal. 

The physical demands are intense and unrelenting. The game of hockey is a hard hitting, physically demanding sport, and the toll it takes on a player's body can be significant. One of the biggest challenges for aspiring NHL players is to maintain their strength and physical conditioning while competing at a high level on a consistent basis. The physical play in hockey is intense, with players regularly engaging in battles for the puck, and hitting and being hit by opponents. These physical demands put a significant strain on the body, and players must be in top condition to withstand the impact.

To reach the NHL, players must also be able to handle the rigors of a long and physically demanding season. The NHL season is 82 games long, with additional games played in the playoffs. This means that players must be able to maintain their physical conditioning throughout the entire season, without any significant drop-offs in performance. Injuries are a significant concern for players, and staying in top physical condition helps reduce the risk of injury.

Having to play hard every night also takes a toll on a player's body. The constant physical battles that take place puts the players' bodies under a tremendous amount of stress. The hits are hard, the battles are intense, and the wear and tear on the body can add up over time. This is particularly true for players who play a physical style of game, as they are often the ones who are involved in the most battles and physical play.

For players to make it to the NHL, they need to have the necessary skills, including speed, power, endurance, and agility. These skills must be developed and honed from an early age and maintained throughout their career. This means that players must commit to a strict regimen of training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery in order to stay at their peak.

In addition to the skill set required to make it to the NHL, players must also be physically prepared for the demands of the game. The sport of hockey is incredibly fast-paced, and it requires players to be able to skate at high speeds, change direction quickly, and be able to handle the physical demands of playing in the corners and in front of the net. 

To meet these physical demands, players must work hard to build their strength and endurance, focusing on exercises that target the specific demands of hockey. This includes weight training to build muscle, plyometric exercises to improve explosive power, and cardio training to improve endurance. Players must also pay close attention to their nutrition, fueling their bodies with the right foods and supplements to ensure they have the energy they need to perform at their best.

In order to achieve this level of physical conditioning, players must put in a tremendous amount of work both on and off the ice. This includes rigorous training and conditioning programs, as well as a strict diet and nutrition regimen. It also requires a player to be diligent about taking care of their body, including regular massage therapy, chiropractic care, and other forms of physical therapy.

Preparation requires a combination of strength training, cardio, and skill development. It is essential to have a well-rounded training program that focuses on building overall strength, power, speed, and endurance.

Strength training is crucial, it helps to build a foundation of muscle mass, which in turn provides a base of support for all other physical abilities. This can be achieved through a combination of weightlifting exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These exercises help to build strength in the legs, core, and upper body, which are essential for the physical demands of playing hockey.

Cardiovascular training is also critical for hockey players. This type of training helps to improve endurance and overall fitness, which is crucial for playing hard every night. Hockey is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport, and players must have the endurance to keep up with the pace of the game. Examples of cardio training include running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

In addition to strength and cardio training, players must also work on their skill development. Skating, stickhandling, and shooting are all critical skills for hockey players, and players must work on these skills consistently to remain competitive.

Finally, players must also pay close attention to their nutrition and hydration. A proper diet and hydration plan will help players recover faster from training and games, and will also help to reduce the risk of injury.

In conclusion, making it to the NHL is not an easy feat, and the physical demands are just one of the many challenges that players face on their journey. It takes a great deal of dedication and hard work, and players must be in top physical condition if they hope to reach their goal. Whether it's through a rigorous training regimen, paying attention to nutrition, or finding ways to reduce the risk of injury, players must be willing to do whatever it takes to get to the NHL and stay there. For those who are committed and willing to put in the work, the rewards can be great, and the opportunity to play the game they love at the highest level is an experience that they will never forget.

See some great Fitness videos that we highly recommend. 

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Jeff Lynt

Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. He is a certified hockey scout with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com

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