Hockey players are known for their intensity, grit, and determination on the ice. But what do they do in the off-season? With no games to play, no practices to attend, and no drills to run, hockey players have a unique opportunity to focus on their physical and mental well-being, as well as explore other passions and interests outside of the rink.
From intense training regimens to traveling the world, from volunteering and giving back to the community to simply relaxing on the beach, hockey players spend their off-season in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how some of the world’s top hockey players spend their time during the off-season, and explore the many different activities and interests that make up their lives outside of the game they love.
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The Importance of Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery are essential components of any athlete’s training regimen. In fact, without proper rest and recovery, athletes are at a greater risk of injury and burnout, which can ultimately hinder their performance on the ice. In this section, we’ll explore why rest and recovery are so important for hockey players, and discuss some of the best ways to incorporate these practices into your own training regimen.
Why Rest and Recovery Are Essential for Hockey Players
- Prevent injury: Rest and recovery are crucial for preventing injuries in hockey players. When athletes overtrain and don’t give their bodies enough time to recover, they put themselves at risk of overuse injuries like tendonitis, stress fractures, and more.
- Reduce burnout: Burnout is a common problem among hockey players who push themselves too hard without taking time to rest and recover. Taking regular breaks and allowing your body time to recover can help prevent burnout and keep you motivated throughout the season.
- Improve performance: Rest and recovery are also essential for improving performance on the ice. When athletes are well-rested and recovered, they have more energy, focus, and motivation, which can translate into better performance on the ice.
Best Practices for Rest and Recovery
So how can hockey players incorporate rest and recovery into their training regimen? Here are some best practices to follow:
- Take regular breaks: Make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout your training schedule, and take at least one rest day per week to allow your body time to recover.
- Get enough sleep: Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, as sleep is essential for both physical and mental recovery.
- Incorporate active recovery: Instead of sitting on the couch all day, try incorporating some low-impact activities like yoga, stretching, or swimming into your recovery days to help improve circulation and promote healing.
Overall, rest and recovery are essential components of any athlete’s training regimen, especially for hockey players. By incorporating these practices into your training, you can reduce your risk of injury, prevent burnout, and improve your performance on the ice.
Training Like an Athlete: Workouts for the Off-Season
Off-season training is crucial for athletes who want to stay in top shape during the season. It’s a time for building strength, endurance, and speed to ensure peak performance when it counts. When it comes to hockey players, there are a variety of workouts that can help them stay in top form during the off-season.
Here are some workouts that hockey players can incorporate into their off-season training regimen:
Resistance Band Exercises
Resistance bands are a versatile and effective tool for hockey players to use in their off-season training. They can be used to improve speed, agility, and strength by mimicking the movements used in the game. Some effective exercises include lateral band walks, diagonal band walks, and band-resisted skater jumps. These exercises target the muscles used for skating, such as the glutes, quads, and hip flexors.
Plyometric Exercises
Plyometric exercises are explosive movements that can help hockey players improve their power and speed. Some effective plyometric exercises for hockey players include box jumps, tuck jumps, and lateral bounds. These exercises target the muscles used for explosive movements, such as the quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Agility Drills
Agility drills can help hockey players improve their footwork and reaction time, which are important skills for the game. Some effective agility drills for hockey players include ladder drills, cone drills, and shuttle runs. These drills focus on quick movements and changes of direction, which can improve a player’s on-ice agility and coordination.
By incorporating these workouts into their off-season training routine, hockey players can improve their overall performance on the ice. It’s important to consult with a trainer or coach to ensure proper form and technique, and to create a training plan that is specific to the athlete’s goals and needs. With dedication and hard work, hockey players can come back stronger and more prepared for the season ahead.
Exploring Hobbies and Other Passions Outside of Hockey
While hockey may be a passion for many players, it’s important to have hobbies and other interests outside of the rink. Not only does it provide a mental break from the sport, but it can also help to develop new skills and provide a sense of fulfillment. Hobbies are a great way to relieve stress and promote overall wellness, and can also help to build connections with others who share similar interests.
One popular hobby among hockey players is golf, which can improve hand-eye coordination and provides a different type of challenge compared to hockey. Another option is music, which can provide an emotional outlet and allow players to express themselves creatively. Other popular hobbies include reading, cooking, and painting. Exploring new hobbies and interests can help players to discover new passions and expand their skill sets beyond the rink.
Benefits of Pursuing Hobbies Outside of Hockey
- Stress Relief: Hobbies can provide a mental break from the stress of hockey and allow players to relax and recharge.
- Sense of Fulfillment: Pursuing hobbies and other passions can give players a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment beyond the sport of hockey.
- Developing New Skills: Exploring new hobbies can help players to develop new skills that can be useful both on and off the ice.
Getting Started with a New Hobby
If you’re interested in exploring new hobbies outside of hockey, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, think about what interests you and what types of activities you enjoy. From there, you can research different hobbies and find one that appeals to you. It’s also important to set aside time for your new hobby and make it a priority. Whether it’s once a week or every day, carving out time for your hobby can help to make it a consistent and enjoyable part of your routine. Remember that trying new things can be intimidating, but taking that first step can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Traveling the World: Hockey Players’ Favorite Vacation Spots
Traveling is one of the best ways to unwind and relax after a grueling hockey season. Many professional hockey players take advantage of their offseason to visit favorite destinations around the world. These players get to experience different cultures, meet new people, and see stunning sights that they would not have the opportunity to see if not for their careers as hockey players.
So, where do some of the world’s top hockey players go to vacation? Let’s take a look.
Europe
- Many players head to Europe during the offseason. Italy, France, and Spain are some of the most popular destinations. These players enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and trying different foods.
- Other players choose to stay in Europe and play in international hockey tournaments or sign on with European leagues.
Caribbean Islands
Another favorite destination for hockey players is the Caribbean. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical climate, it’s easy to see why. Many players enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Some players also use this time to engage in charity work, giving back to local communities in need.
Canada
- Many hockey players come from Canada and have a special place in their hearts for their home country. After a long season, many Canadian players return to their hometowns to reconnect with friends and family and to relax in familiar surroundings.
- Other players who are not from Canada also enjoy visiting the country, especially during the summer months when the weather is milder. Many players enjoy the natural beauty of Canada’s national parks, hiking and fishing in the wilderness.
Giving Back: Charity and Volunteer Work Among Hockey Players
When they’re not on the ice, hockey players often dedicate their time and resources to charitable causes and volunteer work. Giving back is a core value in the hockey community, and many players have established their own foundations to support various causes.
One of the most notable examples is the NHL Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various charities since its inception in 199NHL players are also known for their support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Charitable Foundations Established by Hockey Players
- The Sidney Crosby Foundation: Established by Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, the foundation supports organizations that benefit children, including the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and the Sidney Crosby Hockey School in Nova Scotia.
- The Zetterberg Foundation: Founded by former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg, the foundation supports various charities in Michigan and Sweden, including youth sports programs and environmental conservation initiatives.
Volunteer Work by Hockey Players
Many hockey players also dedicate their time to volunteer work, often in their local communities. For example, former NHL player Trevor Daley has volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, while Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has volunteered with the Edmonton Food Bank.
Another notable example is P.K. Subban, who established the Blue Line Buddies program during his time with the Nashville Predators. The program brought together police officers and underprivileged youth for hockey games and community-building activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do hockey players do in the off season?
Hockey players have various activities during their off-season. Some players prefer to travel or vacation with their families and friends to relax after a long and tiring season. Others focus on training to keep themselves in good shape for the upcoming season, while some participate in charity events and volunteer work to give back to their community. Additionally, players also attend hockey camps or participate in tournaments and exhibitions to improve their skills and game.
Do hockey players get paid during the off season?
While hockey players have contracts with their respective teams that specify their compensation, they typically do not receive a salary during the off-season. However, players may receive bonuses or stipends if they participate in team-sanctioned events or if they have certain clauses in their contract that specify off-season compensation.
Can hockey players play for other teams during the off season?
Hockey players are generally not allowed to play for other teams during the off-season, as they are still under contract with their current team. However, some players may participate in international tournaments or exhibition games, as long as they have permission from their team and the appropriate governing bodies.
How do hockey players prepare for the upcoming season during the off season?
During the off-season, hockey players usually focus on training and conditioning to improve their strength, speed, and endurance. They may work with personal trainers or participate in team-sanctioned training programs. Additionally, players may work on specific skills, such as shooting, skating, or stickhandling. Some players also participate in exhibition games, tournaments, or camps to practice and improve their game.