With summer (and 100 degree weather) most hockey players should be well into offseason training in preparation for the 2008-09 season.   As I consult with players and teams I notice that some players want to make it happen and get to the next level and others leave their situation to chance.   For those athlete's not wanting to work hard let me tell you that natural skill will only take you so far before hard work and perseverance must play a huge role in your success.

UCLA Strength and Conditioning Coach Todd Bostrom workout with Coach Pollitt in Acadia, California

For everyone wanting to get to the next level in hockey here is my basic checklist for a productive offseason of training:

• Players should be looking to attend shinny ice sessions (called "stick time" in the US) to work on the fundamental aspects of their game.   Everyone can use more time on the ice (in full gear) to work on quick starts, stops, turns, puck control, shooting and a wide variety of skills and drills that will propel their on-ice abilities.   In case you need a hand check out the skating DVD by Laura Stamm or look for the DP Hockey skating DVD do out in 2009.
   

• Mid way through the summer, players should get on the ice and look to play in pick-up games, and if possible in a 3-on-3 type league on a small ice surface where they will get lots of playing time and exposure to basic skills such as puck possession and puck defense.   If you can't find this type of league then get a group of friends together and get out to the shinny ice sessions where you can often section off part of the rink with cones and play.
   

• As skating is the single most important aspect of playing hockey, it is a great idea to attend a skating school of some kind.  Skating experts like Steffany Hanlen and Laura Stamm are the two experts I would HIGHLY recommend as they both teach key skills very well and get the most out of players in terms of skill development.
   

• Several times a week (at least) you should spend time on weight training that is specific to hockey.   I have NEVER met a hockey player that was too strong to play hockey and most players are very weak in critical areas of the body (shoulders, neck, hip, etc.).   As I see many players skate with straight legs I would also add that working the legs hard will help you skate with the proper leg bend that is SO CRITICAL to success on the ice.
   

• You should work to strengthen your core area (low back, abdominal muscles, and hip musculature) every day! 
   

• Every hockey player should spend more time working on flexibility...period.   This is a highly neglected area for most athletes and for some reason in hockey it is even worse.   Stretching will help extend the stride length, work to balance the body and help prevent injuries during the season.   Each and every day is a chance to improve this aspect of your game...so get going!
   

• Conditioning must play a huge role in your offseason training.   It's all fine and good to be strong in the weight room, but if you cannot apply that strength on the ice when your heart-rate is 190 beats per minute than your useless on the ice.   The issue I see with conditioning is that most players do it all wrong.   Running for 30 minutes or riding the bike will NOT make you a better hockey player...it will make you a better endurance athlete.   Conditioning must be more hockey specific.