Whether your trying out for major junior, junior A or B, or the Vancouver Canucks, off-season training is a must for any hockey player.
Several Castlegar Rebel players as well as many others have been busy at Kinnaird Park Church working out with trainer Darren Pottle and his Primal Training Conditioning Camp.
"We got some kids here that are working hard and trying to get ready for their seasons," said Rebels coach Steve Junker, who helps with the conditioning program. "(They're) trying to add some fitness, some strength, some conditioning, before they head off to their camps."
The training helps the players become better athletes, said Junker.
"A better athlete is a better hockey player or whatever sport you play," he said. "It's giving them a full range of athleticism. With the use of the gymnastics floor, it really helps us incorporate the full body. If you're a better athlete you're going to be able to perform better. Not to mention injury prevention. It goes into many different aspects of sport."
Braydon Horcoff, who played for the Castlegar Rebels last year, is one of those players taking advantage of the local conditioning camp.
"It's really good," said Horcoff. "It's by far the best stuff I've done training wise. I've gone to the expensive stuff in Kelowna and spend thousands of dollars. This costs five times less and just is way more effective."
Horcoff said his athleticism has really improved and he can really feel the difference when he steps on the ice.
"I've learned how to get my whole body working together as one," he said. "On the ice I can be more efficient and effective. In addition, the conditioning we get is incredible. I just got back from a camp in Kelowna and I felt better on the ice than I ever felt before. I can go harder for way longer."
Horcoff is heading into his second year with the Rebels and enjoyed his rookie year with the squad.
"I thought we had a pretty successful year," he said. "We were the only team to give (Beaver Valley) a challenge."
The forward expects the team to be strong again next year.
"I think we'll probably do similar to last year," he said. "We'll surprise a lot of people. Last year, our expectations weren't as high as the year before, but we did just as well finishing second overall. I think history can repeat itself. We have the tools we just need everyone to get on board. Junks (coach Junker) and the coaching staff are good about that."