A Minor League Hockey Player Aspiring to be a Strength Coach

Playing hockey at Boston University for four years was a dream come true. We won a couple championships and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

One of the best perks about playing at BU was working with our strength coach Mike Boyle. I received my first workout program and immediately became fascinated. I always asked Mike questions about what we were doing and would read some of the books in his office while riding my extra bike for being over 10% body fat. (I don't get along well with the Skyndex!) I was interested in the field, but I was a hockey player and more focused on my playing career.

Upon graduation, I played my first professional season mostly in the AHL with the Providence Bruins. I was happy with how things went with my first year, but unfortunately I had to have surgery to fix a torn labrum in my shoulder. I showed up to Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning for my summer workouts and rehab work. It was my second shoulder surgery as I had my other shoulder fixed while at Boston University. I had a pretty good idea of what I was able to do and what I wasn't.

I followed the workouts given to us by Mike, but had to tweak them to fit my situation. Mike called me out one day saying “Schaeff, you come in here and do exactly what you need to do without even asking. I should get you a job here.” I told him I would love one and I started the next day. I was hooked. I still work and workout with Mike every offseason and would love to continue coaching when my playing career is over.

The knowledge I've gained from working at MBSC and from continuing my education, through attending seminars and reading books and sites like HockeyStrengthandConditioning and Strengthcoach, has helped me tremendously in my playing career. Particularly in the situation I am in now. Going into my fourth pro season I have played half my games in the American Hockey League and half in the East Coast Hockey League. Only a select few AHL teams have strength coaches and most of the times the facilities are minimal. Once you get down to the ECHL, it only gets worse.

Here is where my experience and continual learning comes into play.

What can I do with one medball, one band and a stability ball? Knowing how to create a program for yourself to follow with little equipment takes some creativity.  I look to Mike Boyle's “Something Is Better Than Nothing” article as a source for help and I can get the job done. Those NHL strength coaches are on easy street!

Another issue to work around is the schedule. Almost every week we are playing either three games in three nights or four games in five nights. Most of the time bussing to each city. It is essential to learn when to get your workouts in, how to properly warmup and enhance recovery. With the demanding schedule recovery is essential. Right away a post game shake is key while enjoying it with your best friend the foam roller, followed by a stretch. I usually keep a tennis ball or softball in my bag too if I have some trouble spots. Hot and cold tubs are great, but on the road you probably won't have access to one, so you make due with a contrast shower. When you order your meal from the local restaurant for after the game, you skip the buffalo wings and try to get something of nutritional value. Everything to get ready for your next game in less than 24 hours.

Another area I've unfortunately become accustomed to is injuries. Hockey is a physical sport and they will happen. I've had my fair share of injuries, two of which I eluded to earlier. Another example is this preseason I caught a cheap slew foot going into the boards and suffered a high ankle sprain. In a boot and on crutches after the first day of training camp. Not the start I was looking for. After some rest, I put together a plan of attack to tackle this injury and to try and stay in shape. Working with minimal equipment, and a sprained ankle, the creative juices really got flowing. I did my strength program and followed the trainer's rehab program and I was back to playing games a week ahead of schedule. No slideboard or valslides? I took a towel and found a smooth surface. I threw some medballs around for power and banged out bike sprints everyday for conditioning. Not the greatest for you, but I had no other choice and it helped. I was able to make a smooth transition back to the ice and off that bike.

I really enjoy learning about strength and conditioning, nutrition and the human body and am lucky I can use it to my advantage in my playing career. I've had teammates ask me for training advice and for workouts. It's nice to know that your teammates trust you and think you know what you are talking about. My experience as a player has also helped as a coach as well. Knowing how your off ice workouts translate onto the ice and finding out what works and what doesn't has been invaluable. As much as I would love to, I know I can't play this game forever, so it is not a bad gig to be able to work on a future career while helping your current career. I believe more athletes should take an active role in learning how to take care of the body.

Strength coaches are great to have, but when they are not around it is up to you.