Weekly Newsletter #2 | By Matt Beleskey
The final buzzer has sounded, the gear is (hopefully) airing out, and the frantic schedule of early morning practices and highway drives has finally paused. Welcome to the off-season.
As a retired NHL player and now a hockey dad watching my son play minor hockey here in Ontario, I see the off-season differently than I did when I was a kid. Back then, I just wanted to be on the ice. Now, I realize that what you do during these months is the secret sauce to a successful winter. You can’t go a hundred miles an hour for twelve months a year without hitting a wall.
To get the most out of the summer, I like to break the off-season down into three distinct phases.
Phase 1: Rest, Rehab & Reflection
Before you look forward, you have to look at the foundation.
Rest: This means actual time away from the arena. It is vital to reset the mind and body—not just for the player, but for the parents too! This doesn’t mean sitting on the couch for a month. It means doing the things hockey season doesn’t allow for. Go fishing, ride your bike, go to the movies, and spend time with family. Let your nervous system recover and put a smile back on your face.
Rehab: You can’t build a house on a cracked foundation. Before you start training for next year, you need to repair the damage from last year. See a trusted physiotherapist. Have them assess how your body is moving and address any nagging aches. Build your base first.
Reflect: Be honest with yourself. Were you happy with your season? What went well and what didn’t? Seek outside feedback from a coach or a parent—someone who knows your game and whose opinion you trust.
Phase 2: The Build
Once you’re refreshed, it’s time to architect your next season. I break this into the What and the How.
The What (Goal Setting): What do you want next season to look like? Whether it’s making a specific team or hitting certain stat markers—goals, assists, +/−, or even PIMs—set goals that are ambitious but realistic.
The How (The Plan):
How are you going to get there? Everyone is different, so your training should be individual to you. Identify your weaknesses and create an action plan. A great starting point is focusing on the 5 S’s:
Skate
Shoot
Skill
Situational
Smarts (mental game)
Note: Do your research. The most expensive trainer or the "biggest name" camp isn't always the right fit for your specific needs.
Phase 3: The Work
You’ve rested, you’ve planned, and now it’s time to execute.
This is where you build your confidence. When you stand on the ice for tryouts or opening night, that "lack of nerves" comes from knowing you did everything possible to prepare.
However, "working hard" doesn't mean skating three times a day. You have to work smart. The goal is to arrive at training camp hungry and energized, not burnt out before the first puck drops.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, we do all of this because we love the game. And remember, it is just a game—so find the joy in the training. The process itself is the path to success.
Enjoy the ride!
Matt Beleskey
A View From the Glass