OFF-ICE PROGRAM

The Academy's Off-Ice portion of the program is implemented out of the Performance Center.
Our strength and conditioning coach oversees the Off-Ice program. Physio-therapists work with injured players in their rehabilitation of any injuries, as well as injury prevention.

Each player that participates in the Academy goes through a series of tests that measure his strength and conditioning levels. The information is analyzed and an individualized program is put in place for each player. Most players are in a scenario where they are growing and want to gain weight and strength. Others are in a situation where they need to lose weight to become quicker in today's fast paced game.

In association with our Off-Ice staff the players set goals for weight gains or losses for the end of each month. Each week they have an official weigh-in to monitor their progression. Incremental testing is done to gage each player's progress in his strength and conditioning, which is charted over the year. On average each player in the program will gain 5 -7 kilograms in a season.

Players are in the Performance Center four to five times a week focusing on core strength and conditioning. Our Off-Ice workouts are very hockey specific, as is the equipment used. Bosu balls, stability balls, balance boards, medicine balls, agility ladders and much more are used on a daily basis. The days of hockey players training with heavy weights and no direction are over. Everything Off - Ice is suited to assist players with speed, agility and strength.

The International Hockey Academy of Lower Austria continuously works on stretching and flexibility. Daily dynamic warm-up routines are an important part of the program.

By warming up in motion, better allows the body proper preparation for activities both on and off the ice. This reduces the chance for injury.

Each Academy player receives a yearly workout binder. This binder allows players to keep a complete diary of all their workouts. It is also an important summer tool to ensure their progression continues.

Off - Ice Strength and Conditioning Highlights:

	Hockey Academy training performance center
	Professional Off - Ice training staff
	New core strength, explosive strength and quick feet equipment
	Heart monitored aerobic and anaerobic workouts
	An individualized 12 month strength and conditioning program
	Weekly weigh-ins
	Hockey specific training
	Nutrition and supplement guidance

The Hockey Academy Performance Center is one of the most important parts of the program for the players. Players will gain on average 5-7 kilograms of muscle throughout the 10 month season. Our certified strength and conditioning coaches, combined with our athletic therapists provide expertise for maximum development for the player's Off-Ice development.

Mental Training Highlights

	Goal setting
	Positive reinforcement
	Self Discipline
	Self motivation
	Self confidence
	Breathing techniques
	Team building
	Stress Handling

Our Mental Trainer teaches players how to focus on key points of their game to enhance performance. He works with players in an individual and team atmosphere. All mental training techniques are hockey, school, family and social related.

The mental part of the game of hockey is often under estimated and this training has helped hundreds of hockey players of all ages to improve their mental skills.