Workout Wisdom #8 - Cornell Hockey Team Lift

Workout Wisdom #8 - Cornell Hockey Warm-up & Team Lift
 
The Cornell University men’s hockey team certainly has some unfinished business ahead.
 
Both the Big Red men’s and women’s programs were ranked No. 1 in the nation at the NCAA Division I level with COVID-19 shut down their seasons in March. Both teams were legitimate contenders for a national championship, but like so many college, high school and youth teams around the country, they had their dreams shattered with the cancellation of the hockey postseason.
 
With rinks and the nation opening slowly, Cornell’s men’s team is already back at it, more motivated than ever and trying to get an edge on their opponents by attacking its off-ice strength and conditioning program while other teams are still feeling sorry for themselves and trying to get on the same page.
 
This is an important time for many youth hockey players and a great opportunity for players who are driven to play at a higher level this year or earn a spot on the junior or college team of their choice to jump ahead of the pack. Rinks are opening, so ice time will be available over the coming weeks, but there are many highly skilled players out there. It’s the work off the ice, where players can get bigger, stronger, faster and more explosive, that often separates one level from the next.
 
You want to feel the motivation and desire to prove yourselves that the Cornell players feel every day and to take that drive and determination to the ice, the gym or wherever you do your off-ice work. Get a jump on the others who don’t have a plan and work to be at the top of your game for any upcoming tryout or showcase opportunities you might have.
 
With the lockdown ending and gyms opening, it’s time to ramp up your workouts so that you will be ahead of the game at tryouts and in peak condition for training camp and your season. The workout below will incorporate actual weights as a focus for the first time since things came to a halt in March.
 
Here is a sample of what the Cornell men’s team is doing. Make sure to add this to your summer regimen going forward.
 
Remember to warm up first, and here is Cornell’s hockey-specific dynamic workout followed by the team lift:
 
Cornell Hockey Dynamic Warm-up:
  • Alternating toe touch while walking 15 yards
  • Lunge-Twist-Hug while walking 15 yards
  • Lateral Step-Slide Stride x 15 yards
    • Step to side then push off like skating stride, landing on opposite foot while moving diagonally; alternate legs
  • Static Stretch – feet apart alternate left, right,  middle
  • Push-ups x 10
  • Hip Circles – 5 each side x 5
  • Spider Lunge – 3 each side x 3
  • 20 minute, slow distance run (any time up to 20 minutes, no more)
 
Cornell Team Lift