Calgary “Home” for the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team

The Canadian Sledge Hockey team started 2015 with a training camp hosted in Calgary from January 11th to the 17th. Made up of 19 players from across the country, their training centre is now at WinSport's Canada Olympic Park. Henceforth, Calgary is the city that the Canadian Sledge Hockey team can call "home", says assistant coach Ron Choules.

CSI Calgary's Integrated Support Team is leading the implementation of the team's programming. During this initial training camp, the IST acquired data on the ice and in the lab. Speed, aerobic fitness, shooting accuracy, body composition and strength were measured over a two day period.

Since the Sledge Hockey Team's transition following Sochi in late fall 2014, this is the first opportunity the team has had to do baseline testing, says Erin Sargent, the exercise physiologist who is leading the testing. She also noted that these tests will help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each individual athlete from an overall fitness standpoint.

Andy Van Neutegem, the team's General Manager, says that the expertise at CSI Calgary will benefit the team and the data will be a powerful tool used to guide team programming. Moving forward, the athletes will regroup 6 to 8 times a year for a duration of 7 to 9 days to train and partake in testing, which should lead to improved performances and a better understanding of the variables to success for future games. After each training camp, the individual athletes will have a customized plan, which includes nutrition, strength and mental preparation. They can then train in their hometowns with a comprehensive approach for the whole team to address areas needing improvement.

For IST members Erin Sargent, Kelly Quipp, Jessica Kryski, Jeff Osadec and John Horton, the goal is to create a sledge hockey player profile in order to define a standard for the national team. Chris Osmond, their strength and conditioning coach, assisted with the testing and will design individualized programs for each athlete.

At present, the team is preparing for the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Leduc, Alberta from February 1st – 7th. They will be back in Calgary the first week of March to train and have their progress evaluated. The team's next tournament takes place from March 22nd-29th in North Carolina in preparation for the 2015 World Championships from April 24th to May 1st in Buffalo, NY.

Canadian Sport Institute Calgary: @csicalgary

Photo by Dave Holland: @csicalgaryphoto