Habs Prospects
Canadiens Juraj Slafkovsky Training With New Strobe Technology
There was one rather important player missing from the Montreal Canadiens 2023 development camp roster: 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky.
Slafkovsky, 19, is coming off a rather frustrating rookie season in the NHL, though you’d be hard-pressed to argue Slafkovsky was at fault for the inconsistency in his usage. There was simply not enough ice time to go around given the overabundance of veteran forwards in the lineup, which led to very few legitimate opportunities for Slafkovsky.
For the most part, he was used on the fourth line alongside teammates with limited talent.
And while many of the aspects of his rookie campaign were beyond his control, it was quite apparent that Slafkovsky could stand to improve some of his on-ice skills ahead of his sophomore year.
Rather than attending the development camp, Slafkovsky is currently practicing in Recany, a small town in central Czechia. He’s focused on improving his core strength as well as his breathing techniques with strength and conditioning coach Michal Bretenar.
One of the biggest shock factors for young players in the NHL is the elite level of conditioning veteran players tend to display. The lengthy NHL schedule is also very difficult to adjust to, usually taking several years before the body fully acclimatizes to the NHL.
Juraj Slafkovsky is currently training in Říčany in the Czech Republic with strength and conditioning coach Michal Bretenar who specializes in "changing the breathing rhythm and removing ineffective breathing stereotypes" using integrated physiological training (IFT). pic.twitter.com/BsSjsMGOzD
— Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) July 2, 2023
As for the glasses Slafkovsky is wearing during his on-ice drills, they use strobe training to improve an athlete’s hand-eye coordination, balance, focus, and timing, which are aspects of his game that have significant room for growth.
“The world is moving forward in this direction and it’s necessary to try any new convenience,” said Slafkovsky to Isport. “If something like this helps you become a better player, you should take advantage of it.”
We’ll have to wait to see if the strobe training pays off for the Montreal Canadiens prospect, but it’s always encouraging to see young athletes attempt to improve their value by trying new approaches and delving into technological advances.
(pictures via Isport and Andrew Zadarski)
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“rather than attend the development camp” … Dude, there are no players who played NHL games last year, zero, at the development camp. That’s why it’s a development camp. And Slaf did not play mostly on the fourth line; just some of the time.
I never said it was a bad thing that he was not there. But in the past, players coming off their rookie seasons HAVE attended. So I’m not sure why you’re being so aggressive.
And yes, statistically, Slafkovsky played the majority of his ice time on the fourth line, and it wasn’t remotely close. Check your numbers again.
You need to check your facts Marc. John was right and YOU are the one that is wrong. Slaf may have played 4th line minutes most of the time, but he did not play with 4th line players most fo the time. Nor did he play a 4th line style when he was on the ice.
Our other young players are going to be in for more of the same dilemma for roster spots and ice time this year unless HuGo can move out several bodies at forward and defence.
Hopefully,this type of training help progress in N.H.L
I like the ‘focus and balance’ elements. Two things Slafkovsky can definitely stand to improve.
great article marc. Love to hear how our 1st overall pick is doing. Keep em coming good sir!
DAVE: YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED UNTIL YOU CAN ENGAGE IN POLITE CONVERSATION. YOU HAVE RECEIVED MULTIPLE WARNINGS FOR YOUR PERSONAL ATTACKS, AND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS DUE TO YOUR ABBRASSIVE AND INSULTING STYLE OF WRITING. EITHER LEARN TO DEBATE POLITELY OR FIND A NEW COMMUNITY THAT WILL ACCEPT SOMEONE INSULTING THEM REGULARLY. THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING.
What a double standard Marc. You can post all the ignorant comments YOU want but no one else can? you even deleted my replies to YOU because I called you out and proved you were wrong. Very child like of you Marc.
NEWS FLASH: many of these “advanced training techniques” are nothing more than snake oil. The theories lack rigorous peer review and solid data. At worst, some genius cutting edge technique could kill an athlete. Even if an athlete isn’t physically harmed, he and his bosses could be left burdened with wholly unrealistic expectations and the consequent judgement. I get a little bit nervous every time I read about another cure-all. All I can do is hope that the Habs aren’t dumb and gullible enough to fall for this crap.
MODERATOR’S NOTE: Personal Insults Will Not Be Allowed On This Website. You Have Been Warned Multiple Times.
Personal insults? I’m sorry, could you please identify who I allegedly insulted? As for the “multiple times ” reference, I do recall responding rather bluntly to an article that I considered inflammatory and even defamatory. I think it’s only fair that those who dare venture into the kitchen should expect some heat.
Very disappointing Marc and you know exactly what I am talking about.
No Mark you are wrong and you know it. I already provided you with a link and will do so again. It shows you that Slaf did NOT play the majority of his time on the 4th line as YOU claim. When your error is pointed out you get defensive and post misinformation. When I provided you with the link you went off the deep end, accusing me of being wrong, when the very stats YOU posted from MY link proved you were wrong. Once you figured it out you delete it all. Really Marc. You have lost any respect you gained. You need to be better.
https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/juraj-slafkovsky