Even though it's the off-season for hockey, these local pros just can't stay off the ice.
For the first time, local NHLers TJ Brodie and Seth Griffith are coming together with other local hockey players at the Thames Campus Arena to compete for the Athletes' Fuel Cup.
It's not a high profile trophy, but local trainer and founder of Athletes' Fuel Strength and Conditioning Colin Roeszler says it still brings out the competitive spirit.
A little glimpse at team Schaafsma vs team Griffith pic.twitter.com/YwNBNLJVkb
— Natalia Vega (@Natalia94V) August 3, 2016
Roeszler says by knowing the players and the skill level they're at he split the teams accordingly.
The players were split into two teams: team Schaafsma (black jerseys) and team Griffith (red jerseys).
ATHLETES FUEL CUP SERIES - game 1 tomorrow. Team Schaafsma vs. Team Griffith. 8pm Thames Campus Arena. pic.twitter.com/n0f69ZSoNu— Colin Roeszler (@AthletesFuel) August 1, 2016
Roeszler says although Athletes' Fuel Strength and Conditioning has been running for about five years, this is the first year where they're getting the players out onto the ice actually playing hockey.
"These kids want ice time," says Roeszler. "It's important to stay on the ice at least in July and August so we decided to organize this."
Roeszler says this year's athletes are a combination of players ranging from local pros to AAA players.
A few of those pro players include Boston Bruins forward Seth Griffith, Calgary Flames defenceman TJ Brodie and Fort Wayne Komets forward Jamie Schaafsma.
Roeszler says having well known players involved in Athletes' Fuel has had a positive effect and brings in more players to the program.
"I think anytime you can get that quality player here it's a trickle down effect, so all of a sudden you have the OHL and junior kids wanting to skate with the pros," says Roeszler. "I think in order to make this thing (program) run you need those high level players to be here, otherwise it's maybe not the same calibre as it could be."
On a personal note, Roeszler says seeing how successful some of the players have become is very rewarding.
"It's why you do the job," says Roeszler. "It's nice to see these kids have some success as they get to be in their teens and 20s."
He says the players will be on the ice competing for the cup twice a week for the first three weeks of August.
As for the first game in the Athletes' Fuel Cup Series, team Schaafsma came out on top.
They play games on August 4,8,11,15, and 18, from 8pm until around 8:50pm. All games are to be held at the Thames campus.
Just minutes left of game one of The Athletes Fuel Cup series pic.twitter.com/vQPmuVWApk
— Natalia Vega (@Natalia94V) August 3, 2016
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