Schools are closed. Canada and the US have closed their border crossings. This past Sunday, I reorganized the garage to become the NEW Corona Distancing Gym. The purpose is to help bulk up one lanky D man from Stanstead College Prep and get him ready for Chowder Cups and his return to Stanstead for Grade 13 next September.
Having found on Craig's List a 6' bar and 6 x 25 lb plates in Woonsocket, R I, bought from a former weight lifter and body builder adding to the weights, the 5' bar and a curl bar that I used when I was working out back in 1976 at Lake Mohawk, Sparta N J for my try at playing in the WHA and NHL. They worked for me. I also played the Rocky theme song ("Gonna Fly Now") frequently for inspiration.
Hitting the speed bag will give my son quicker hands. Hitting the heavy bag will give him style, power and confidence for the odd scrap that inevitably will come along as he tries to make his way in the game.If you know how to fight, it become less likely that you will get challenged to a fight. It's the confidence that you show in your eyes. Your power and presence will radiate around you.
We've got a slide board, a jump rope and an Apollo Resistance system that the Flyers used at the Class of 1923 rink when they were winning their Stanley Cups back in the 70s. The design is simple and old-school but it works. The harder you pull, the more resistance you get. It's a metaphor for life.
As they wrote in our dressing room wall back when I was a player, "We supply the equipment, you bring the effort and the guts." Now we'll see if Stanstead's # 9 can add on 19 lbs of muscle and grit. 190 at 6' 3" is enough to help your game.
We'll also see if a certain old referee can drop 19 pounds, get some pain relief and some zip back into his golf swing. Those pants and shorts that are tight must have shrunk in the wash.
This old veteran will work alongside the "Rookie" to help him get to the promised land.
Stay safe and well. Six feet apart and we can get through this uncertain time. Have a fresh squeezed grapefruit or orange juice. Maybe add a shot of Stoli to ward off the cold.
Illigitimi non carborundum: Never let the bastards get you down.
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A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Visit Paul's official websites, YaWannaGo.com and Officiating by Stewart. 
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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