Two local NHL players have returned home for the summer, but not to take a vacation.
Boston Bruins forward Seth Griffith of Wallaceburg, and Calgary Flames defenceman TJ Brodie of Chatham are training at Athletes' Fuel Cup Strength and Conditioning. In addition to their upper and lower body workouts they're playing hockey twice a week at the Thames Campus Arena this month. That includes a game tonight starting at 8pm.
Griffith says he's being approached by kids in junior leagues looking up to him for advice.
"You try and help them out as much as you can because you went through similar situations looking up to older guys," says Griffith.
During the off-season Griffith says it's nice to return home and spend time with family and friend but that time is short lived once training starts.
"I'm about a month out so another hard month of training and I'm back at it again," says Griffith.
Last season Griffith faced having to deal with a few injuries so he says being able to train with Colin Roeszler and do hockey-specific workouts is helping.
"I'm getting a lot stronger and working on the injuries I had last year," says Griffith. "I'm starting to feel a lot better."
He says looking ahead to future season he would like to return to the Bruins as a full-time player.
Another NHLer looking to return to his team fit and ready is Brodie.
"I guess next year's going to be a little different," says Brodie. "There's a lot of new guys and a new coach so going in obviously making an impact right away and having a good start to the season is big."
Brodie says his off-season has been pretty typical and always enjoys being back home.
"It's nice to come back, see the family, catch up with friends and relax and sort of get away for a bit and get a chance to wind down," says Brodie.
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