In the last few days we have seen Juraj Slafkovsky very differently in training. The Canadiens player basically used technology to improve his lung capacity.

By changing his breathing technique, he will behave better on the ice, among other things. Hockey has really changed since the days of the six-team NHL.

Adam Nicholas, director of hockey development for the Canadiens, quoted in today’s Montreal Gazette. I read that and thought of Toe Blake, “Shoot the puck, stop the puck, and win the Stanley Cup again.” And Scotty Bowman, “What Toe said. And respect Curvew and win the Stanley Cup again.” pic.twitter.com/MBF9eoZ9xe

— Dave Stubbs 🇨🇦 (@Dave_Stubbs) July 13, 2023

All this means that the Slovak spares no effort to improve. He is willing to work on every little detail that could make life possible for him edge on others.

So, with Michael Bretenar, a fitness trainer, Slaf has been working on their movement economics to ensure each of them gets the most out of their time playing on the ice.

I just hope Slaf doesn’t get too mixed up during the games this fall. Because if he still has every single aspect of the game in his head (and it hasn’t become instinctive), he might be thinking a little too much.

In fact, however, he seems to be adapting well to his new techniques. And the journalist Nicolas Cloutier, who spoke to Michael Bretenarlearned that the top pick of 2022 increased his lung capacity by 20% this summer.

Juraj Slafkovsky is really ready to explore all possibilities to get back on his feet next season.

I spoke to the man who helped increase his lung capacity by 20%.

20% in elite sport is huge. https://t.co/yUp00m4I6Z

— Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) July 13, 2023

In fact, everything Slaf has done with his fitness trainer seems to be valued and measured. This allows him to measure his progress on several levels.

Improving things like his lung capacity gives himself a chance to be more efficient on the ice and repeat what he’s good at.

It’s about the muscle’s ability to contract and relax. We want Slafkovsky to do everything 20 times, 30 times on the ice, but not at the expense of quality. –Michael Bretenar

Whether wearing a breathing mask or special goggles, Slafkovsky appears poised to make big strides over the next year.

At the age of 19, will he be the player he should be? will it wait I can’t wait.. to see.

Much

– So much better.

– He didn’t like not playing all the playoff games.

– What are you going to do?

– So much better.