Meet Neil Clark and Vladi Nikiforov
One of the most popular series of posts here on News & Views followed Eric Brock’s training for Pro-Day at Auburn in the lead up to the NFL Draft. Well, thanks to Athletic Republic’s Hockey VP Tad O’Had, we’ll be following the summer training programs of Neil Clark (left photo above) and Vladi Nikiforov (right photo above).
Here’s Tad’s introduction to the series:
The legendary Soviet Red Army hockey coach Anatoly Tarasov would often tell his players “There are a thousand reasons for failure , But not a single excuse.” These words could not better describe the true essence of Neil Clark and Vladi Nikiforov. Two young men chasing their dreams of competing for the chance to take the ice in the National Hockey League. Over the next few months these two Athletic Republic athletes will share their stories of triumph, training and preparation with us . Although these two young men may have the same dream they both have come to this point in their career from very different paths.
Neil Clark a Canadian born player came from the college ranks and has continually worked his way up the minor pro food chain matriculating in the Central League, IHL and AHL, he even had a cup of coffee with the Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Redwings.
Vladi rose to promise in the AJHL and then made the journey north to the infamous Ontario Hockey League (The “O”). Where he developed into one of the most electrifying players the Barrie Colts and Sarnia Sting have ever seen.
Today is a different story, however, and these two young men put in countless hours away from the ice challenging themselves in our Athletic Republic centers (BlueStreak Sports Training) pushing the limits. It doesn’t matter that the Stanley Cup just ended and most NHL players are enjoying vacation, these two young men continue to push the limits with rigorous plyometric, treadmill and strength sessions looking to gain an edge that may help make an impression at NHL camp. In the coming months you will get a V.I.P. pass to NHL prospect camp, training camp, summer training, and the many stories that make up the voyage to make it to the National Hockey League.
On a personal note I cannot name two athletes that I have any more respect for than these two. I have had the unique pleasure of training these two athletes for many years as well as getting to know them on a personal level and I can tell you first hand that these two young men hold my admiration and respect, they are truly students of the game of hockey and will have great success in their future journey. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I have.
2 Comments so far
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This Clark kid is the real deal. I had the privilege of seeing him play this year and let me tell you, he did nothing but impress not only myself, but the other scouts around me. He brings an intensity and passion for the game of hockey that I have seen nowhere else.
I can’t imagine a professional hockey team without Neil Clark, which is why I am in such utter disbelief no NHL squad hhs picked him up yet. If i were the coach, I would have him on the the first PP unit, first PK unit, first line center, captain, franchise player, making 7-8 mill. a year.
There are only a few weaknesses in Neil’s game. If he can work on his skating, shooting, passing, boardwork, defensive play, scoring ability, agility, quickness, toughness, fighting, vision, playmaking, edges, size, forechecking, backchecking and leadership skills, he would become one of the better players the NHL has ever seen.
The future is certainly bright for this young, promising prospect.
—Neil Clark—
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore
Models his game after: Happy Gilmore
Best Attribute: Good chirper
Worst Attribute: Too many
-the kid
Clark is a good guy with a degree in Business from Mville. His college statement had him listing Wall Street as a place he wanted to go upon finishing hockey.
I suggest he let his hands heal from being the Jake Lamotta of the Minor league hockey circuit and figure out if he can play up higher or ride the wave into the next financial upturn that should start sometime next year. When you look at his CHL and IHL stats you see a guy who is paid to enforce a code that should long have gone from the game of Hockey. Having scouted his college on a number of occasions I believe his hockey days on the pro level should come to a close. I hope he makes the big bucks bit it won’t be on ice.