As mentioned in the previous post, Neil Clark and Vladi Nikiforov will be sending along updates about their summer training at BlueStreak Sports Training–a proud member of the Athletic Republic. Before we get into the routine, however, we thought you’d like a little background on Neil and Vladi.

Here is Neil’s self-introduction, we’ll post Vladi’s later in the week.

Neil Clark born, 6 lbs 9 oz and 23 inches in length, on July 25th, 1981. Neil Clark today, 203lbs and 6′2″ in height. I was born and raised in Coquitlam British Columbia, Canada. My 2nd grade journal clearly states I was destined to “Play in the NHL” or be “a Fishrmn”( I assume now I meant Fisherman) . I took to Athletics with a natural proficiency as an adolescent being one of the top players on every team up until I was about 14 years old. I kept my girlish figure while the rest of the guys started filling out. In Bantam I played on the “B” team both years. I started growing the summer before I was eligible for Midgets and I made the “A” that year. I tried out for Jr. B and made that the following year. I followed that with 3 years in the BCHL as a Jr “A” player.

I received many scholarship offers my last year of Jr. “A”. I decided on Iona College in the MAAC conference of the NCAA Division I. Like trying to beat a man at the blue line it was a bad decision as Iona folded their hockey program for good at the culmination of my freshman year. I was given an opportunity to play at Manhattanville College in the ECAC west NCAA Division III. After completing my finance degree I decided to continue the pursuit of playing in the NHL. I played in the CHL for the Laredo Bucks gaining experience and inspiration to continue up the ladder. I was invited to the Detroit Red Wings main camp the following year for which I prepared mentally and physically each day at an Athletic republic facility, BlueStreak Sports Training in Stamford, Connecticut. I impressed the Wings coaching staff enough to earn the opportunity to play two games at the NHL level.

I have great reverence for the experience of suiting up next to Nick Lidstrom, Chellios, Datsyuk, Zetterberg … etc. I also took from it a renewed enthusiasm that I can compete alongside them. So this summer I have again begun my mental and physical preparation to honour my 2nd grade proclamation of “playing in the NHL.” I hope to enlighten you on my journey as to the thoughts, feelings, minor setbacks and great accomplishments that lie ahead. I should warn you as a reader: I have been on a self-bettering reading program with the likes of Eckart Tolle and Don Miguel Ruiz at the helm of my “awakening”. So I will try to best to rid myself of my ego in my writing. I should also mention professionally I have scored 18 goals in two years and been in 40 plus fights. I hope Mr. Tolle and Mr. Ruiz are patient men.