It’s been a while since we’ve heard from or about Neil Clark (top photo) and Vladi Nikiforov (bottom photo).

With hockey season in full-swing, they’ve both seen the benefits of their hard summer of hockey training pay off. Here’s a story about Neil being called up to the AHL Rochester Americans.

Neil is possibly one of the hardest working athletes I have ever worked with his resilience, attitude and pure passion for the game makes him a leader on and off the ice. He has made incredible strides in his game and continues to move up the hockey food chain. – Tad O’Had VP of Hockey Athletic Republic

Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley recently announced  that forward Vladimir Nikiforov has been recalled to the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Grizzlies are proud to be the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Nikiforov, 21, was named an ECHL All-Star last week and leads Utah rookies with six goals and 12 assists in 29 games. He played four games with the Sound Tigers earlier this year.

Vladi Nikiforov did an incredible job this summer training, his persistence and attitude are outstanding and we couldn’t be any happier with his success. — Jake Laime BlueStreak Sports Training Hockey Director (A Proud Member of Athletic Republic)