When we last heard from Vladi Nikiforov, he was rehabilitating a badly sprained ankle and wondering what his future would hold. Good news: in the following post from Vladi you’ll read about how all his hard work and persistence has paid off with a two-way contract with the New York Islander’s organization.

After camp I was somewhat skeptical of what my future might bring.  Although, I know I played well, I also knew that getting injured right away didn’t help my chances.  But, it was a great experience overall.  I got to know a lot of guys through some team bonding.  We went to a Yankees game and everyone also participated in a game of paintball.

When I was approached to actually sign a contract, my agent said he had been talking back and forth with Garth Snow (NY Islanders GM) for awhile.  Finally, after camp the offer came.  The organization offered me a deal that I felt was a good opportunity to better my future and develop.  What I signed is a one year deal with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  It is actually called a 2-way contract, I belong to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, but they have the option of sending me to and from the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League.  I know that if I come to play everyday, I will find a home in Bridgeport and hope for a successful year.  My goal for this year is to focus on the little things.  I need to commit to a very strict schedule.  In particular, I’d like to develop better eating and sleeping habits.

Over the past month I have been getting my feet wet while skating in the company of many Islanders/Sound Tigers.  It has been a pretty interesting journey to say the least.  Just last week I found myself on a line between Bill Guerin and Doug Weight.  I am really looking forward to this season.  It is as what many refer to as “Living the Dream”.  Since the day I laced up my first pair of skates I have always dreamed about what it would be like to be a pro.

Well, the time has come and I’m about to find out.

Good luck, Vladi!

When Vladi Nikiforov last checked in, he was headed to camp with the New York Islanders. Well, it didn’t go exactly as planned, as you will see:

July 15

Looking back on camp with the Islanders, I have no regrets; I played to the best of my ability and did very well.  There was even an article featured on the Islanders Web site about me.  I felt strong and ready, very well prepared for what was to come.  But, what came next was something I never expected.  During our first scrimmage I stepped on the puck and rolled my ankle.  I was diagnosed with a very minor high ankle sprain.  It’s been a battle, but this is what it takes. 

August 4

I just returned to Bluestreak after taking a few weeks off to rehab and recover from my ankle sprain.  It feels great to be back.  We are now in our 10th week of training and are focusing on agility and balance in our lifts.  As the season grows closer, I realize how important this program has been from start to finish.  It is very tough (mentally and physically) having to take time away from training to nurse a bum ankle.  For the past 2-3 weeks I haven’t done much in regards to training so jumping right back in has had both positive and negative effects.  I guess you have to take the good with the bad.  On the plus side I’m back, feeling strong and my ankle feels great.  Feeling good, however, has never come with such a price.  I am very sore, especially in my legs.  After a couple skates, I can say that I feel good on the ice and my confidence is back.

I am not 100% sure of where I am going yet, but I think it is going to be with the Islanders.  I am pretty excited for next season wherever it may be, I just want to play.  Bluestreak has helped me a lot, especially getting prepared for the camps with the Blues and Islanders.  I will continue to train at Bluestreak until early September.  I’m really looking forward in weeks to come … anything can happen. 

Opportunities are all to often cursed by those who “never got an opportunity,” and never acknowledged by those who earn their own opportunities. Every time I hear a player say “I just never got my shot,” I think of my teammates from IONA college who were truly devoid of opportunity after our Division I hockey program folded after my Freshman season.

I, among several others, transferred to Manhattanville College a Division III school, while several Juniors were forced to give up their dreams of hockey to finish their course of study. I struggled at first accepting I was no longer a Division I athlete and it effected my play considerably. I was a healthy scratch for 11 games my Junior year, and I owe a huge thanks to my coaches for not giving up on me when I had given up on myself. My senior year I choose to play hockey and not worry about where I was playing and I improved immensely. Not to many Division III players were receiving pro contracts, but I managed, on the strength of my senior year, to receive a CHL contract .

I was again a healthy scratch the first 12 games of my professional career, but learned day in and day out and showed improvement. I ended my CHL regular season with 3 goals and 14 assists in 43 games played. I ended the CHL playoffs with 6 goals 6 assists in 20 games played. I, from the strength of my playoff run, was invited to the Detroit Red wings main camp, where I was so nervous I struggled to even keep my food down, but managed to impress enough to earn an AHL contract.

If you asked me to tell you where in my story I was given my “opportunity” I could not tell you. I guess I am still looking for it.

The St. Louis Blues Rookie Camp experience was awesome! Although I can’t say that I learned too much because this was my second camp–many of the same things are done upon arrival at every camp. First thing in the morning you are brought to the doctor for a physical. After you’re cleared to skate, you are then brought to the rink. I wasn’t able to skate the first morning because my luggage was lost at the airport, so I basically showed up to camp with no clothes or equipment. The organization was very understanding of my situation knowing it was out of my control. Coach Murray even brought me in a few times to make sure everything was being taken care of. I met many different people within the organization. Al McInnis, Head Coach Murray, all the GMs and owners, and several players from past years were all there to help with anything anyone might need. They were all very nice and respectful. Everyone was treated like a king. St. Louis is a first class organization.

There were over 40 players at the camp. I didn’t really know anyone except the few OHL guys I have competed against over the years. I knew Cundari (Windsor Spitfires), Petrienagelo (Mississauga Icedogs), Livingston (Soo Greyhounds), and Nigro (Guelph Storm). I was also able to meet Erik Johnson, T.J. Oshie, and Keith Tkchuck. Playing with these guys was something new.

I thought I played very well throughout camp, especially when I was put with Nigro and Livingston for the last game. With all the new faces and the meeting of new people it was very easy to get caught up and lose focus. Everyday we followed a rigorous on/off-ice routine. Off-ice activities included: Bench Press Max, 85% Bench Rep Max, One arm lifts with DBs and Pull Ups with 15% of our body weight. One the ice, aside from our games, we did a lot of conditioning and edge work. I felt really good knowing that I excel in both areas. I think the hardest drill we did was the on ice beep test. The beep test is a series of stops and starts which utilize a beeping sound where the athlete must start and stop without losing synch or rhythm to the beep. I was happy I did the best because the scouts/coaches said this was the most important to them. Everything else was fairly easy. We also had speakers talk to us regarding nutrition, regeneration, drug abuse and women.

Overall I thought I had a great showing. They said they would be in contact with me over the next few weeks regarding my future with the St. Louis Blues. Until I hear otherwise, I’m just going to keep working hard and direct my focus on my next camp with the New York Islanders.

Hi, I’m Vladi Nikiforv and I was born in Villnuis, Lithuania, on October 7, 1987. When I was 3 years old my parents decided to move to America in search of a better life. I was left to my grandparents until the age of seven.

My hockey started very basic by attending public skating sessions with my father. My dad always believed that learning the importance of skating before stickhandling was the most important. In the beginning, I never used a stick. Years later, I’m able to look back and see how important skating was. I am not a very large player by any means. I stand at 5’6 and tip the scales at 147lbs. Skating is my game and I’ve learned that with my size, I have to use everything to my advantage. I played many years under my father who has coached nearly every team I’ve played for. He is my biggest influence and has taught me everything I know. My first experience away from my home and influential coach came 3 years ago when I left home to play in the OHL. My first two years were spent with the Barrie Colts. This past year I was involved in a nine player trade where I was acquired by the Sarnia Sting. Things were going so well I was in the top ten in points in the OHL, and then I received an elbow to the head and broke my jaw. I was out for the next fifteen games.

I have been invited to the St. Louis Blues rookie camp on June 23, 2008. Following that I will also be attending the New York Islanders Camp held on July 14, 2008. For the past two off-seasons I have trained at Bluestreak Sports Training–a proud member of Athletic Republic–in Hauppage, New York. Everyday I’m able to work out with players ranging from NHL experience to D1 College and prep school. My time spent there has greatly enhanced my strength and quickness; it is a great hockey environment.

I’ve always hoped to one day play in the NHL. I’ve come along way and I know that I still have along ways to go. This year I am focused on playing in the American Hockey League where Ill be able to play and develop. My goal is this summer is to become both as mentally and physically prepared as possible in efforts to take that next step in my future.

Thanks for reading. I hope you find my posts over the summer to be of interest.

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.

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.

Yesterday Athletic Republic announced a new strategic partnership with USA Hockey. Specifically, the three-year contract will provide Athletic Republic’s patented equipment and science-based, hockey specific training programs to the 46 members of the federation’s U17 and U18 National Team Development Program (USNTDP). As Tad O’Had, our Hockey VP, said in the press release: “Over the past decade the USNTDP has become the premier training ground for the best young hockey players in the United States. With the addition of our Hockey Treadmill and technology to USNTDP’s already successful program, we are looking forward to seeing what comes next.”

Want a sneak preview of the type of training the best U17 and U18 hockey players in the U.S. will be doing? Check this out.

(photo courtesy St. Louis Bandits NAHL)

For the second year in a row, the St. Louis Bandits of the NAHL won the Jr. “A” National Championship on Sunday–their prize, the Robertson Cup. The Bandits, who train all season long on Athletic Republic’s Acceleration Training program at Nutriformance in Chesterfield, Missouri, destroyed their competition this year with a record of 47-9-2.

Coach Jon Cooper, the Bandits GM and Head Coach credits Acceleration Training for much of his team’s success:

The Acceleration Training program has given us a leg up on the competition. Not only has the Hockey Treadmill improved the skating stride and speed of my players, but their weight lifting and nutritional programs are first rate. We benefit on a daily basis working with Nutriformance.

For complete coverage of the Bandits victory, see the St. Louis Post Dispatch coverage.

Tad O’Had, Director of Hockey Operations for BlueStreak Sports and co-founder of Hybrid Hockey, sent the following update about Team USA:

The Russian National Junior Team jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead, added another goal early in the second period to go up 4-0 and held on for a 4-2 win over the U.S. Team USA played much better after the first period, but couldn’t dig themselves out of the hole they had created. Any hopes of a last minute rally were negated by two penalties in the game’s final four minutes.

“It was disappointing to finish the way we did after such a good start in this tournament,” said U.S. head coach John Hynes. “We lacked the intensity we needed today.”

Bobby Sanguinetti was named the U.S. Player of the game. Nikita Filatov received the Russian honors.

The top three U.S. players for the whole tournament — as chosen by the tournament committee — were James vanRiemsdyk, Chris Summers and Colin Wilson.

Canada went on to defeat Sweden in overtime capturing their fifth gold medal in the past five years.

Next season’s World Junior Championship will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, and will run from Dec. 26, 2008 to Jan. 5, 2009.

You can view a photo gallery from the tournament at US College Hockey Online.