Jonathan Marchessault was on the NHL post-game to talk about the physical tests at the start of training camps across the league.
Obviously, this day is one that both rookies and veterans do not anticipate with enthusiasm. The situation has also changed a lot in recent years, and we no longer see players arriving at training camp with dozens of extra pounds and completely out of shape.
However, Pascal Leclaire remembers a particular training camp with the Ottawa Senators. At that time, he was a teammate of Montreal crowd favorite Alex Kovalev. The skilful Russian had performed the physical tests with indifference at the Sens training camp. “He was doing a rehearsal of bench-press and no more, ”says the former goalkeeper in the National Hockey League.
Then, when it was time for the famous test of the VO2 Max on the bike, players usually get on the bike three or four minutes beforehand to warm up. Kovalev did the same, but got off the bike after the three-minute warm-up. The physical trainer asked him what he was doing, adding that the test hadn’t even started yet. His answer? “I’m not doing it. What are they going to do? Cut me?”, then he left.
You can hear the full story in the segment starting at 6:20.
Otherwise, Jonathan Marchessault is optimistic for the Golden Knights’ upcoming season. Despite the loss of Max Pacioretty, the formation of Nevada will finally be able to count on a healthy duo of Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. The Quebecer foresees the return of his team in the playoffs, led masterfully by their new coach Bruce Cassidy.
Jonathan Marchessault is one of the new contributors to the LNH post-game and you will be able to see him many times throughout the season.