To play professional hockey, you need plenty of grit and determination—it's a physically and emotionally punishing job. Millions of people are expecting you to give your all, connect on your checks, outskate your competitors, and do whatever it takes to score goals. To perform at that level, you must be in impeccable shape all year round. You'll spend hundreds of hours practicing skills, working with teammates, and watching video. Plus you'll need to cope with constant media attention and all of the travel that goes with the 82-game season. But for those who reach the pros, the long hours and hard work are totally worth it. This book, which was reviewed by 12-year National Hockey League (NHL) veteran Mark Parrish, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro hockey player. You'll learn: • How players climb the ranks to reach the NHL • The types of workouts and dietary plans NHL players use • How NHL players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an NHL star!

Many professional athletes begin their journey as children. Hockey players are no different. Wayne Gretzky learned to skate when he was 2½ years old! However, hard work and practice are what allow those with talent to make it to the next level. Readers are introduced to the common paths to becoming a pro hockey player, from youth leagues all the way to the NHL. Each chapter focuses on one step of the necessary training for pros, including full-color photographs and information about hockey superstars. Aspiring players can learn a lot about what it takes to excel on the ice!

To play professional hockey, you need plenty of grit and determination?it's a physically and emotionally punishing job. Millions of people are expecting you to give your all, connect on your checks, outskate your competitors, and do whatever it takes to score goals. To perform at that level, you must be in impeccable shape all year round. You'll spend hundreds of hours practicing skills, working with teammates, and watching video. Plus you'll need to cope with constant media attention and all of the travel that goes with the 82-game season. But for those who reach the pros, the long hours and hard work are totally worth it. This book, which was reviewed by 12-year National Hockey League (NHL) veteran Mark Parrish, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro hockey player. You'll learn: ? How players climb the ranks to reach the NHL ? The types of workouts and dietary plans NHL players use ? How NHL players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an NHL star!

Hockey Plays and Strategies features a variety of plays, systems, and strategies for game play in the offensive, neutral, and defensive zones. Special situations such as the power play, penalty kill, and face-offs are also featured.

What does it take to make it in pro hockey? Los Angeles Kings forward Dan Bylsma and his father, Jay, offer a wealth of inside information for young players. Dan Bylsma shares his experiences rising up through the ranks of amateur and professional hockey while giving advice on issues including becoming a team player, knowing the rules, relating to coaches and teammates, and working hard.

Dan Bylsma, of the Los Angeles Kings, has achieved his childhood dream of playing in the North American National Ice Hockey League (NHL). It was a dream cultivated on a small homemade ice rink maintained by his father Jay in the backyard of their home.