Running and hockey

Question
Hi my name is Alec and I play competative hockey at the U16 AA/AAA level
and I will do any thing to get better and move on to the next level.  I have a
couple questions reguarding hockey training in the off-season. I run cross
country and have practice every weekday, running a minimum of 3 miles per
day and I was wondering how running this kind of distance training will affect
me in the long run with my hockey career. Also I do know about plyometrics
for explosive leg training and I do these as well. I am wondering if I would be
better off doing these plyometrics instead of long distance training. I was
hoping you would be able to answer these questions. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Alec,

For now - this running is quite good actually -  not too long and not too short - good for stamina - good for building leg muscles... (ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIKE IT TOO!) --  the only thing is maybe not so good for knees in long run...  for now it's ok as you are still young and all your cartilage is no doubt good and strong...   but over time, if you are not careful, the impact from running on knees has been shown to deteriorate this...  especially if you are not "super light"!!

Which is why most hockey athletes ride bikes ... 30-60 minutes 5 times a week...    stationary or regular - the workout on the thighs are great with no impacts on joints....

ABSOLUTELY the plyos are a must for good hockey speed, acceleration, explosiveness,  mobility, and injury prevention...  SO YES DO THIS - with some cycling and any strength work you are coached to do...  this would be a very good combo.

Hope this helps!

Good luck!

Martial