NJ Devils Online
HELSINKI - Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Jozef Balej all wrapped up their stays at the OTHL Summer Conditioning Camp on Tuesday with impressive performances, a few lessons learned and a positive experience.
The camp that commenced along with the long weekend saw several OTHL players train and condition themselves to prepare themselves for the inaugural season to a league like no other. In a league that promises to be full of "Old Time Hockey" in which players are punished and worn out throughout a gruelling 82 game schedule, the team GMs felt it necessary to conduct a training and conditioning camp for players who needed preparation going into the season.
New Jersey Devils GM, Tom Poraszka sent Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Jozef Balej. Stevens, the 40 year old New Jersey captain has been a physical presence on the New Jersey blueline for several years and in his last season in the NHL felt the effects of a gruelling schedule, missing several games to injury. This was reason enough for Poraszka to send Stevens for conditioning and treatment. While Niedermayer, coming off a Norris trophy winning season and Jozef Balej, a flashy, young forward, both were sent to improve certain aspects of their games, and prepare themselves physically.
After completing the short camp, Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Jozef Balej all said they were thankful for invitations and were very pleased with the camp.
"After this camp, I feel like I'm in my 20's again. It's helped me rejuvenate that love for the game that was fading. While the workouts have improved my strength and defensive game. I really feel I can play another 5 years, I can't wait to step back onto the ice. Who needs Viagra when you have camps like this?", joked the pleasant, Scott Stevens.
"This is definitely a positive aspect to the league. I'm glad to be a part of it and will gladly take another invite if I get it. It was definitely a new and fun experience to play with diverse players. From different teams, of different ages and experiences, and I know Scott [Stevens] and Joz[ef Balej] felt the same. Balej was even throwing his weight around, he really nailed Valeri Bure, all in good fun.", said alternate captain, Scott Niedermayer.
In the end, the New Jersey players come back to New Jersey with a pleasant experience behind them, a more prepared conditioning, and a Stanley Cup season ahead of them.