For the second year in a row, Niagara College welcomed the Niagara Jr. Knights hockey club to the Welland Campus for a week of specialized off-ice training designed to prepare players for the upcoming hockey season.

From August 25 – 29, more than 70 athletes from the Jr. Knights organization – ranging in age from five to 17 – trained at NC’s Justice & Fitness Training Centre, making use of Niagara College’s state-of-the-art gym and testing facilities. The training program focused on building strength, endurance, agility and flexibility, while also emphasizing teamwork, resilience and inclusivity in sports.

NC Fitness Instructors Cherina Gourley, Angela Gallo and Austin Benevides worked with the Jr. Knights coaching staff to tailor workouts and skill-testing activities for each age group. For returning players, this year’s program offered the chance to measure progress against last year’s benchmarks, while new participants gained first-time exposure to the College’s fitness expertise.

“Our program is designed using various off-ice fitness exercises that focus on strength, speed, agility and coordination to complement on-ice performance,” said Benevides – who is also a NC alum. “Integrating these sessions helps players develop transferable skills, improve recovery and prevent injury.”

The week also included a special visit from Niagara College President Sean Kennedy on August 27. During his stop at the gym, players challenged him to a friendly game of tug-of-war. Despite a hard-fought effort, President Kennedy was bested by the energetic young athletes.

President Kennedy was challenged to a game of tug-of-war by the Jr. Knights.

Throughout the remainder of the year, the Jr. Knights will continue their training at the Welland Campus’s Justice & Fitness Training Centre, building on what has quickly become a valued annual tradition with NC.