It’s NHL playoff time and for the first time in five years, the Minnesota Wild boys are off the golf courses and still on the ice. Yeah.
So I sit down with my dinner; a glass of wine; listen to a chill bump rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and here we go! Only we’re going without our starting goalie. Huh?
Starting goaltender (and Finnlander) Niklas Backstrom looked fine in warm ups until this happened. It looks as if he tweaked his groin, maybe an ‘Ahmstring? Who knows. What we do know? Bad timing.
For those of us who’ve been competing long enough, we know that feeling. Gearing up for the big game or big event and boom, a bicep tendon; an ‘Ahmstring; an achilles rupture changes everything. Our very narrow focus suddenly takes a sharp right turn. It is physically and mentally shocking. To do it on a National or World stage is even more so.
Josh Harding, the back up goaltender who was diagnosed with M.S. last summer was stellar in the net throughout the 2-1 Wild overtime loss to Chicago. So as Wild fans, we’re fine. No word on Backstrom yet, hopefully we’ll see him again this season.
For training opportunities at tosabarbell, call or text Juli at 320-296-9313. e-mail to jep6095@gmail.com
At tosabarbell, I build relationships cultivated in a strength and learning environment. There is no 12 week magic pill program to strength but rather a lifetime commitment to be the very best and most useful human you can be.
tosabarbell is a private, home grown gym with three lifting platforms; squat rack; prowlers; throwing implements; bars, bumpers and everything else needed for an effective strength and conditioning program. Straightforward barbell programming including the Olympic lifts; sound (read: not fancy bullshit) diet advance for weight gain or loss; and strong coaching will ensure you will meet your goals such as becoming stronger, more explosive, and better conditioned.
I have been coaching teams and athletes for over 30 years. I grew up participating in various sports at various levels but was always drawn to those that require strength training. I have multiple local, national, and world records in the sports of Weightlifting and Highland Games Heavy Events as well as a combined total of 5 World Championships. My 5 years of training and coaching under Mark Rippetoe provided a wide range of influence from some of the top strength & conditioning and throwing coaches in the country. I will strongly encourage tosabarbell athletes to compete (and prepare you to do so.) However, tosabarbell is also for those who wish to be stronger and go through life feeling better.
Matt WanAt is a retired Professional Strongman who competed frequently with Strongman Champions League in Europe. He played a year of D1 football with Iowa before concentrating on his Chemical Engineering degree in Iowa City. He is a native of Wauwatosa and still remains a staunch supporter of Tosa East.
This blog will be a mixture of strength notes, coaching and nutrition tips, personal shit; bacon delicacies, and a whole lot of fun.
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