Storm hire Strength and Conditioning Coach

Press Release

KEARNEY, Neb. – The offseason has brought many changes to Storm head coach Josh Hauge’s preparations for the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.

Most recently, Hauge and his new staff have hired Alex Weaver of the Kearney YMCA as the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Weaver has devised a plan to develop the players core strength, as well as injury prevention techniques.

“I really couldn’t be happier,” Weaver said. “This is a very rewarding job and everybody here has been very good at taking me in and making me a part of the team. I remember the Storm being introduced as a young kid, so it’s definitely something cool to be a part of now that I’m older.”

Weaver, 27, said he started in fitness when he was in the military doing tours overseas in Iraq.

“I started doing some personal training and I trained a couple of people that are with the Storm organization,” Weaver said. “They contacted me through word of mouth and that was very flattering. I can’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”

Hauge said the team expects Weaver to be in the weight room with his players three days per week.

“Alex brings a lot of energy, enthusiasm and expertise in the strength and conditioning aspect of the game,” Hauge said. “He’s been great with our guys already and we’re really excited about him being around on a regular basis.”

“He will teach the correct fundamentals and proper technique with weight lifting. He’s also trained in using TRX bands and will bring in some different balance and core techniques along with overall knowledge of strength and conditioning.”

After the first few sessions, Weaver said the players have responded well to his curriculum.

“They’ve done a really good job responding to the workouts I’ve designed for them and thankfully I’ve also noticed they’ve got a pretty good team camaraderie, which I’m sure fans will love to hear,” Weaver said. “They encourage each other a lot, they listen well and they’re focused.”

Once the season gets underway, Weaver said it’s important to keep his workouts tough, but not to the point that players could get injured.

“The idea during the season is not to over-train them, but keep them in very good shape so they’re able to perform on the ice,” Weaver said. “The most important thing is to have them ready to perform on the ice.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)