May 16, 2008 // Franchising.com // Fargo, ND: Athletic Republic today announced a new strategic partnership with USA Hockey. Specifically, the three-year contract will provide Athletic Republic's patented equipment and science-based, hockey specific training programs to the 46 members of the federation's U17 and U18 National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
Tad O'Had, Athletic Republic's Vice President of Hockey, sees the partnership with USA Hockey as a perfect fit: "Over the past decade the USNTDP has become the premier training ground for the best young hockey players in the United States. With the addition of our Hockey Treadmill and technology to USNTDP's already successful program, we are looking forward to seeing what comes next."
Scott Monaghan, Director of Hockey Operations for USNTDP, added his perspective on the partnership: "The National Team Development Program is a cutting edge program which strives to make our American players the best on the World stage. The Athletic Republic Hockey Treadmill is the type of cutting edge technology that will help our players continue their string of five consecutive medal performances at the Under-18 World Championships, and help them to reach their personal goals for success in college and professional hockey."
Paul Martin, a member of the Men's National Team for the current World Championships taking place in Quebec City and Halifax, Canada, and defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, knows first hand the benefits of Athletic Republic's hockey training program—he first trained with Acceleration Minnesota while in high school and continued his training on the Hockey Treadmill while playing for the University of Minnesota. "If you're looking to take your game to the next level, Acceleration Training is an efficient and effective way to do it. With a knowledgeable training staff and top of the line equipment you will be a step ahead of the competition."
Over the past decade, Acceleration Training has provided the advantage that made 472 professional hockey players better at their game. Many of those players were first exposed to the Hockey Treadmill while playing for the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, Ohio State University and Michigan Tech.
And we aren't the only ones who say so. The list of Acceleration Training trained athletes includes those who've established themselves as Stanley Cup champions, AHL Calder Cup champs, Frozen Four competitors, Rookies of the Year, U.S. National Team players, first-round NHL Draft picks and USA Olympic Team captains. In 2007 alone, Athletic Republic steered the athletic training of seven of the 22 members of the 2007 USA World Junior Team.
Players who train on the Hockey Treadmill increase their stride length and stride frequency through systematic training protocols specifically designed to increase metabolic conditioning for hockey. The Hockey Treadmill's ice-like polymer surface allows players to train in their skates instead of a pair of running shoes. In addition, players improve core strength, agility and first-step quickness by stretching their limits on the Plyo Floor and the Plyo Press. And, Athletic Republic's Cord technologies train the athlete's lower body for a more explosive stride and their upper body for more powerful and more accurate shots on goal.
About USA Hockey's National Development Team Program:
In 1996, USA Hockey launched a revolutionary new program called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Entering its 12th season of play in 2008-09, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.
For more information about the USNTDP, contact Jon Oman, Coordinator of Media Relations and Marketing at PR@USAHockeyNTDP.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (734) 327-9251, ext. 17.
About Athletic Republic:
Athletic Republic is the industry leader in performance sports training, with programs appropriate for athletes of all ages. Founded in 1990 on the continuing research of exercise physiologist John Frappier, M.S., and Stephen C. Swanson, M.S., Athletic Republic's training programs are available at more than 160 facilities throughout North America, United Kingdom and Japan.
For more information about Athletic Republic, visit www.athleticrepublic.com, or contact Deb Uglem at (701) 241-9018.
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