Hitting dat gym

[scotty 59]

Deschamps prioritizing off-ice training

Brampton, Ont. -- Off-ice training is a bit of a foreign concept for French-born centre Maxime Deschamps, but if the team's coaching staff have their way, that's all about to change very quickly.

"He has to get better off the ice," a comment echoed by the team's coach. "Maxime is 195 lbs. right now but he's just not strong enough at his current weight. We really believe that if he can bolster himself in that area it will have a major impact on who he is as a player."

And so begins the work. Deschamps has already increased his off-ice training regiment significantly and is seeing some improved results in the early-going.

"The team is pushing me very hard to be a stronger player on the ice. They love the way I compete and the two-way element I bring, but they tell me that if I want to play at the next level, I need to get stronger," Deschamps said. "Obviously the VHL is where I want to be so I'm really focusing on improving in this area. It's really just about how hard you're willing to work. If you put the work in, good things will come from it."

The early returns are encouraging, however, there's no doubting the fact that Deschamps has a long way to go just yet. In his second full season with Brampton, team officials in Seattle would have hoped to see him in the VHL by now, but the waiting game is one that requires patience.

"I think I'm getting close (to the VHL)," Deschamps said. "I want them to see that I'm willing to do what it takes."