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May Training Camp a Springboard to Success for Erik Middendorf

By Becky Olsen, 12/12/17, 11:30AM EST

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Extra work has given the forward an on-ice edge in Under-18 season


Photo by Rena Laverty

The toughest part of last season for Erik Middendorf was not the games, or moving away from his home and family, rather it was the grueling eight weeks of training in May after USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-17 season had ended.

“That was the hardest eight weeks of my life,” the native of Scottsdale, Arizona, said. “It was like boot camp for us every day, knowing that you were going to have to battle through the day. In the spring, it was a day-by-day grind. It was the hardest time of our lives but it was when we got really close to each other.”

While the practice helped them click on the ice, team bonding activities off the ice brought them closer as friends.

“We would take Sundays off and we would go every weekend up to Novi to that little lake they call ‘the beach,’” said Middendorf. “We had time together as a team and played volleyball and spike ball. Getting stronger together when we hit the gym and time away from the rink, we got closer as a team going through the grind together. The Coach [Kirk] Culik sessions we had together definitely got us closer. Our bodies changed in those weeks.”

Middendorf, who came into the NTDP at 163 pounds, now weighs in at 190 pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame. He took advantage of his summer training to make sure that he would continue his improvement and be ready for his Under-18 season.

“I started working out more than I was skating, he explained. “I worked out four times a week and skated three to four days a week. I would wake up really early if I wanted to get ice and skate from 7-8 a.m. with the junior players. That was nice so I could have the rest of the day to hang out with friends and family.

“That was my ritual every day. I power skated on Mondays/Wednesday and on Tuesdays/Thursdays, I had skate with other players — whether they were players in college or a few pro players. I know Auston Matthews was there when he could. Zac Larraza was there when he was in Arizona. I just got better with those guys and pushed myself. I hit the weights extra hard.”

Middendorf has already noticed a big difference when he is out on the ice as he has found that extra muscle is especially helpful when it comes to playing against the USHL and even the college competition.

Erik's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Arizona Coyotes

Favorite NHL Player
Jamie Benn

Favorite Movie
Endless Love

Favorite Celebrity
Vince Vaughn

Favorite Musical Artist
Ed Sheeran

Favorite Netflix Binge
Vampire Diaries

Favorite TV Show
Ballers

Favorite Home-Cooked Meal
Pasta and Chicken

“It helps a lot, especially in the corners from a confidence standpoint,” he explained. “I’m bigger and stronger than most of the guys out there. I know I can win those battles, especially after last year when I came into the year and I was weaker and had a small chest and small legs. The hockey part of it helped my legs grow and Darryl [Nelson, the strength & conditioning coach] in the weight room helped me with my balancing aspects, agility and putting on muscle in the right areas. It helps my confidence going out there.”

In addition to his increased physical tools, Middendorf has also relied on regular dialogues with Head Coach Seth Appert. Appert is there with a word of encouragement or constructive criticism when Middendorf needs it.  

Middendorf and his U18 teammates are gearing up to face Michigan State University this Saturday (Dec. 16) at USA Hockey Arena. It will mark the second of three college hockey games which also included a date against the University of Michigan on Dec. 2 and a game against Ferris State University on Jan. 2.

“The games have been awesome. We have been getting more fans in our rink this year so it’s been pretty electric in there. It makes playing at home a lot more fun now,” he said.

Middendorf is looking forward to that college hockey atmosphere every weekend when he takes the ice for the University of Denver next season.


Photo by Rena Laverty

“That is where I attended my first college hockey game when I was 11,” he explained. “It kind of stuck with me and it was a dream of mine to play there while I was sitting in those seats watching them.

“The coaching staff is someone I want to play for and they have a winning culture there. They have a lot of great players who have gone through the program. It’s close to home too. I like how they play and how they are coached.”

Middendorf’s family of athletes have helped shape his love of hockey. His grandfather Frank and his dad Matt both played football, but they understand what it takes to play a sport at a high level.

“My dad played NCAA football for Cincinnati — the same school as my grandpa — and grew up playing hockey,” he said. “He knows the game as he played with his brothers. My dad taught me commitment to the game since he was committed to growing my hockey game. It is something I really look up to since he would drive me to the rink and stay there until I was done. He was always there and never missed a game. He has been a big part of my hockey career.”

When it comes to hockey, it’s Erik’s older brother Connor that is his biggest inspiration.

“My brother Connor is the reason I started playing hockey,” he said. “I would follow him to the rink when I was little. I always looked up to him even though he had a hip problem and had to cut his career short when he was 18 as he had a full hip replacement.

“His commitment and love for the game is something I really take to heart. I know that he has the heart to be where I am today and I know he would be here, if he could. He tells me what I am doing right and wrong. He is my third coach away from the rink. He is the smartest guy I know and he is obsessed with hockey. I really look up to him.”

One thing will never change — which is built on his hard work and dedication to the sport — is the love that he feels when he wears the USA jersey.

“It’s a really special feeling for me,” he said. “It is a dream come true every day to wear the logo. I never take a day lightly or take a day for granted. I have to show up at the rink every day with a smile. I’m living the dream here, representing the country with 21 of my brothers.

“It’s just an honor and a huge responsibility that I take upon myself to play at my full potential every day and get better.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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