Follow me Kayla Hottot, The Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of Ottawa Varsity Women’s Hockey program, as we begin the 2013/2014 Hockey season.
Once upon a time, I was a player for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Women’s Hockey team. I first put on the “lid” (hockey helmet) in September 2006 and finally put down the “twig” (hockey stick) in February 2011. Though I still make my way to the “barn” (hockey rink) every once in a while for some “beer league/ old timers puck” (retired hockey players hockey league), it doesn’t even compare to the love of the game I experienced throughout my university career.
I still am a Gee-Gee and always will be but my position has changed drastically. Since graduating in 2011 I have been the teams Strength and Conditioning coach. It all began after my last game when I approached Coach Yanick Evola to offer up my services. I have always loved the gym and if it’s possible I think I even loved off season training more than the games themselves. For 5 years I had my own trainer Mark Slater who transformed me into a different person in all ways imaginable. I was shy, quite, nervous and worst of all was unsure of my own abilities both on and off the ice. Having someone push me to my limits, teach me about myself and ultimately show me my true potential will always be one of the most important experiences in my life. I never thought I could ever find something I loved more than playing Canada’s Game. The gym changed my life and my trainer was responsible for that. I wanted to give this back to the team and provide the opportunity for other players to change their entire Varsity experience.
I have always believed strength and conditioning is more than getting into shape for your sport. The goal of off season training to me is becoming a completely different human being in terms of confidence and personal abilities. By the end of post season training a player must believe they are stronger, faster, smarter and want to prove this every time they step on the ice. We are about to begin a trip to each players new limits.
It hasn’t even been a week since the Gee-Gees finished their 2012/2013 season after losing two one-goal games to the third ranked team in the CIS, the Montreal Carabins. Overall the team finished strong ending in 3rd place in what I would call the most competitive league in the CIS. Even though the season just ended I am already getting ready for next seasons pre season training. At the moment I am trying to give the team time to rest, relax and focus on school before we begin for next season. However, I’m finding it extremely difficult since I love this job and want to get moving as soon as possible. Every season the team continues to impress me with their hard work during not only off ice training but also their overall skill development on the ice. I feel this season will be our best season yet.
Now, enough about me… lets get down to business. Follow along with all the “chirps”, “cellys” and “gongshows” as I tell the story of the Gee-Gees which includes hockey lingo education, amazing player transformations and seasonal experiences. You will also get to know our players past and present achievements. The next step is every players favourite FITNESS TESTING which will be a completely new experience for all of the players this season.
You can still catch the Gee-Gees in action during and exhibition game against the Czech Republic team as part of the lead up to the IIHF Women’s Hockey World Championships which will be held in Ottawa April 2-9. The game will take place at the CIH Arena in Rockland at 7 p.m on March 31
Player Spotlight:
Meet: Cassie Seguin
In her first season with the Gee-Gees, goaltender Seguin won three games between the pipes for Ottawa while posting a .893 save percentage. A veteran of national team camps, Seguin participated in the U22 training camp and won a medal while with the U18 national team at the world championships. The second-year psychology student is active in hockey development throughout the Ottawa region, volunteer coaching with Midget and Bantam teams as well as volunteering her time at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. RSEQ announced the league all-stars and major award winners our own Cassie Seguin was honoured with the league’s leadership and community engagement award.
(http://geegees.ca/news/16/2527)
Living the Dream
K. Hottot
After a 5 year varsity Rugby career with the University of Ottawa, Sarah will be joining the Canadian team at this year's FISU games in Russia. Sarah is a firecracker, serious about the game and a true team player. She is getting ready for Russia with EPIC Trainer Kayla Hottot..
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Love it! Can’t wait to catch the next episode! The Gee-Gees Women’s Hockey team is in very good hands.