Quote:
Originally Posted by bucksmasher
It makes sense to me that a stronger core and lower body would be essential than big pipes and chest but maybe the combine designed around a more traditional system.
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Squats for example are much more important than bench press or any upper body workout. The core is the foundation of an athlete. His first few strides, putting weight into shots, skating through interference, and laying big hits, etc are all improved as an athlete increases his core strength.
Martin St.Louis and Crosby for example don't have huge upper bodies but their legs and glutes are massive for their size and it's how they have been able to excel playing against bigger men. Upper body helps as well but more as a supplement to core strength. The biggest mistake you see with kids (guilty myself when young) is a big chest, arms and chicken legs as young guys tend to flock to bench and arm curls as it gives an appearance of strength even though a smaller upper body and stronger core will almost always yield the more powerful man.