Manny Malhotra shows commitment by outskating Canucks during bag skate

Quick answers

Did Manny Malhotra skate with the Canucks during training camp?

Yes, Manny Malhotra participated in the bag skate alongside the players during the Canucks’ training camp. This move surprised many, especially given his commitment to fitness, a hallmark of his playing career.

What message did Malhotra's participation send to the Canucks?

Malhotra’s participation in the bag skate underscored the mentality of shared effort. He emphasized that the coaching staff is fully invested alongside the players, reinforcing the team’s collective goal as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Malhotra’s approach sets the tone for training camp

New Vancouver Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra surprised his players during the first day of training camp by joining them in a bag skate in Penticton, B.C. His participation in the strenuous exercise created a buzz among the team’s roster, highlighting his commitment to fitness and team dynamics.

Malhotra’s decision to participate sends a clear message about accountability and effort. Veteran defenseman Luke Schenn expressed his surprise, noting that it was unusual for a head coach to join players during such demanding drills. Schenn remarked, ‘That’d be a first, where you’re getting toasted in a bag skate by your head coach.’

Younger players appreciate the commitment

Twenty-year-old defenseman Zeev Buium echoed Schenn’s sentiments, stating Malhotra and the coaching staff are likely in better shape than many players. Buium sees this as a statement of leadership. He remarked, ‘They’re setting the tone for what it needs to be, and it sends a message to the whole group: ‘We’re in this with you guys.’’

Malhotra reinforced this philosophy by sharing his perspective on coaching. He said, ‘It’s that mindset of: ‘Don’t ask others what you’re not willing to do yourself.’ Our mentality as a coaching staff is that we’re all in this together.’ This approach is vital as the staff has coached several younger players during their time with the Abbotsford Canucks.

Immediate goals and upcoming challenges

As training camp progresses, the Canucks face an intense schedule over the next four days. Malhotra aims to instill a strong work ethic among the players, especially as they prepare for four preseason games. The first game is against the Seattle Kraken on September 19.

Looking ahead, the Canucks’ focus will shift towards the regular season opener against the Edmonton Oilers on September 29. Malhotra’s challenging style will test the players but could lay the foundation for a successful rebuilding season.

Reporting for this story draws on Daily Faceoff.

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