Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner reveals major physical change at training camp
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers' goaltender Stuart Skinner is responding to critics head-on, and has entered training camp noticeably thinner than last season.
In a recent appearance on Oilers Now Edmonton's general manager Stan Bowman was ecstatic about his goalie's reviews thus far. Skinner is impressing all who attended the Captain's skates with his improved mechanics and fitness level.
«Stuart Skinner looks completely different. He looks quicker, more agile, and frankly, when you see him up close, it's obvious he's dropped some weight.
I actually saw Stu earlier this week in the kitchen before going on the ice. The first thing I noticed was he looked thin. I said, 'Wow, you look different.'»
- Stan Bowman
I actually saw Stu earlier this week in the kitchen before going on the ice. The first thing I noticed was he looked thin. I said, 'Wow, you look different.'»
- Stan Bowman
Last year, Skinner was listed at a bulky 230 pounds, which could have accounted for his slow lateral movements, one of his main criticisms about his post-season performances.
Though Stuart Skinner passes the eye-test, it's been his work on and off the ice that has so impressed his GM.
His east-west movements look much sharper; but the goalie has also developed a good relationship with his new goalie coach, Peter Aubrey, a clear indication of his strong willingness to improve his play.
«And in talking to Peter Aubry, they've formed a really great connection," Stan Bowman said. "Stu and I talked about that. He's really excited about the connection that they've formed over the summer; they've spent a lot of time with each other, talking about the game and talking about his game. It's like a fresh approach to the season.»
During an interview earlier this month, Stuart Skinner commented on his goals for the coming season.
During an interview earlier this month, Stuart Skinner commented on his goals for the coming season.
"I want to be able to get back to the Stanley Cup Final and finish the job this year.»
«There are a lot of things that I worked on. Honestly, it's just getting in better shape and getting my core turned on a little bit more, so those were the type of things that I worked on off the ice. Being mentally clear was the biggest thing for me as the summer progressed, because losing the Cup two years in a row is definitely challenging.»
With his new look and new attitude, Stu looks ready to cement his role as the team's starting goaltender.
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