The Flyers’ Training Camp Tradition: The Notorious Rope Skate
Every September in Voorhees, the signature of a John Tortorella-led training camp emerges. It’s the notable yellow rope that comes out on Day 1, linking the two nets at opposite ends of the rink. Players are put through the paces of skating laps around it until they have nothing left to give, testing both their mental and physical fortitude.
For the last three years with the Flyers, this ritual has been a defining moment, with three sets of eight laps being the challenge set before the players. The energy is sapped, legs are heavy, and relief washes over them once it’s finally over.
But this grueling skate serves a purpose, providing perspective and setting the tone for the intense camp ahead. Here’s a closer look at how it all unfolds:
The Reason Behind the Ritual
Tortorella: “It’s year 3 with this coaching staff. I think they know. I think it’s effective of what we do at this time of year because we hang it right over their head during the summer. We’ve got so many good athletes in our league, no one wants to be embarrassed in these skates, so they do the work.”
Player Reactions to the Skate
Couturier: “Leading up to it, you just want to get through it. It’s funny, it’s physical, it’s mental – probably a little more mental, honestly.”
Johnson: “It’s difficult. We did a similar camp in Colorado because Jared Bednar was the minor league coach for the Blue Jackets organization. It’s tough if you’re not in shape, both physically and mentally.”
Drysdale: “It was a grind. It was really hard, definitely a mental and physical battle.”
Strategies to Survive the Skate
Tortorella: “You go as hard as you can, as long as you can.”
Laughton: “You dig in and try to find what’s left of a speed pocket. The ice gets chewed up, but you push through.”
Johnson: “It’s really tough no matter how you do it. You push yourself to the limits, even if it’s a mental and physical grind.”
Reflections on the Experience
Drysdale: “It’s a mental battle. If you can get through that, it gives you confidence moving forward. It brings the team closer together.”
Johnson: “It’s a good mental and physical grind. It’s tough but supposed to be. It sets us up well for the season ahead.”
Couturier: “You see everyone grinding through the pain. It’s something to build off on Day 1.”
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenge, the players push through, bonding over the shared struggle and setting the stage for the season ahead. The rope skate may be grueling, but it’s an essential part of the Flyers’ training camp tradition. As they move forward, the camaraderie and strength gained from this experience will propel them to new heights on the ice.
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