By Mason Lyttle
Vet Checkup is a bi-weekly seasonal feature on JanesvilleJets.com in which I check in with a returning Jets veteran on his summer and what he’s looking forward to next season.
ML: How’s the offseason been?
AR: My offseason has been very relaxing. I took some much-needed vacations as well as some off time before I started hitting the gym and ice again.
ML: What sort of training have you focused on?
AR: I’ve been focusing on gaining an extra step in the speed category. I have been working a lot on sprints and leg work in order to gain the upper hand. I have also been focusing on adding some weight.
ML: What skating have you done?
AR: At the beginning of the summer I played in a junior league called JEL (Junior Elite League) which most of the St. Louis area junior players and some college players play in. I have also been skating in some of my high school alumni skates.
ML: Have you taken any vacations?
AR: I have taken quite a few vacations this summer. In fact, I came back to Janesville a few times this summer to see my girlfriend and her family. Other than Janesville, I took vacations to Aspen, Colorado, and Branson, Missouri, where our lake house is. I also took a short vacation to downtown Chicago which was a blast.
ML: What NHL offseason move surprised you the most?
AR: I think the most surprising move this offseason was the Weber for Subban trade, but on the other hand the Hall for Larsson trade made no sense.
ML: Any personal goals for the upcoming year?
AR: Winning a Robertson Cup and locking down a Division I scholarship for myself and for all of my teammates.
ML: First place you want to eat when you get back to Janesville?
AR: The first place I’ll eat at is Potbelly Sandwiches, I was told they just put one in and I’m very excited to try it out.