That’s the approach the Penguins are collectively taking this week, as they go from the rivers of Western Pennsylvania, to the swamps and fields of West Point, New York.
Under the watchful eye of First Sergeant J.B. Spisso, the Pens will spend three days running through swamps, pushing cars up hills and endure countless hours of military training all in the name of teamwork. The former Army Ranger and current New York National Guardsman would have it no other way.
Last year the Penguins took the same approach to training, as Spisso grilled the team for three days under the same rigorous conditions. His impression lasted throughout the season, as his work was inspiration for the team, and the team was inspiration for his work.
“He showed a lot of care in what we did and followed us through the year” said Penguins’ Captain Sidney Crosby. “He’s the ultimate leader.”
Don’t think the players will be taking a break from ice time either. If anything their normal workout schedule just got more grueling with the addition of military field exercises. As cliché as it may seem, it certainly separates the men from the boys but brings them all together under the unity of teamwork. Of course, that term loses most, if not all meaning, for a team of relatively young guys, but the teamwork aspect still remains.
“There will be a couple things to make sure we’re keeping together and different exercises to make sure we don’t quit on each other. It’s all good for us as a team and for us as people to see what it takes to be successful in a big group” said defenseman Ryan Whitney.
This training is perhaps the end of the line for some prospects not expected to make the cut. Just this past weekend the Pens sent Esposito back down to the Remparts and assigned Nathan Smith to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. The assignments bring the Pens roster to 27 total players.
The team only has two remaining pre-season games; both against Buffalo this Friday and Saturday. The military training and two games may be the last straw for defensive hopefuls Mike Weaver and Kris Letang to prove themselves. The fact they’ve made it this far is already evidence of their abilities, but nothing is certain till you have your name matted in the locker room.
For the love of Christ, please don't break a leg...
