Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Pittsburgh Penguins website is my source for this Letang article
Letang Takes Different Approach to Offseason Training
By Michelle Crechiolo
WATCH: KRIS LETANG SUMMER WORKOUT, PT. I
THANK YOU TO APC FOR THE FOOTAGE
Kris Letang had a breakout campaign in 2010-11, finishing with a career-high 50 points while being voted to the NHL All-Star Team and garnering buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate.
But his focus entering this season has nothing to do with compiling more accolades.
While he’s happy with his performance last season, saying he improved his game “both offensively and defensively,” Letang’s main goal heading into the fall is to maintain the reliability and durability he displayed last year.
Letang, 24, finished the 2010-11 campaign as one of just two Penguins to skate in all 82 games (a career first for him) while logging a team-best 24:02 minutes per game.
“I’m going to try to play in all of the games again,” he said. “I would love to be able to maintain the same intensity and same level of play I had last year.”
To do that, Letang decided to vary his offseason routine after his longtime trainer, Pierre Allard, became the Montreal Canadiens’ strength and conditioning coach last season.
While Letang still works with Allard during his on-ice sessions four times a week, the Penguins blueliner decided to enlist the services of Jonathan Chaimberg, a 32-year-old former wrestler who’s now a highly respected strength coach based out of Quebec, off the ice.
RELATED: Season Review: Kris Letang >>
After taking a month off after the season ended to give his body some much-needed rest, Letang now trains six days a week at Adrenaline Performance Center, Chaimberg’s facility in Montreal.
Chaimberg’s personal experience as a wrestler and his work with mixed martial arts athletes means he brings a different perspective to fitness than what Letang is used to, but the young defenseman is thoroughly pleased with the results.
“I chose to work with Jonathan because I saw the work he did with a few other players and other types of athletes,” Letang said. “It was another kind of training than I’m used to. So I picked him and he’s done really well.”
Chaimberg’s focus on conditioning to ensure Letang’s body doesn’t tire after playing long shifts or long periods of time is invaluable to him in his expanded role as the Penguins’ No. 1 defenseman.
So while Letang hasn’t added any pounds onto his 6-foot, 201-pound frame, he feels he’s grown stronger and has increased his aerobic threshold through his workouts.
Moving forward, Letang wants to pair the endurance he’s built with his quickness and agility, which he’s also been focusing on in his workouts.
“Before I focused more on being powerful and building strength,” Letang said. “To play the way I play, I think it was important to work on my conditioning because I’m a guy who has a good first stride and strong skating. So I want to be able to skate my whole shift. I want to be able to have quick feet, to be able to jump in the play and never get tired after a 30-second shift.”
Letang, who lives in downtown Montreal, will be back in Pittsburgh shortly before training camp commences in September. He’s looking forward to reuniting with defense partner Brooks Orpik.
“I think we built a good chemistry together,” Letang said. “He’s a guy that you can rely on at any time over the course of a game. He doesn’t take any big risks. He’s always in the right spot. He’s easy to read for a player like me that likes to move and skate.”
Overall, Letang is excited to come into training camp in incredible shape and is ready to build off what he accomplished last year.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “The core players are still the same. We lost some key guys, but we’ve added some great players too. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to the season.”
And while Letang’s varied approach to offseason training is paying dividends, it just doesn’t compare to what he loves most.
“I can’t wait to be on the ice again,” he said.
By Michelle Crechiolo
WATCH: KRIS LETANG SUMMER WORKOUT, PT. I
THANK YOU TO APC FOR THE FOOTAGE
Kris Letang had a breakout campaign in 2010-11, finishing with a career-high 50 points while being voted to the NHL All-Star Team and garnering buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate.
But his focus entering this season has nothing to do with compiling more accolades.
While he’s happy with his performance last season, saying he improved his game “both offensively and defensively,” Letang’s main goal heading into the fall is to maintain the reliability and durability he displayed last year.
Letang, 24, finished the 2010-11 campaign as one of just two Penguins to skate in all 82 games (a career first for him) while logging a team-best 24:02 minutes per game.
“I’m going to try to play in all of the games again,” he said. “I would love to be able to maintain the same intensity and same level of play I had last year.”
To do that, Letang decided to vary his offseason routine after his longtime trainer, Pierre Allard, became the Montreal Canadiens’ strength and conditioning coach last season.
While Letang still works with Allard during his on-ice sessions four times a week, the Penguins blueliner decided to enlist the services of Jonathan Chaimberg, a 32-year-old former wrestler who’s now a highly respected strength coach based out of Quebec, off the ice.
RELATED: Season Review: Kris Letang >>
After taking a month off after the season ended to give his body some much-needed rest, Letang now trains six days a week at Adrenaline Performance Center, Chaimberg’s facility in Montreal.
Chaimberg’s personal experience as a wrestler and his work with mixed martial arts athletes means he brings a different perspective to fitness than what Letang is used to, but the young defenseman is thoroughly pleased with the results.
“I chose to work with Jonathan because I saw the work he did with a few other players and other types of athletes,” Letang said. “It was another kind of training than I’m used to. So I picked him and he’s done really well.”
Chaimberg’s focus on conditioning to ensure Letang’s body doesn’t tire after playing long shifts or long periods of time is invaluable to him in his expanded role as the Penguins’ No. 1 defenseman.
So while Letang hasn’t added any pounds onto his 6-foot, 201-pound frame, he feels he’s grown stronger and has increased his aerobic threshold through his workouts.
Moving forward, Letang wants to pair the endurance he’s built with his quickness and agility, which he’s also been focusing on in his workouts.
“Before I focused more on being powerful and building strength,” Letang said. “To play the way I play, I think it was important to work on my conditioning because I’m a guy who has a good first stride and strong skating. So I want to be able to skate my whole shift. I want to be able to have quick feet, to be able to jump in the play and never get tired after a 30-second shift.”
Letang, who lives in downtown Montreal, will be back in Pittsburgh shortly before training camp commences in September. He’s looking forward to reuniting with defense partner Brooks Orpik.
“I think we built a good chemistry together,” Letang said. “He’s a guy that you can rely on at any time over the course of a game. He doesn’t take any big risks. He’s always in the right spot. He’s easy to read for a player like me that likes to move and skate.”
Overall, Letang is excited to come into training camp in incredible shape and is ready to build off what he accomplished last year.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “The core players are still the same. We lost some key guys, but we’ve added some great players too. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to the season.”
And while Letang’s varied approach to offseason training is paying dividends, it just doesn’t compare to what he loves most.
“I can’t wait to be on the ice again,” he said.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
His favorite ice cream is...........
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has decided to inform us of some of the Pittsburgh Penguins favorite ice cream.
This is from today’s article on ice cream favorites of people from the ‘Burgh, in the ‘Food & Flavor’ section of the newspaper.
Kris Letang: Haagen-Dazs Cookie Dough
Thank you Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for the information/source.
This is from today’s article on ice cream favorites of people from the ‘Burgh, in the ‘Food & Flavor’ section of the newspaper.
Kris Letang: Haagen-Dazs Cookie Dough
Thank you Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for the information/source.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Kris Letang Last Season Review 2010-2011
Season Review: Kris Letang
Some people fold under pressure. Others thrive.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang certainly falls into the latter category, as he knew going into the 2010-11 season that much would be expected from him with the departure of fellow blueliner Sergei Gonchar.
And Letang seized the opportunity given to him, displaying just what he was capable of in an expanded role.
He proved that he was a bonafide No. 1 NHL defenseman, finishing the year ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among league blueliners, both totals new career highs for the 23 year old. He also posted new career highs in plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236).
Not only did Letang garner buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate, but he was voted to his first NHL All-Star Game, picking up 477,960 fan votes as a write-in candidate – tops among defensemen.
And in a season where the Penguins had to battle through a multitude of injuries, Letang displayed his dependability and durability by being just one of two Penguins to play in all 82 games – a career first for him. Oh yeah, and he led Pittsburgh in ice time (24:02) as well.
Letang’s confidence grew playing alongside Brooks Orpik. Because while Letang is a fluid, fast skater who likes to chip in offensively, Orpik is a shutdown, stay-at-home defenseman – and their complementary styles helped Letang develop.
“I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively,” Letang said.” I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. … I think I gained some confidence out there.”
While Letang has posted some impressive statistics, what’s truly special about him is the young defenseman’s work ethic.
He is the first to admit that he still has a lot of growing to do, spending countless hours watching video, talking with the coaching staff and putting in the work on and off the ice to become a better hockey player.
“I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too,” he said. “I’m looking forward to another season.”
And so are Penguins fans.
By Michelle Crechiolo
Share
Some people fold under pressure. Others thrive.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang certainly falls into the latter category, as he knew going into the 2010-11 season that much would be expected from him with the departure of fellow blueliner Sergei Gonchar.
And Letang seized the opportunity given to him, displaying just what he was capable of in an expanded role.
He proved that he was a bonafide No. 1 NHL defenseman, finishing the year ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among league blueliners, both totals new career highs for the 23 year old. He also posted new career highs in plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236).
Not only did Letang garner buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate, but he was voted to his first NHL All-Star Game, picking up 477,960 fan votes as a write-in candidate – tops among defensemen.
And in a season where the Penguins had to battle through a multitude of injuries, Letang displayed his dependability and durability by being just one of two Penguins to play in all 82 games – a career first for him. Oh yeah, and he led Pittsburgh in ice time (24:02) as well.
Letang’s confidence grew playing alongside Brooks Orpik. Because while Letang is a fluid, fast skater who likes to chip in offensively, Orpik is a shutdown, stay-at-home defenseman – and their complementary styles helped Letang develop.
“I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively,” Letang said.” I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. … I think I gained some confidence out there.”
While Letang has posted some impressive statistics, what’s truly special about him is the young defenseman’s work ethic.
He is the first to admit that he still has a lot of growing to do, spending countless hours watching video, talking with the coaching staff and putting in the work on and off the ice to become a better hockey player.
“I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too,” he said. “I’m looking forward to another season.”
And so are Penguins fans.
Season Highlights:
2011 PLAYOFFS: Paced team with four assists and finished tied for team lead in points (4) … Second on squad with 26:32 minutes per game and 28 shots on goal … Recorded two assists and five shots in Game 3 at Tampa Bay … Logged 38:21 minutes in Game 4, a 3-2 double-overtime victory for Pittsburgh.
2010-11: Produced his best NHL campaign, setting new career highs in games played (82), assists (42), points (50), plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236), while garnering buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate … Ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among all NHL defensemen … Logged a team-best 24:02 minutes per game while seeing action on both the top power-play unit and penalty kill … Went 3-for-11 in shootouts … Skated a career-high 32:47 minutes Feb. 26 at Toronto … Posted 100th career point (assist) vs. Calgary Nov. 27.
Regular Season Stat Chart
GP G A P PIM +/- PP SH
82 8 42 50 101 +15 4 0
Playoff Stat Chart
GP G A P PIM +/- PP SH
7 0 4 4 10 0 0 0
Get Away Day: Kris Letang
Below is a transcript of Kris Letang's chat with the media on the Penguins' locker cleanout day on April 29.
On if he’ll think about the power play all summer:
That’s a great question (laughs). No, I’m going to think about how we had to deal with injuries, how we had to deal with a lot of stuff this year. But next year is going to be a new season, new guys and no, I’m not going to think about it.
On how he would sum up this season:
I mean, yeah, of course when you work that hard to get up in the standings with all of the injuries that we had, we had a great season. We finished with 106 points. But obviously it’s disappointing to finish in the first round. But at the same time, it’s just a question of learning and just maybe not doing the same mistake over.
On how encouraging it was to do what they did without Crosby and Malkin:
I think we’re a team that relies a lot on our system. I think every single guy in this dressing room believes in it and that’s what makes us successful over the years. I think every guy that comes up from Wilkes-Barre, they know the system, they play the same way that we do and that allowed them to have success.
On if he felt he grew in certain aspects of his game this season:
Yeah. I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively. I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. I think yeah, I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too. I’m looking forward to another season, but I think I gained some confidence out there.
On how he is health-wise:
I’m good. Just a few things that have to be fixed, but no surgery.
Photo Gallery of Kris Letang from the Penguins website:
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/gallery.htm?id=23554&location=/photos&pg=1
Source and some other pictures from the Pens site:
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=585579&navid=DL|PIT|home
Some people fold under pressure. Others thrive.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang certainly falls into the latter category, as he knew going into the 2010-11 season that much would be expected from him with the departure of fellow blueliner Sergei Gonchar.
And Letang seized the opportunity given to him, displaying just what he was capable of in an expanded role.
He proved that he was a bonafide No. 1 NHL defenseman, finishing the year ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among league blueliners, both totals new career highs for the 23 year old. He also posted new career highs in plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236).
Not only did Letang garner buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate, but he was voted to his first NHL All-Star Game, picking up 477,960 fan votes as a write-in candidate – tops among defensemen.
And in a season where the Penguins had to battle through a multitude of injuries, Letang displayed his dependability and durability by being just one of two Penguins to play in all 82 games – a career first for him. Oh yeah, and he led Pittsburgh in ice time (24:02) as well.
Letang’s confidence grew playing alongside Brooks Orpik. Because while Letang is a fluid, fast skater who likes to chip in offensively, Orpik is a shutdown, stay-at-home defenseman – and their complementary styles helped Letang develop.
“I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively,” Letang said.” I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. … I think I gained some confidence out there.”
While Letang has posted some impressive statistics, what’s truly special about him is the young defenseman’s work ethic.
He is the first to admit that he still has a lot of growing to do, spending countless hours watching video, talking with the coaching staff and putting in the work on and off the ice to become a better hockey player.
“I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too,” he said. “I’m looking forward to another season.”
And so are Penguins fans.
By Michelle Crechiolo
Share
Some people fold under pressure. Others thrive.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang certainly falls into the latter category, as he knew going into the 2010-11 season that much would be expected from him with the departure of fellow blueliner Sergei Gonchar.
And Letang seized the opportunity given to him, displaying just what he was capable of in an expanded role.
He proved that he was a bonafide No. 1 NHL defenseman, finishing the year ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among league blueliners, both totals new career highs for the 23 year old. He also posted new career highs in plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236).
Not only did Letang garner buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate, but he was voted to his first NHL All-Star Game, picking up 477,960 fan votes as a write-in candidate – tops among defensemen.
And in a season where the Penguins had to battle through a multitude of injuries, Letang displayed his dependability and durability by being just one of two Penguins to play in all 82 games – a career first for him. Oh yeah, and he led Pittsburgh in ice time (24:02) as well.
Letang’s confidence grew playing alongside Brooks Orpik. Because while Letang is a fluid, fast skater who likes to chip in offensively, Orpik is a shutdown, stay-at-home defenseman – and their complementary styles helped Letang develop.
“I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively,” Letang said.” I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. … I think I gained some confidence out there.”
While Letang has posted some impressive statistics, what’s truly special about him is the young defenseman’s work ethic.
He is the first to admit that he still has a lot of growing to do, spending countless hours watching video, talking with the coaching staff and putting in the work on and off the ice to become a better hockey player.
“I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too,” he said. “I’m looking forward to another season.”
And so are Penguins fans.
Season Highlights:
2011 PLAYOFFS: Paced team with four assists and finished tied for team lead in points (4) … Second on squad with 26:32 minutes per game and 28 shots on goal … Recorded two assists and five shots in Game 3 at Tampa Bay … Logged 38:21 minutes in Game 4, a 3-2 double-overtime victory for Pittsburgh.
2010-11: Produced his best NHL campaign, setting new career highs in games played (82), assists (42), points (50), plus-minus rating (+15) and shots (236), while garnering buzz as a Norris Trophy candidate … Ranked in the top 10 in points (50, seventh – tied) and assists (42, sixth – tied) among all NHL defensemen … Logged a team-best 24:02 minutes per game while seeing action on both the top power-play unit and penalty kill … Went 3-for-11 in shootouts … Skated a career-high 32:47 minutes Feb. 26 at Toronto … Posted 100th career point (assist) vs. Calgary Nov. 27.
Regular Season Stat Chart
GP G A P PIM +/- PP SH
82 8 42 50 101 +15 4 0
Playoff Stat Chart
GP G A P PIM +/- PP SH
7 0 4 4 10 0 0 0
Get Away Day: Kris Letang
Below is a transcript of Kris Letang's chat with the media on the Penguins' locker cleanout day on April 29.
On if he’ll think about the power play all summer:
That’s a great question (laughs). No, I’m going to think about how we had to deal with injuries, how we had to deal with a lot of stuff this year. But next year is going to be a new season, new guys and no, I’m not going to think about it.
On how he would sum up this season:
I mean, yeah, of course when you work that hard to get up in the standings with all of the injuries that we had, we had a great season. We finished with 106 points. But obviously it’s disappointing to finish in the first round. But at the same time, it’s just a question of learning and just maybe not doing the same mistake over.
On how encouraging it was to do what they did without Crosby and Malkin:
I think we’re a team that relies a lot on our system. I think every single guy in this dressing room believes in it and that’s what makes us successful over the years. I think every guy that comes up from Wilkes-Barre, they know the system, they play the same way that we do and that allowed them to have success.
On if he felt he grew in certain aspects of his game this season:
Yeah. I think my game got, in my mind, a lot better defensively, offensively. I got a chance to play with ‘Brooksie’ all year, and we learned to play together. I think yeah, I learned a lot of things and I think there are a lot of things still to be learned, too. I’m looking forward to another season, but I think I gained some confidence out there.
On how he is health-wise:
I’m good. Just a few things that have to be fixed, but no surgery.
Photo Gallery of Kris Letang from the Penguins website:
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/gallery.htm?id=23554&location=/photos&pg=1
Source and some other pictures from the Pens site:
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=585579&navid=DL|PIT|home
Season Review: Kris Letang
Source
http://video.penguins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=-6&id=121320
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Kris Letang Summer pic spam
Source
http://25stanley.com/photodujour-letang-talbot-desharnais-fleury-gervais-et-parenteau-au-tournoi-tonik.html
Kris is in the Top 25 best Defenseman in the NHL by Yahoo
Source: http://25stanley.com/les-25-meilleurs-defenseurs-de-la-lnh.html
23. Kris Letang (notes), Pittsburgh Penguins
23. Kris Letang (notes), Pittsburgh Penguins
Saturday, August 6, 2011
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