NHL DRAFT CLAIMS TWO MORE VARSITY ATHLETES For most, the May Long Weekend announces the start of another summer of barbecues, weekend getaways and finding ways to beat the heat. For the professional, OHL, NCAA and Midget AAA hockey players who join Varsity Hockey’s Elite Training Program, “May two-four” means “back to work”. Instead of pool parties and rounds of golf, Director of Strength and Conditioning Geoff Schomogyi has his guys and girls focused on Olympic lifts and personal bests. Hang around Varsity long enough and you’ll see why so many athletes between the ages of 16 and 25 are willing to spend their summers with him: the results. When the 2007 NHL Entry Draft was held June 23rd in Columbus, OH, Chris Terry and Louie Caporusso each got one step closer to their ultimate goal. Terry, a Brampton native who was one of the first to discover the benefits offered by Varsity Hockey, spent last season with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. A trip the Memorial Cup meant that Terry didn’t report to Varsity until a few weeks after the start of the Elite Training Program, but it was a great excuse. Caporusso, who will be a freshman at Michigan University in the fall, played for St. Mike’s during the 2006-2007 campaign. Even though his home is in Woodbridge, Caporusso knows that the commute to Varsity four days a week to workout is the best way to prepare for the challenges ahead. “Geoff has pushed me more than I ever thought possible. The great thing about Varsity is that the staff cares about your improvement and your goals,” said Caporusso. “They do their best to help you achieve them.” Terry was selected in the 5th round (132nd overall) to Carolina. Caporusso went in the 3rd round to Ottawa (90th overall). While some may use their draft positions to revisit the OHL versus NCAA debate, what the selection of these two players really indicates is that modern NHL scouts continue to value players that combine talent with determination. And it is sheer determination that pushes the sixty or so players who train with Schomogyi to become better athletes every time they step into the gym. “Being selected in the draft meant I needed to be in great physical shape when main camp rolled around,” said Terry. “ So without a doubt I turned to Varsity for a summer of hard work. Geoff pushes you past your limits to make you a better player and truly cares about your improvement and well being and that’s why I train at Varsity.” 
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