Chad Nehring, a former Yorkton Junior Terrier, and Springside-area product, is one step closer to the dream of Canadian hockey players everywhere.
This summer Nehring, 28, is spending his time preparing to attend the training camp of the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers.
“I am going to New York Ranger main camp in mid-September. It is the first time of my career and I am extremely excited and looking forward to the opportunity,” he told Yorkton This Week.
“It means everything to me. I grew up working hard and putting in the hours on and off the ice to reach a dream like this one. It’s an accomplishment my whole family and all my supporters can be proud of and take credit for.”
Nehring, who played for the Terriers for three seasons (2004-2007), said he has already been preparing for the opportunity.
“My first few months of training focused on heavy weights and building strength off the ice,” he said. “Now it’s time to get back on the ice and start working on speed and quickness about four-to-six weeks before the camp.”
Nehring knows he is a long shot to play on Broadway this season, but he does have a plan to at least gain notice.
“The biggest thing to get noticed at a camp like this as an underdog is speed, strength and knowledge,” he said, adding and, “don’t be nervous and just play how I do and what has gotten me to this point.”
Nehring feels his past season with the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack will help him too. He played 53-games with the Pack, having four goals, 12 points and 50 penalty minutes and being plus-2.
“My contributions to Hartford this year were mainly a defensive center that takes big face-offs and a good penalty killer, and can add a little bit of offense when given the opportunity,” he said. “Also, I’m not afraid to mix things up a bit.
“I feel that will be the same style I have to contribute with the Rangers in order for them to notice and have a chance at the next level.”
Looking back on his AHL season, Nehring said he felt it was a solid first year at that level.
“I am extremely satisfied with my year, it was the first time being to an AHL camp and then after a month being called up to play the real games was a dream come true,” he said. “The year continued with no looking back and was able to play out the year and have a successful team playoff run.”
And through that Nehring said he became a better hockey player.
“I feel every part of my game improved, being part of an NHL system, they have a lot of knowledgeable people who help you with all aspects of your on and off ice game,” he said. “Also, skating with this calibre of players pushes you to another level.”
The Rangers training camp begins Sept. 17.