Borden excited to return

Summerside resident team’s strength and conditioning coach

There has been one constant with the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals since 2001.

Strength and conditioning coach Joe Borden of Summerside.

“Joe has been instrumental in the Caps’ success,” said head coach Billy McGuigan. “He is such a positive attitude, and he’s around every day.

“Not only does he train them, he’s here on game nights, he’s in the room, he’s a great motivator, he pushes guys and brings them out of their comfort zone. . . And he sometimes is a buffer!”

Borden, a respected member of the community and Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame, said his job is to keep the players in top physical condition.

“I’m big on cardio, but I also make them do a lot of work on their own body,” explained Borden. “If you have a guy 185 pounds, you get him to use that 185 pounds.

“I find it works out well. They are all on their own personal programs as well, and I keep an eye on that.”

Borden puts the Caps through their paces following practices usually two to three times a week.

“We do two hard off-ice ones for sure,” said Borden. “We have a medicine ball, ropes, kettle bells, heavy bags, chairs and all that stuff.”

Although Borden has been with the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) team regularly for over 15 years, his passion hasn’t wavered.

“I’m glad to be back,” he said.

“It’s a nice organization, and I really enjoy my time here at the rink. I love being part of the Caps.”