Trainer in demand
Mantzavrakos to help set up training program for KHL team
An Island resident has caught the attention of a Kontinental Hockey League team.
Spero Mantzavrakos will never wear the Amur Khabarovsk uniform for a game, but his contributions could have a lasting impact.
The Russian team has hired the certified strength and conditioning coach to run their training camp this summer and present the team with a training strategy for its players.
“They’re trying to North Americanize their programs,” Mantzavrakos said. “I think ( from) the science end of it we’re much more advanced.”
He leaves today and will spend the next seven weeks working with the team’s players, collecting data and tracking their progress.
“It’s a big experience for me. I’ve been in a lot of places in North America and I’ve been in Europe, but not Russia,” he said. “I get gratification by making other organizations better or a person be able to perform better.”
Working with professional athletes is nothing new for Mantzavrakos. Spero Mantzavrakos explains what he will be doing in Russia with the KHL’s Amur Khabarovsk this summer. The video can be found at www. theguardian. pe. ca. and click on latest videos. His resume includes the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins and the London Knights as well as players like San Jose Sharks centre Joe Thornton and Anaheim Ducks winger Corey Perry.
Mantzavrakos, owner of Next Level Training in Stratford, said professional sports are played at unprecedented speed and the training has to keep up. The days of a one- size- fits- all approach are gone.
By putting athletes through a variety of tests and tracking the results, including heart rate algorithms, with computer programs, he can create individual programs for high- level athletes.
Training and recovery time are two important aspects for Amur, as the closest team they play is a six- hour flight away.
“There’s a lot of issues in terms of dehydration and rest and recovery,” he said.
Mantzavrakos came in contact with the KHL team through a connection he has with an NHL team.
He is excited about the opportunity to learn what Amur does and to be able to share his knowledge. The language barrier is one of the obstacles he will have to overcome.
“It’s really important to have translators that are qualified in my field,” he said.
Being able to properly communicate with the team and its players will help convince them of his approach.
“The Russians are leery of lifting heavy weights, getting too big, putting on too much size,” Mantzavrakos said. “They’re more into being an athlete, lighter weights, low loads, quick repetitions.”
While he is in Russia, his brother Meni, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, will be running his business. Meni has worked with his brother for the past 18 years. “If I didn’t have him I wouldn’t be going,” Spero said.