Lockner feeling trimmer, quicker after dropping weight

By Sean Rooney on August 30, 2018.

NEWS FILE PHOTO
Medicine Hat Tigers forward Bryan Lockner passes during a Jan. 26, 2018 game at the Canalta Centre.

You’ll hear lots of stories of WHL players packing on the muscle and the pounds in the off-season, even getting taller as they hit one last adolescent growth spurt.

Bryan Lockner certainly added muscle, but the 18-year-old from Colorado also managed to shed 25 pounds from his 6-foot, 201-pound frame.

“It’s just eating the right foods,” said the Medicine Hat Tigers forward. “I just ate a lot more protein, still ate carbs but cut it down a little, just fats and proteins.

“I feel way faster and lighter, the coaches have seen that too so that’s exciting.”

Already boasting talent, Lockner had 12 points in 39 games with the Regina Pats before being traded to Medicine Hat at January’s league deadline. He added another seven goals and seven assists in 31 regular season games with his new team but it didn’t add up to what he’d hoped —his name being called at the NHL draft.

“I was ranked throughout the year a little bit but I wouldn’t say I was surprised,” he said. “You have to earn everything, I felt like I didn’t play that much at the start of last year with Regina, obviously we were a loaded team with the Memorial Cup. I got traded here, a lot happened here.”

Consequently, he worked harder than ever and is optimistic about what he can do with his newfound speed and agility.

“I think this year’s a huge year for me,” said Lockner. “Last year was my draft year and I got passed over, so this is the year I can make a statement, maybe get drafted or a camp invite, whatever that takes.”

His head coach has taken notice.

“I know he’s really leaned up, he looks fast, he’s ready to go,” said Tigers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston. “He’s one of a bunch of guys who really made a commitment to really be in their best possible shape heading into the season.

“I think that’s the biggest thing, it’s a fast game, I think there was a time when players really wanted to be strong, size was extremely important. A lot of guys realize after they’ve been in the league for a year or so that they’ve got to get a little faster to do the things they want to get done. Good on him.”

Lockner’s hardly the only one who’s sporting a new physique in camp. Clouston pointed out both Trevor Longo, James Hamblin and Gary Haden are all noticeably fitter, and the truth is most of the returning players worked out regularly in the off-season. It’s more of a surprise when someone comes to camp having not improved in some fashion.

“Longo, I know he’s drastically stronger than he was a year ago,” said Clouston. “You see it on the ice; when you watch Trevor from last year until now, there’s a big difference in his foot speed, he’s winning races to loose pucks, he’s able to get back to a loose puck, turn and get his head up and make a play before the forecheck gets to him.

“There’s lots of examples.”

But Lockner’s the most drastic. He’s clearly excited about what could be on the horizon.

“If I finish off how I did last year, bring it in to this year, I’ll be fine,” he said.

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