Many NHL players who've played under John Tortorella have shared stories about his notoriously gruelling training camps, often considered among the toughest in the league. Torts relentlessly pushes his players to their limits, believing it's the best way to extract their full potential while establishing his authority within the team.
In the past few days, as the NHL commenced its training camp, Tortorella unveiled his iconic yellow rope. This rope has been a constant companion throughout his coaching career, and he always initiates the training camp with a rigorous bag skate—a demanding test of stamina and overall conditioning.
As the skate progressed and the tension on the rope increased, several players struggled to maintain their balance on their skates. One player, defensman Cam York, provided a candid and brutal assessment of the skate.
Expect more demanding and arduous tasks in the days ahead as Tortorella prepares this group for the upcoming NHL season, scheduled to begin on October 12. It remains to be seen which players will adapt well to his system and who will face challenges.
