For any hockey player looking to improve their skating, taking lessons with a power skating coach is one way to diversify your talents and become a better overall player.
Power skating coaches sometimes come from a figure skating background, which is why Canadian figure skating icon Barb Underhill does consulting for NHL teams and their AHL affiliates. Players like Jeff Skinner thrive in today’s NHL because of their powerful edgework learned from taking figure skating lessons at a young age.
Underhill is currently down working with the Bolts prospects at their development camp and is often hired as an independent skating coach for one-on-one workouts for specific players. She’s worked privately with NHLers like John Tavares and Brian Boyle, too, and is often spotted at rinks around North America.
Thanks to Caley Chelios of the Lightning, we have a fantastic photo to share with you of Underhill, who stands at 4’11’ standing with prospect Oleg Sosunov.
Sosunov, a Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman selected in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, stands at 6’8”. Just have a look at the height disparity on this one.
Wowza. Sosunov is literally the same height as the former Canadian Olympic gold medalist.
The 20-year-old Russian will be spending more time working with Underhill on his skating in the near future, as he makes the jumps to the professional ranks with the Syracuse Crunch.
