Avalanche Players Competed on Tennis Courts
During the 2026 offseason, several NHL players turned to tennis to maintain their fitness and competitive edge.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Tennis
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Throughout the 2026 offseason, Colorado Avalanche players and other NHL stars utilized tennis to refine their cardiovascular health and eye-hand coordination. The athletes held matches at local public parks, high schools, and private facilities.
Why it matters
Incorporating tennis into their training routines allows professional hockey players to sharpen their agility and reflexes during the league's break. These matches serve as a supplement to traditional strength training for maintaining peak physical performance.
Players ranging from 41-year-old Brent Burns to those who started as young as age 5, such as Nicolas Roy, participated in the sport. These athletes tested their skills with various competitive formats, including tiebreakers and super-tiebreakers.
The players
Brent Burns
A 41-year-old NHL defenseman who opened his home tennis court to his teammates for training.
Nicolas Roy
An NHL player who has been practicing tennis since he was 5 years old.
Martin Necas
An professional hockey player who previously attended the Wimbledon tournament.
Brock Nelson
A hockey player who attended the 2017 U.S. Open final at Flushing Meadows.
Nazem Kadri
An NHL player who has been practicing his tennis skills alongside his daughter.
The details
Players including Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Artturi Lehkonen, Nazem Kadri, and Devon Toews participated in matches at various locations. Notably, Brent Burns provided access to a tennis court at his home for his teammates to use during the summer.
Timeline
Brock Nelson attended the 2017 U.S. Open final.
Avalanche players held tennis matches during the 2026 offseason.
Season Trajectory
Professional athletes are increasingly turning to cross-training sports to bridge the gap between competitive seasons. This shift highlights a focus on holistic physical conditioning that extends beyond the traditional hockey rink.
These training sessions indicate that the players are focusing on lateral movement and explosive quickness during the offseason. The use of super-tiebreakers suggests a competitive intensity that mimics the high-pressure situations found in professional sports.
The takeaway
Engaging in cross-training sports like tennis can significantly improve a player's cardiovascular health and overall agility. Fans looking to replicate this training should consider incorporating high-intensity interval drills to achieve similar physical results.
Further reading
For more on local matches and player activities, visit the Tennis section.
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