Jr Warriors

Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning Center Comes to Haverhill

A new but very familiar face will be finding a new home at the Haverhill Valley Forum.

Beginning in September, the Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning Center will be opening its doors on the mezzanine level of the Haverhill Valley Forum and will serve as the strength and conditioning home for the Valley Junior Warriors program.

In addition to serving the needs of the more than 200 athletes who participate in the VJW program, the state-of-the-art facility will also be open year-round to the general public.

“His reputation in the hockey community is unmatched,” said Andy Heinze, general manager/head coach of the VJW Junior A squad. “Mike and his staff understand the needs of hockey players and that is hugely important. It will not just be a basic strength and condition program and that will help our players tremendously.”

Mike Boyle is recognized internationally for his pioneering work in the field of strength and conditioning and is regarded as one of the top experts in the area of sports performance training. For more than 25 years he has worked with the Boston University hockey team and he currently helps to train the United States Women’s Olympic hockey team.

Along the way he has trained top collegiate and professional athletes from the Boston Bruins, Boston Breakers and New England Revolution. His client list over the years includes such local notables as Cam Neely, Ray Bourque and Nomar Garciaparra.

“The addition of the MBSC program is going to be another unique benefit that we offer to our players,” said Steve MacAdams, the VJW director of program development. “Mike Boyle and his team will provide top-notch training and will teach our kids how to stay strong and replenish their bodies, but they will also focus on overall health and fitness. Everybody’s hockey career will end eventually, but you always need to maintain a healthy body.”

Boyle is joined by a phenomenal team of professionals at his Woburn and North Andover facilities. Those same individuals will bring their years of experience to Haverhill beginning this month and there is no question that this new addition is one that will be here to stay.

“From our standpoint it is great to get involved with a professional organization that wants to do it right,” said Boyle. “The biggest thing for us is to tie in and make it part of the program for their players. We are not just putting up the store... we are part of the organization. That is a huge attraction for us and it shows that the Warriors are committed to the process.”

The same comprehensive services - from personal to performance training - will be available for both youth and adult groups throughout the year in Haverhill. Given Boyle’s experience (he currently travels across the Globe giving motivational and educational speeches) and his commitment to excellence, it is no surprise that MBSC has been named one of the top 10 gyms in the country by Men’s Health magazine for two straight years.

“We run a strict operation,” said Boyle. “We do not look at ourselves as a babysitting service. The kids have to want to be there and want to get better.”

That type of drive and determination was a perfect fit for the Warriors, who provide one of the most comprehensive hockey programs in the country. Complementing a rigorous schedule of league and tournament play, all Warrior players take part in weekly practice and skills sessions as well as spring and summer training. The newest addition of MBCS will simply provide the players with another edge both in hockey and in life.

“His understanding of hockey will allow our players to maintain and stay strong and even improve their strength through a long season,” said Heinze. “They will know when to push the kids and when to back off depending on game and practice schedules and down time. Our players will be stronger and more physically ready to play day in and day out.”

Program specifics and hours of operation will be made available soon. For more information about MBSC, visit their official web site at www.bodybyboyle.com.