Sean Monahan bulking up for Calgary Flames

Sep 21, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during preseason action at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during preseason action at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Calgary Flames will enter the league once more focused on a nucleus of growing young forwards. At the fore of that group stands 19-year-old Sean Monahan, who scored 22 goals last year for the Flames as a rookie. Now with expectations higher on Monahan, the young center has elevated his approach both mentally and physically.

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CBC Sports reports that Monahan is about eight pounds heavier than he was in his rookie year, most of which is attributed to a growing of muscle and tone.

“I focused on the stuff that I really needed to focus on, so I did a lot of strength training and explosive stuff and really focused on diet,” Monahan told CBC.

Of course, that’s all to be expected a growing young man just starting a pro hockey career. The body grows with a better attention to exercise and nutrition and the muscle comes along for the ride. Monahan claims it goes beyond that though.

“It, obviously, doesn’t matter to me if other people notice it, it all comes down to me. Whatever work I put in, I feel it on the ice and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

Calgary coach Bob Hartley concurred with Monahan, noting he was impressed early. “Looking at Sean’s fitness test, just looking at him, you can tell that he spent the summer working out. He’s on a mission.”

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