By Mitch Bach

The biggest loser; reasons behind Lockner’s massive off-season transformation

Sep 6, 2018 | 4:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — If the Medicine Hat Tigers handed out a transformation award each fall, forward Bryan Lockner would, without a doubt, win it this year.

The Tigers newly named alternate captain put in countless hours in the gym and on the ice over the summer. The result? A drop in 25 lbs along with an addition of muscle mass to his 6’1″ frame.

“I was probably training three times a day,” said the 18-year-old winger, now weighing in under 190 lbs. “I’d workout in the morning, skate, then another workout. I think those changes are going to be huge for me coming into the season.”

Lockner, who was acquired by the Tigers in January in a trade involving the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades, says he feels a lot lighter on his feet with better conditioning.

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The drastic change both physically and mentally comes after scoring 14 points in 31 games wearing a Tigers sweater last year. Prior to being traded, the Windsor, Colorado product nabbed 12 points in 39 games.

Tigers head coach and GM Shaun Clouston says he’s seen Lockner’s commitment first hand, and also expects a big year out of the now-speedy forward.

“The conditioning will help him get less tired, and I think that’s a major part of it,” said Clouston. “We want to be fresh and be able to go hard in third periods when other teams tire out a little big. I think Locks has done a great job and prepared himself to have a real good season.”

Where he may have lacked in scoring previously, Lockner made up for in physicality. The third round bantam draft pick from 2015 chalked up 44 PIM last season, but insists the weight loss hasn’t affected his grinder-style play.

“I kind of play a big-body style, but I thought I was just a little too heavy,” he continued. “I think I need to be quicker, and just the way this league is and the way hockey is, you need to be quick on your feet. I thought losing that extra poundage would help me out with that.”

It’s clear Lockner is taking the upcoming campaign seriously. He’s put in the work over the last three months, and has his sights set on a breakout season in Medicine Hat.

Much of his off-season was spurred on by the results of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Lockner’s name wasn’t called, nor was he invited to any of the 31 NHL rookie orientation camps.

“I think it’s a big year for me obviously. My name didn’t go in the draft, so I think I really have to redeem myself here,” he said.

On top of Lockner’s new-found speed and conditioning, comes a heavier reliance on his leadership traits. He left a clear impression with the Tigers coaching staff and the rest of the leadership group after joining the club in January, earning an “A” on his sweater for the upcoming campaign.

“I think I got into a big role starting on the first line,” he said, recalling his first game with the Tigers, where he was named third star after scoring a goal in a 3-2 win over Saskatoon. “It was great because in Regina I didn’t play that much. Shaun and the coaching staff really believed in me coming here. I stepped into that role, and I think there are a lot more expectations for me. I think it’s going to be good.”

Lockner and the rest of the Tabbies open the regular season on September 21st in Lethbridge.