Every once in a while a great opportunity presents itself and it's at that precise moment that you should really seize that opportunity and make the most of it.  This was exactly the case for the Atom AAA Toronto Marlboros.  They were given the unique opportunity to practice with Dallas Eakins, the head coach of the Toronto Marlies at the Ricoh Coliseum.

When the team arrived, their equipment was left at the entrance way of the Coliseum where it was picked up and taken to the Marlie's dressing room.  The team followed shortly thereafter and changed into their workout gear in order to prepare for a "pre-practice" dry land workout led by the Torornto Marlies Head Athletic Tharapist, Paul Ayotte. He led the team through a series of exercises to warm them up and give them an excellent workout.

After their thirty minute dry land session, the team was then ushered back to the dressing room to change into their hockey equipment and prepare for their practice with Coach Eakins.  As the team was changing, Coach Eakins led them through a preparatory "chalk talk" session to outline exactly what they would be focusing on the ice.  With a series of drawings and outlines, the Marlboros were ready to face another grueling and challenging practice… Something that they have been use to.

To start the practice, Coach Eakins split the team up in several groups and had them work on a number of skills which included stick handling, foot work, and agility. Midway through the practice Coach Eakins changed it up by running a series of flow drills that the Marlboro players enjoyed and executed to perfection.

Exhausted but feeling a great sense of accomplishment, the team completed a taxing practice with Coach Eakins and was rewarded with a fun pizza party.

This day was a day that the Toronto Marlboros would remember always.  It was truly the opportunity of a lifetime and one that the team did not take for granted.  Their hard work paid off as was apparent in the way they concluded the month of February with a series of wins.  The timing was perfect getting the team geared up for the playoffs.

Go Marlies go!!!