Maybe not a popular opinion amongst the other players or even the fans but being a professional hockey player or even a professional sportsman of any code is a job that lasts all year round and not just the playing season. By comparison to a regular job your playing career is short and there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy your hard earned savings once you retire which is more than likely going to be some time during your thirties give or take. That means that during your playing career the off season should be treated as a time of rehabilitation and honing of skills rather than an excuse to go on holiday and get out of shape. That does not mean that you go out there and go hell for leather on the practice rink because your body needs this time to recover from the rigors of the season but it is a good time to work on additional strength training and fine motor skills like stick handling.