Jade Downie-Landry outlined her intensive training regimen and reflected on connecting with young fans during her appearance at the VITA Festival in Montreal, held on September 18 and 19, as she prepares for the upcoming hockey season with the Victoire de Montréal.
Summer Preparation Routine with the Victoire de Montréal
Following a short break of two or three weeks at the conclusion of the previous season, players with the Victoire de Montréal quickly resume a demanding workout schedule. Jade Downie-Landry noted that athletes are back in the gym and on the ice four or five times per week. The summer training period relies heavily on consistency, with players maintaining their individual routines to ensure they arrive at training camp in top condition.
Individual Development Before Training Camp
As the training camp approaches, Downie-Landry’s daily routine changes very little, though the focus remains entirely personal rather than team-based. While several players spend their summers in Montreal, they do not train as an integrated unit during the off-season. Instead, athletes use the time to hone specific skills on the ice and build strength in the gym.
It’s just to get better on your own. What can you improve on the ice, but also in the gym. We focus on that, Downie-Landry explained regarding the individualized nature of summer workouts.
Connecting with Young Fans at the VITA Festival
Away from her workouts, Downie-Landry made a notable appearance at the VITA Festival in Montreal, which ran on September 18 and 19. During her hour on site, she was greeted by a long line of children eager to meet a professional athlete. She expressed surprise at the scale of the festival and its lively atmosphere.
At first, they came to see me, and then they were like: You’re a professional hockey player!, and you could see it in their eyes, and they were shining.
Promoting Physical Activity for Families
The festival served as a platform to encourage sports and physical activity among families and young spectators. Downie-Landry noted that seeing the influx of young attendees underscored the vital role female professional athletes play in inspiring the next generation of sports participants.
Balancing Development and Mentorship
Frédéric Lebeuf contributed coverage of her appearance as a special collaborator, highlighting how professional sports figures interact with local youth.