There's no such thing as an offseason when you're trying to break into the NHL.

Ty Rattie is back in Airdrie, working with Explosive Edge to get bigger, faster, and stronger, just days after signing an Entry Level Contract with the St. Louis Blues.

"I've been here for three years now," explains Rattie. "It really helped me last year. I had a great season, I was in a lot better shape."

Rattie, along with Regina Pat's Trent Ouelette from Drumheller, are being trained by former NHLer Dwayne Hay.

"When I heard Dwayne Hay was coming here, it was a done deal before, but hat just added to it," said Rattie.

"Lots of potential with the level they're at, right there knocking on the door of pro hockey," compliments Hay of his two students. "It's a pleasure to work with guys at this level, especially a guy reciently signing like Ty Rattie. A high profile guy that certianly has the potential to step into the NHL in the next couple years."

Rattie has been told by the Blues that he needs to work on his size, something he's not taking for granted.

"Just gain weight period is what I've been told many many times," recalls Rattie. "A lot of hard work in the gym and a lot of food. I'm good with the food, I eat a lot, but as long as I get into the gym and I'm working hard, I think I'll be fine."

"Bigger, stronger, faster," explains Hay as far as his goals are for the two players. "Week by week, month by month, want to set these guys up for success and make sure they're doing all the right things to make sure they're the best player they can be come training camp."

Explosive Edge has a state of the art gym space, with an attached 'ice' area to work on shooting. The surface is a plastic, but has the same sliding properties as ice would have with a puck. It also has a nice old barn feel to it, something these guys may not experience for too much longer.

To find out more about signing up your son or daughter into programs at Explosive Edge, check out their website at www.explosivetraining.ca.