Cal Foote and Kole Lind were busy over the past few days as things really ramp up in the lead up to the 2017 NHL entry draft on June 23rd and 24th.
Foote and Lind, who are both projected first round picks, were two of 104 players that attended the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo.
The combine puts the top draft prospects through a series of physical tests as all 31 NHL teams look on and take notes.
"It was an awesome week," said Foote. "The first interview process was a little nerve-racking but as the week went on, it was very fun."
Both Rockets fared well, as Foote ranked in the top 25 in five of the 14 fitness tests, while Lind was in the top 25 of four of the 14 tests.
For Foote, he was tied for third in aerobic fitness with a test duration time of 16 minutes and seventh in agility and balance: pro agility left with a time of 4.5.
Foote also ranked 12th in anthropometry: wing span, 14th in agility balance: pro agility right and 21st in aerobic fitness: VO2max.
“The testing went really well for me,” said Foote. “I did good in some tests and poorly in other, but overall I’m happy with my scores.”
Lind cracked the top 10 in one category, tying for 10th in the musculoskeletal: right hand grip test with a score of 144 lbs.
He also ranked 14th in anaerobic fitness: fatigue index, 16th in aerobic fitness: test duration and 21st in musculoskeletal: left hand grip.
"Obviously with only being out for three weeks I wasn't able to prepare myself as well as some of the others,” explained Lind, who said he surprised himself a bit at the combine. “It was really good though, I'm glad that I did well on those tests but I feel I can still improve my strength."
The combine also offers NHL teams a chance to speak with and interview the draft prospects and there was a lot of interest in talking to the pair of Rockets.
Lind spoke to 27 of the league’s 31 teams, while Foote said he chatted with more than 20 teams.
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