It seems odd to say that the biggest focus for 6-foot-7, 220-pound Jachym Kondelik this summer was to get stronger, but it’s true. He wanted to be able to utilize his size more effectively and be more explosive on his skates.

“I grew [six inches] two years in a row, but now I haven’t gotten taller the past two years so my training this summer was about adding weight and getting stronger and used to my body,” the just-turned-19-year-old Czech native explained. “Between the start of the summer and the end, I felt like a completely different hockey player because I’m stronger and faster and it’s really helped boost my confidence too.”

Currently, Kondelik is putting his new found speed and strength to work while representing his home country at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancou