(Tempe, Arizona) All paths to the National League are different. The cliché is overused, but in the case of Quebecer Carl Bombardier, it is more true than for anyone.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
Carl Bombardier is the 32-year-old full-time nutritionist for the Arizona Coyotes. His way to the NHL, he went through the NFL, AAA baseball and — why not? – New Zealand.
“One thing I like a lot here is that hockey is my passion, compared to other sports. I’m lucky. The culture of hockey is good, the guys don’t take themselves for another. In the NFL, it’s different, the players have their entourage. Russell Wilson has his own boss! »
But here at the Coyotes facilities, no one has their own boss, and everyone relies on his good advice.
Four or five meals a day
On a day-to-day basis, his mandate is to provide four meals for the players on match days at home, five on the road.
When we meet after the Coyotes’ morning practice on Friday, he’s busy handing out the “pre-game meal,” the second of four meals. The first is lunch before training.
The third is the ” snack pre-game”. “Oatmeal, energy balls, fruit, protein bars,” he says. That, I always leave open because the guys can get hungry during the game. »
There remains the post-match meal. That evening, a Mediterranean menu is planned, including lamb. In general, he sticks to “clean” meals, but to keep his players happy, he has to plan for cheating, especially when it’s time off the next day.
“Guys still love pizza!” he recalls. In Columbus, it was the last game of the trip, so we had pizza and wings. But there are always guys who like to eat “clean”, so I can’t just do a “cheat day”! »
In general, this menu will be concocted from what the arena can offer, but also by organizing a delivery from a local restaurant. In Montreal, two weeks ago, the players were treated to the famous Bell Center hot dogs.
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Carl Bombardier
“If I want to keep my job, I have to order some! The Bell Center also provided grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes and short ribs. They make good food. And we brought in from La Medusa, for pizzas and tortellini. »
Rich background
A native of Valcourt, Bombardier quickly understands that if he wants to reach the NHL, it won’t be as a player. He therefore turned to the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he could still play, but in a Division III program.
Studying to become both a nutritionist and physical trainer, he then headed to the University of Utah for a master’s degree in sports nutrition. This is where it starts to unravel.
Here, a little work with the sports programs of the university. There, a boost to the Salt Lake City Bees, AAA club of the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2017, a former student of one of his teachers got a job with the Oakland Raiders. “He calls my teacher, he says he needs an intern for the year. I had experience with football teams in Utah. I did three interviews and I got the job “, he says.
In the winter of 2018, his internship was over, and the option to work for the Pittsburgh Pirates presented itself. But New Zealand is on his mind.
“I’ve always wanted to play pro hockey outside of North America. I also play rugby, so there I could do both. And I was coaching athletes. I knew that if I didn’t make it there, I would never have my chance. »
Six months later, it’s back to North America, where he walks again, this time in American universities, notably at Texas Tech. But soon after his arrival, head coach Kliff Kingsbury was hired by the Arizona Cardinals. The new administration will not retain his services.
Here he is with the Seattle Seahawks, in the fall of 2021, for a consultant contract. But his name is starting to circulate. At the Coyotes, the new general manager, Bill Armstrong, intends to set up a sports science department. He therefore asks for a list of the best nutritionists on the market.
We did our research, and Carl was one of the top five candidates. What I liked about him is that he comes from the hockey world, it’s his passion. But on top of that, he’s worked with NFL teams, which is impressive.
Bill Armstrong, Coyotes general manager
Its mandate is broad. In addition to the Coyotes, he must make a few trips to Tucson, where the school club plays, while giving a boost – often from a distance – to the hopes of the organization scattered everywhere.
“We work in parallel. Him, it’s to put gas in the tank. Me, it’s to burn the gas! image André Tourigny, head coach. Often guys will make a comment to her about their energy level or because they want pasta on the plane, for example. The advantage with him is that he is close to the players, he has a good feel. I can ask her how the guys are doing. »
“He makes sure we have access to what we need,” says defender Josh Brown. If you need help, if you want to count your proteins, your carbohydrates, your lipids, he will help you do it. »
” He is the best “
“I need a lot of calories for a season, otherwise I lose weight,” says forward Nick Bjugstad. And he always has options for us. I always tell him he’s the best in the league. This year at camp, I gained weight and I really needed it. Bomber is really important to me. »
Note that the Coyotes are one of the few teams to employ a full-time nutritionist. Typically, this is a role held by consultants. The Coyotes are often criticized for their lack of resources, but in this case, it’s hard to blame them.
“We knew we had several draft picks coming up. Now we have to develop them, recalls Tourigny. The organization makes a very good investment in fitness, nutrition and sports science. »
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