'I'll Let You Know If It Works': Can Inviting A Horse To Development Camp Help Maple Leafs Prospects Overcome Pressure?

There's been a lot of talk lately about how much pressure there is playing in a passionate hockey market like Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs are taking a unique approach when it comes to that issue as the club's annual development camp kicked off this week. On Wednesday, Assistant GM of Player Development Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser revealed that they had a session on Tuesday about managing pressure and performance in Toronto. Maple Leafs alumnus Wendel Clark and head coach Craig Berube also addressed the group. But there was also another rather unusual guest on the docket.

"We brought in a world-class horse trainer to spend a couple of hours. Actually, we brought in a wild colt, a wild horse, to talk about how you manage emotions and how you go through handling pressure in tricky situations," Wickenheiser said. "(They're) actually using a horse. So it's going to be interesting."

A horse trainer by the name of Jeff Davis and a horse were brought in from Oklahoma, according to Wickenheiser. It's an idea that was discussed with Leafs Director of Player Development Danielle Goyette. Maple Leafs Special Advisor Shane Doan, who grew up on a farm, was also into the idea.

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The horse will not be on the ice, unfortunately. 

"We all think it's a good idea, but I'll let you know tomorrow if it works or not," Wickenheiser added.

Players like Easton Cowan, who got the nickname 'Cowboy' for growing up on the form and his work ethic, should be a natural at this session. If any of the attendees knows what it's like to deal with pressure, it's the Mount Brydges, Ontario native, who will be many will be keeping an eye on to see if he's ready to make the jump to the NHL level.

(Photo credit: certifiedclinician.com)

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