Miro Heiskanen’s Finnish Summer Includes Hard Training and His Own Hockey Camp
Jul 20, 2026 12:55 PM
Miro Heiskanen’s Finnish Summer Includes Hard Training and His Own Hockey Camp
The Dallas Star defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who just turned 27, is spending his summer in his hometown of Espoo. Located near his Espoo home is the Hypridiarena Hype training center, where Miro spends nearly all of his summer training hours. I got a unique opportunity to follow Miro’s summer training in the gym. Miro Heiskanen’s own hockey camp kicks off the following day, bringing plenty of eager players born between 2010 and 2020 to train and develop.
When I arrived at the gym, Miro Heiskanen was doing this exercise.
After the 2026 NHL season concluded, Miro Heiskanen stayed in Dallas for about another week. As per usual, Miro wanted to take a summer vacation right after the season and just rest. His early summer also included short trips, such as the FIFA World Cup in Dallas and a trip to Spain with friends. During the football trip, he was able to stay at his own home in Dallas.
Summer training called Miro right from the beginning of June. He started his training a bit lighter, and true to his style, did not hit the ice at all during the early summer. It wasn't until Midsummer that Heiskanen added ice sessions to his training program. Hypridiarena Hype, which currently serves as Miro Heiskanen’s training center, features a small rink and ice sheet in addition to the gym. In the same facility, Viima Hockey — Europe's leading individual hockey coaching organization and player development company — is also running its own training sessions.
"This training center meets the needs that I require from summer training. A good gym, a small ice sheet, and good saunas and a restaurant. On top of that, there are professional coaches and a good training group here. I can't really think of anything else I'd need."
The workouts were always structured in sets, with full recovery required after every single rep.
The running strip was around 40–50 meters long, which was enough to catch some sprints.
Miro Heiskanen set up a track for himself, looped around it first, and then sprinted all the way to the end.Miro's regular summer off-season workout
Every NHL player builds their own summer training routine. In addition to data, there are many metrics, and development is monitored with a close eye. Miro has noticed that his current template suits him well, involving roughly 5 gym sessions and 2–3 ice sessions per week. Moving toward the late summer, the number of on-ice practices is increased.
"You can't really say whether someone else's training program is good or bad. Every player has to find their own way to train. This has worked for me, as I've stayed healthy and developed. I listen to my body a lot, and that's also where I get insight into which direction the training has gone."
At the end of this morning’s workout, Miro Heiskanen is developing his speed attributes. He does quick changes of direction on the running track and pulls weights on a sled. The workouts take place in his own space, yet as part of a larger group. The coaches from Viima Hockey are there to help and support the players with their training programs.
"In Finland, we did a lot of jogging when we were younger, but over in North America, we don't do that at all anymore. All the running now is just these quick, explosive drills."
This drill consisted of long bounds.
Each week of summer training is divided into different drills. This week, the sled was loaded pretty light. It was like watching a lightweight Santa and his reindeer.
The Penguins' young up-and-coming forward, Ville Koivunen, is also in the training group. I believe he’ll secure a full-time roster spot up top next season.Miro Heiskanen Hockey Camp
Miro Heiskanen’s own hockey camp sells out every year. There are plenty of youth hockey players in Espoo for whom Heiskanen is a major role model. Heiskanen says that he gets excited about the camp and the energy of the kids every year himself. Every day, he manages to spend about 4–5 hours with the campers, and after a camp day, he feels tired but happy.
"I go and do my own workouts before the camp. When I was young, I got to participate in a few camps. However, I played football as a child, so my own summers were heavily spent around that sport."
When asked about his own role models, Miro Heiskanen mentions Finnish defenseman Kimmo Timonen. Ever since he was a young player, Heiskanen admired Timonen’s skating and offensive contributions. Among forwards, he says he watched Pavel Datsyuk’s play a lot. In Finland, many other youth hockey players admired Datsyuk’s wizardry as well.
"I get a lot of joy from seeing that the kids love being at the camp. The camp is a success when everyone is having fun and the atmosphere remains good from start to finish."
This time, Heiskanen didn't hit the ice. Even in a rink this size, there's plenty of room to do your own individual drills. At the moment, they were melting down the ice for scheduled maintenance.One Goal: The Stanley Cup
In Dallas, there is a chance to go all the way to the Stanley Cup next season as well. The team remains strong. Heiskanen does not want to talk so much about his personal goals, but puts chasing the Stanley Cup ahead of everything else. It is the biggest single goal that he wants to be moving toward. If the Dallas Stars win the Stanley Cup, Miro Heiskanen knows that he, too, has done things right.
"The Stanley Cup is the biggest goal, and that's also why I train. This summer will be a success if I can stay healthy and my body feels good after the summer. I believe I can still develop and raise my game to the next level."
Fortunately, an NHL player's summer in Finland is more than just pure training. Heiskanen also wants to see his family and friends. Even though there are plenty of events and other commitments in the calendar, the Dallas star defenseman says he also finds time to just enjoy the Finnish summer. Saunas, good food, and rest—what else does a Finn need during the summer.
The workout for the day is done. Now, there’s time for family and friends.PST! If you want more off-season content, especially from Finland, make sure to follow me on X and Instagram!
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