Top prospects working hard
Hodgson changing stride, Sauve gaining confidence

Vancouver Province: LOADED 08.24.2008

So how reasonable is it to expect Vancouver Canucks first-round draft pick Cody Hodgson to do a skating makeover in two months over the summer?

"If Tiger Woods can change his swing every two or three years, I think these kids can do anything," says Canucks director of player development Dave

Gagner. "A really good friend of mine from my playing days, James Patrick, told me he changed his skating stride in his 30s. You really have to be open-minded about it and be patient over time. It is difficult to break a habit."

Hodgson's main issues are a skating stride that needs to be longer, and acceleration. Gagner's trainers are working with him on the skating treadmill, analyzing video and giving him plenty of on-ice work.