Horsepower: Coyotes Captain Seizes the Reins at Training Camp

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been a focused standout at Coyotes training camp.
It's off the ice when he, well, horses around.
Captain? Cowboy? At times, for the blue-liner, it's both.
Ekman-Larsson balances hockey passion with a love of horses. It's an off-ice hobby many fans became familiar with when he
posted a photo on his Instagram account
in March.
His equestrianism fits right into the Coyotes' return-to-play philosophy of prioritizing a balance of body and mind during the condensed schedule.
"It's about getting away from the rink and rebooting yourself," said head coach Rick Tocchet, who has provided two off days for the team through the first nine days of camp.

Coyotes captains and their love of riding is nothing new. Former captain Shane Doan also was
known for his love of horses
, as is current

.
Ekman-Larsson returned to the saddle this week.
"I grew up around horses back home (in Sweden)," he said. "My mom had a lot of horses. So, I get up north here in Scottsdale once in a while (to ride) just to clear my mind a little bit."
Social distance-wise, it's a safe activity, too, and Coyotes players have been diligent in their protocols. Every player is currently fit for practice.
"We've been really fortunate," said head coach Tocchet. "So far, where we've had pretty much everybody together, practicing together and playing together."
Ekman-Larsson skated in Sweden during the pause, and arrived at camp well conditioned.
"Oliver, over the last three or four practices, he's really set the pace," said Tocchet. "He's talking a lot and (finishing his checks) in the corners."

And he's making sure to shoot, especially as the point man on the team's top power play unit. He unleashed a bullet from the blue-line during the first special teams practice last week. It resulted in a goal.
"I could tell with (Oliver) right from the start of camp, he knows what he's got to do," Tocchet said. "And he's going to have to take that shot for us."
The second-year captain feels like he's in better shape now than when the hiatus hit in March.
"I had knee surgery right before the season started," Ekman-Larsson said. "I never really got back to 100 percent. So, (the pause) was really good for my knees, my knee is feeling 100 percent. I've been able to get stronger and faster."
Ekman-Larsson was a member of the 2012 Coyotes team that advanced to the Western Conference Finals, He became the youngest defenseman

during that run, in Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson scores the first goal of Game 6.
He knows the intensity of playoff hockey.
"It just feels like a different game. Everybody feels faster, feels stronger. It's another level, and it's going to be fun to really get that feeling again."
Ekman-Larsson is the franchise leader for defensemen in games played (723) and goals (125); he is No. 2 among defensemen in points (364) and No. 5 in assists (239).
"For us to get a chance and show that we're good enough to be a playoff team, that's huge for our group," he said. "Moving forward, they're going to be tough games. We're just focused on Nashville right now. They're going to be some really fun games against a tough organization."
The team leaves for Edmonton on Sunday. And he's rearing to go.

Lead Photo Credit: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (oel23) - Instagram // Second Photo Credit: Norm Hall - Arizona Coyotes // Footer Photo Credit: Norm Hall - Arizona Coyotes