Namita Nayyar:
The Charge had a thrilling playoff run, falling just short in the Walter Cup Finals in a series of overtime games. Reflecting on that loss to Minnesota, how does a team use that kind of heartbreak as fuel for the following season?
Brianne Jenner:
We were obviously heartbroken to not win last year but we’ve definitely used that as motivation in the offseason and this year. We can take a lot from what we learned from that experience and take a lot of confidence forward as a group that we’re capable of great things.
Namita Nayyar:
You returned from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where you served as captain in Marie-Philip Poulin’s absence and brought home a silver medal. How does this Olympic experience compare to your previous three, especially with the added perspective of being a mother and having your family there to witness it?
Brianne Jenner:
It was extra special to have my daughter in Milan for her first Olympic experience. Sharing those memories with her is something I’ll cherish for many years to come. It was disappointing to lose that final, but I feel very grateful to be a part of that team and very proud of the way we showed up in the final game.
Namita Nayyar:
Over your long career, how has your training and fitness regimen evolved? What did a workout look like for you at Cornell versus what it looks like now in your mid-30s?
Brianne Jenner:
As an athlete I try to keep learning and adding and tweaking my routines to try to find every marginal gain I can. As I’ve transitioned from being a younger athlete to one later in her career, my training has definitely evolved. In my college days it was more about building foundational strength and aerobic capacity. Now that I am older, I still have to build on that athletic foundation, but I also focus on specifics such as speed, mobility and injury prevention. As a hockey player you have to be well a well-rounded athlete, so I continue to make small shifts in my training while not losing those foundational pieces that I have built up over the course of my career.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you break down your typical workout week during the PWHL season compared to the off-season? What are the non-negotiable in your routine?
Brianne Jenner:
In a typical in-season week, usually practice 2-3 times and play 2-3 games. A few days out from games we are usually hitting a small dose of lower and upper body strength. A day or two before games we often have a speed or power session. And on game days, I usually do a morning activation with a small dose of strength and power as well as a post-game strength session. Usually after game days we try to take a rest day or some sort of active recovery day.
I would like to say that my “non-negotiable” through all of this is balancing the high workload with adequate sleep, but that is not always the case with 3 young kids. That said, my wife and I work together to try to get me as much rest as possible, which is important for my performance and recovery.
The offseason is different in that the focus is less on performance and more on building for the next season. Early in the offseason, it is about healing your body, taking care of anything nagging from the season, and priming it to make gains in the months ahead. Typically I am in the gym 5-6 times a week, but focusing on re-building my body to handle the heavier outputs that come later on. I typically do not skate in the early offseason to give my body a break.
As the offseason moves forward, training begins to focus more on power, and on-ice sessions are more frequent. I first start skating 1-2x per week, eventually building up to 4-5x per week in the 2 months before the season starts.
The best part of the offseason is that there is way less travel, so I spend a lot more time at home with my kids. Even though I am training most days, I am balancing that with family time, which is my only non-negotiable in the offseason.
Namita Nayyar:
Recovery is just as important as the workout. What does your recovery protocol look like, and how has your diet and nutrition changed to support your performance and longevity in the game?
Brianne Jenner:
Sleep and hydration are big elements in my recovery. I also like making use of saunas when possible and keeping up on my foam rolling and stretching routines. And taking time away from hockey is also important for me, enjoying time with my family.
Namita Nayyar:
You’re known for your incredibly high hockey IQ. Beyond the physical, what does your mental training look like? Are there specific exercises or routines you use to maintain focus and composure in high-pressure moments, like the longest game in PWHL history?
Brianne Jenner:
I work closely with our team’s mental performance coach (Kim Thompson). Regular check ins and planning for potential distractions is an important part of my training and game preparation.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
