For most 22-year-olds summertime is all about rest and relaxation but then P.K. Subban isn’t like most 22-year-olds. With a hectic summer schedule packed with training and split between Toronto and Montreal, it’s clear the Habs’ phenom former-rookie has his sights set on a big sophomore year with the Canadiens.

PHOTO CREDIT - Canadiens.com

Montreal - Aug. 2, 2011 - For most 22-year-olds summertime is all about rest and relaxation but then P.K. Subban isn’t like most 22-year-olds.

With a hectic summer schedule packed with training and split between Toronto and Montreal, it’s clear the Habs’ phenom former-rookie has his sights set on a big sophomore year with the Canadiens. That said, Subban proved yet again that he’s never too busy to give a little back, stopping by the Canadiens Hockey School Wednesday morning to spend some time with the young fans and talk about his time off.

P.K. Subban at the Hockey School

“It’s been great. I live in Toronto during the summer so I’ve coming back and forth between there and Montreal for appearances and stuff. But on the whole, my summer’s mostly been a lot of training, a lot of rest and recovery and treatments to get ready for the season,” explained Subban. “I can’t believe how fast the summer’s flying by. August is right around the corner and that’s going to fly by too and then the next thing you know you’re moving into your place to start the season.”

After making waves around the league in his first full NHL campaign with the Canadiens, Subban is looking forward to entering the 2011-12 season - and the training leading up to it - a little older and a little wiser.

“One thing I learned last year is to take the off-season and really get your body in the best shape possible. The wear and tear of the season is eventually going to grind your body down, but the more you can build it up now, the easier time you’re going to have during an 82 game season,” pointed out Subban who will be looking to eclipse last year’s haul of 38 points in 77 games this the upcoming season. “As a young guy I’m just trying to get stronger and stronger everyday. Doing that is what’s going to enhance my ability on the ice and let me play at a high level every night.”

While the young Habs’ defenseman did manage to get away for a short time during his break, it was ultimately for a good cause. Rather than hitting up any number of possible vacation destinations, Subban instead opted to travel to Haiti where he spent time along with George Laraque, visiting with patients at Grace Children's Hospital in Port au Prince.

“The only trip I took this summer was my trip to Haiti but it was definitely a highlight in terms of what I was able to learn from it. The trip was a very positive thing for myself and I think for a lot of my family and friends,” expressed Subban who visited the earthquake ravaged country on behalf of Hockey for Haiti sponsored by World Vision Canada. “It brought a lot of important awareness to people around me. The summer’s been really full of a lot of great stuff but I really think that was the most constructive thing I did.”

With the summer months already beginning to wind down, Subban plans to continue his prep work for the upcoming season while still staying in touch with as many other Habs as possible.

“I actually just got back from New York - Max Pacioretty just got married this weekend - and I was also able to catch up with Yannick Weber a few weeks back when he was in town for the hockey school. I’ve obviously been able to see Mike Cammalleri around Toronto and Mathieu Darche back here when I’ve been working out,” added Subban.

“I also keep in close touch with Hal Gill, we’re always exchanging text messages. I think it’s definitely safe to say that everyone’s ready to start getting back into the swing of the season, winning some hockey games and hopefully winning the championship.”

Justin Fragapane is a writer for canadiens.com.