If you aren't comfortable in this position...
If you haven't done thousands of dryland reps from here, you'll have to compensate in your skating stride in a way that drains power.
If you aren't strong in this position...
You can't corner effectively against high centrifugal forces, such as 300-400 pounds!!!
If you lack endurance in this position...
After 15-20 seconds, you'll skate in a weak position: stiff kness, bent at the waist, with over-use of arms.
If you can't explode from this position...
You won't be a fast skater.
Jack Blatherwick has a Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Minnesota. He is a physiologist for the Washington Capitals, and has held the same post for the Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Minnesota North Stars. He was also a coach/physiologist on the U.S. Olympic hockey teams in 1980, '84 '88, '92 and '94. Check out Blatherwick's website at http://www.overspeed.info/.