Camp Is A Wrap: The Future Looks Bright
by Bob Wage on Jul 11, 2010 4:18 PM EDT
23 comments
Fans of the Carolina Hurricanes had a chance to glimpse at the future of the franchise these past four days at the Rec Zone and it would be very surprising if any fans left feeling disappointed.
First round draft pick Jeff Skinner was everything as advertised, if not more. Second rounder Justin Faulk looked solid. Riley Nash, who was acquired from Edmonton via trade, seemed to be ready to move up to the next level. Justin Shugg looked like an absolute steal as a fourth round pick.
The list goes on and on as each of the prospects had their positive moments in camp.
The Hurricanes staff tutored the prospects about what they needed to do to become professionals, including proper physical training, on ice techniques, and even tips about what they should eat.
It's not everyday these players can get input from a Hall of Famer like Ron Francis. USA Hockey Hall of Fame member Tom Barrasso also participated, as did Glen Wesley, Rod Brind`Amour, Jeff Daniels, and Paul Strand.
Now it's up to each of the prospects to take what they learned and make it work for them personally. Looking at past results, only about 19% of all players drafted end up playing in the NHL. The odds are against these players, but the final verdict is up to each and every one of them. They each have the tools to make it if they fully apply themselves.
(Prospects celebrate goal during on-ice portion of 2010 conditioning camp.)
The prospects bonded a bit as camp wore on. Skinner appeared to step forward as group leader, more so because of his personality than by his standing in the draft.
Paul Branecky got this quote from him on Saturday.
"We’ve got a great bunch of guys here that are all working hard," said Skinner. "When you go through something like this that’s so tough and demanding physically and mentally, it’s good to try to have a bit of a laugh and keep it fun."
The team's first round pick showed a zest for the game and a competitive edge that sets him apart from most players. Yes, the Canes look like they have a very special athlete in Jeff Skinner, a player who scored more goals in the same league than highly acclaimed and much hyped first overall pick Taylor Hall.
Fans also got their first up close look at Jared Staal, youngest brother of the Staal clan. "Staal the Younger" is certainly easy to notice on the ice as his imposing figure can't be missed. I asked Staal if he was surprised about the trade that sent him from Phoenix to Carolina.
"Well, my agent was initially talking to Phoenix regarding a contract and for whatever reason, things really didn't work out", said the 19-year-old. "But the end result of me being traded to Carolina is not a bad thing at all, so I'm very excited about the opportunity and happy to be here."
When asked how camp has been for him, Staal replied, "I have learned a lot but what has impressed me the most is that you get treated very well here. They really care about their players, which is huge. They pay attention to what you are doing on the ice, off the ice, and everything that it takes to be a pro. So I'm just soaking in as much as I can."
It will be interesting to see how his development progresses the coming year.
The youngsters now go home for a bit of rest, but many of them will gather together again in September for the Traverse City Tournament, an event the Hurricanes prospects won last season. Later, we will look at who participated in last year's tournament and who will most likely be selected to attend this year.
But first, fans will be looking for Riley Nash's decision as well as other offseason business that the organization needs to tend to.
Are the Canes done signing defensemen?
(More camp photos by LTD can be found here)
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When asked how camp has been for him, Staal replied, “I have learned a lot but what has impressed me the most is that you get treated very well here. They really care about their players, which is huge. They pay attention to what you are doing on the ice, off the ice, and everything that it takes to be a pro. So I’m just soaking in as much as I can.”
I can never get enough of players complimenting the organization on how they are treated. One of my top reasons for being a proud Carolina Hurricanes fan.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Agreed. And as much as the recycling mantra gets on my nerves, it’s a pretty good indication that players love this organization.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Speaking of how the prospects were treated while they were here, I heard from a friend that they were treated to quite a lavish going-away party last night courtesy of a retired former captain and his new bride.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Wow – that’s amazing. A very kind and generous gesture. I hope the prospects got a taste of good ole Southern hospitality while they were here.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Then again...
He is getting a couple mil over the next two years not to play hockey. ;)
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Also wanted to relay the Kitchener Ranger Twitter page with a now-familiar smile seeming to jump off the page. That #53 is a keeper.
Twitter @HMof2
paul maurice
why isn’t coach mo at this thing? is he being moved out for ron francis to take the head coach job and brind’amour would be the assistant coach?
Management wants to give these kids some hope… If Maurice got his grubby fingers on them they would forget what shooting the puck was in 2 days time. Hopefully he won’t be around by the time they are on the team.
don't think the HC runs condtioning camps historically...
I am pretty sure that the absence of the HC and GM is pretty normal. I seem to recall that happenin in the past even with Lavy. By the way, who were the goalies yesterday? Anotehr note: Levi and McNicholl impressed me along with the obvious…Skinner, Nash, and Shugg. It was funny when Jared got blanked on the shootout. The comments about it running in the family rang out omongst the crowd.
2 years to the Cup
The goalies on Saturday with 16 y.o. star Billy Christopoulos who plays with the Jr Canes and Jorge Alves.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
wait, to what degree is he a star? I went and checked his facebook page and it turns out that i played hockey with his older brothers in high school :D
To the degree that he plays goalie better than me. :0) Which isn’t saying much. But I was impressed. I actually don’t know anything about him except what I could learn by asking around at the RecZone. Cool that you played with his brothers.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
He played AAA U-16 for the Jr Hurricanes last season, and will be on their U-18 team. He went to the National Tournament (in North Dakota? maybe Illinois? ) this past spring, which was the U-16 Jr Hurricanes club’s first trip there.
Twitter @HMof2
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 12, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Keep them all ~ if possible lol.
I say keep them all in the NHL especially Skinner and Nash; we need goal scorers and we need to get back into the playoffs this upcoming season. Go Canes glad to see we have so much youth, excitement, speed, goal scoring ability, and lastly overall skill in our new draft picks. I wish them all the best and I hope they all stay or we can try and keep as many as possible on the our NHL roster this season.
Skinner needs to stay period.
Go Canes.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Jul 11, 2010 9:55 PM EDT reply actions
Chopping Block
Camp has been tight, and new faces are skating hard. One thing is certain; Justin Shugg is leading the pack and quickly showing why he has a list of OHL hardware attached to his name. Although some prospects may go either way, I think it is safe to say this is a no-brainer!
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