Just Another Day in Paradise: Conditioning Camp Opens
by Bob Wage on Jul 7, 2010 11:45 PM EDT
85 comments
Raleigh, N.C. The Carolina Hurricanes opened their prospect conditioning camp on Wednesday and the attendees were greeted with local temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Welcome to North Carolina!
"Good thing we didn't have to work-out outside," grinned first round draft pick, Jeff Skinner.
The seventh overall selection in last month's draft did not disappoint the several spectators who came to watch the prospects skate at the Rec Zone during the on-ice portion of training. He showed off a few nifty moves, scored a couple of slick goals, and at one point skated right over one unsuspecting defenseman, leaving him flat on the ice in his wake.
Some fans are drooling over the notion that the high scoring Kitchener center might someday skate on the same line with All Star center Eric Staal. I asked Skinner if he was strictly a center.
"I played center most of the last season," he said. "But I played wing a few times, like at the prospect game and stuff like that. I played wing half the time in my first year. I don't mind it, I prefer center, but I can play either or."
(Jeff Skinner, (in white) mixing it up during drills)
Skinner wore number 53 at Kitchener and requested the same number at camp. Since it is a bit of an unusual number, I had to ask him about that.
"I used to wear 23 growing up, but it was taken when I first got to Kitchener. My family wanted me to keep the three, and the five is similar to a two, like maybe an upside down two, so 53 worked out well and it's kind of stuck."
Maybe some season he will have 53 goals to match his number?
(Danny Biega takes a breather)
It's a Long Day!
As with past conditioning camps, the youngsters looked beat when they got to the dressing room after skating for 60 minutes during the on-ice portion of their training. Of course, head trainer Pete Friesen had already put them through their paces earlier in the day.
Third round pick Danny Biega is known for his physical conditioning and tested among the best of all athletes during the draft combine in Toronto. I asked him how the day went and how he felt about the training.
"You know, despite the good shape I think I'm in, today was still a pretty big grind. It was a long day and pretty tiring. I kind of expected that a conditioning camp would be hard, but it's exceeded expectations. It's been very hard. I just have to get some rest and come back tomorrow."
This was the Montreal native's first trip to North Carolina and he was amazed by the heat. "You just step outside, and you break into a sweat, it's amazing," he said. But he's looking forward to seeing more and learning about the area. "So far it's been great!"
(Riley Nash during a drill)
One prospect has a huge decision coming up soon.
Riley Nash needs to decide whether he wants to return to Cornell and finish his career there or sign a professional contract with the Hurricanes and try to make the team during this fall's training camp.
One way or the other, he told me he would not keep people guessing for much longer.
"I'm here to see what it's like and take in the full experience," he said. "Then I'm going to go home and decide pretty soon after that, so I don't have to keep people waiting, I know they are probably sick of this already." He smiled, "I swear I'm not doing this on purpose, I just want to make the right decision."
When asked about the trade in which the Oilers sent him to Carolina for a second round draft pick, Nash said he kind of saw it coming.
"To be honest, I wasn't all that surprised I got traded. But I was kind of surprised it was to Carolina. I heard a few teams that were interested, but not Carolina. Although, in the end I guess I should have been aware of it because Mr. Francis has spent a lot of time in Cornell scouting another player you guys drafted a couple of years ago. And his daughter goes there, so he's seen me play a lot."
He went on.
"I'm very happy that they pulled the trigger and very happy to be here."
I asked Nash to give me a breakdown of how the day went.
"We had a tough day today. We got up at about six, had some breakfast, then went over a bunch of medical clearance things. Then we had our physical testing done at the APC Center. And that wasn't too easy," he said while chuckling.
"They put us through our paces, but it was good. You really learn a lot. Those guys bring a lot of different things to the table that you aren't used to, but that's what I'm here for, to learn as much as possible." He explained further. "They test you at different things to see what you are weak at, then we will kind of build on that tomorrow. Then you can work on the areas you need to most work on. "
"Then we had some lunch and attended a seminar and we came here after doing a half an hour of stairs."
Half an hour of stairs?
"Yep, it was a tough day today."
The boys will carry on with camp three more days, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We will be watching.
(all photos by LTD. Check out the folder at this link.)
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It was awesome to see of them play. I saw a lot of talent out there today. I wonder if anyone will get to play for the canes this season in the nhl
by Elliott Farrell on Jul 7, 2010 11:49 PM EDT reply actions
As a fan I definitely wouldnt mind seeing some of them play a few games given the youth of this team…but only if it helps them. I defer to the coaching staff to know if this comment is even reasonable….and its probably not.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 8, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd say three to four have a solid chance.
In this order, I think we could see Skinner (in an early-season trial), Stall (if he impresses at Charlotte), and maybe Nash before either of them if he signs his pro contract.
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 8, 2010 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks!
what time does it start/stop tomorrow?
by SouthernHockeyNutter on Jul 8, 2010 12:48 AM EDT reply actions
I just replied below, the public on-ice sessions are at 4:45 each day at RecZone.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by LTD on Jul 8, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know anything about Biega but what I have read on canescountry, taking that into account, I think that it is awesome to hear that he found it to be a “tough day.” Goes to show that the coaches are challenging him- it doesnt seem like he pulled a “Brindy” and worked out afterwards!
Thanks for posting this info – canescountry never fails to cover everything :)
BTW- you would tell us if Skinner skated right over that defenseman and left him flat because the d-man was shocked to see an top 10 draft pick land a triple axle in full gear…right? LOL, JK
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 8, 2010 12:55 AM EDT reply actions
He was definitely one of the best out there. I’d give the O nod to Skinner and Nash on day 1, and Levi and Faulk on D.
Good deal. I hope he does well in the minor leagues, we can definitely use him whenever he is ready.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 8, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
To whom do you refer?
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 8, 2010 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/08/570511/will-lawson-be-worth-wait.html?tab=gallery&gallery=/2010/07/07/570464/canes-young-players-at-conditioning.html&gid_index=1
by Elliott Farrell on Jul 8, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
If you're making a link...
Put it in the body, not the title. That way, it’s <a href=“http:// ”http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/08/570511/will-lawson-be-worth-wait.html?tab=gallery&gallery=" target="_blank">http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/08/570511/will-lawson-be-worth-wait.html?tab=gallery&gallery=/2010/07/07/570464/canes-young-players-at-conditioning.html&gid_index=1 " >actually a link.
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 9, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoops.
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 9, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
well sometimes he seems right on the money and was playing well and others he looked a little off overall i would say he played pretty good but not the best.
Cool. Sounds like you got to see some of his talent.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 8, 2010 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions
The on-ice sessions are at 4:45 each day including Saturday.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by LTD on Jul 8, 2010 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Some Impressions from Watching the On Ice Workout
It was hard for me to get any detail to my impressions of the players because the drills were constant motion on both ends of the ice. It was great being there and great that there was a crowd watching the kids.
My overall impression of the group is extremely positive. I was surprised to see how fast as a group the prospects are. Obviously, they all know the importance of being fast and agile; but everybody in the group skated quite well. Jared Staal is really a mountain of a man. He seems about the size of Jordan Staal. I thought he skated well and seems to have good hands. In fact, one thought on the drive home was the entire group had excellent hands. I didn’t hear the sound of pucks clanking off sticks as if the puck were thrown against an oil drum. Justin Faulk impressed me with his focus and the fact that he is one physically solid and intense person. I had heard his shot was powerful and it was.
Skinner impressed me in the way approached practice; and especially any drill involving scoring. He made the most of each drill as if he were challenging himself with the game on the line. He loves to score and it shows in how hard he works in practice to score. Austin Levi is a tall, big-boned young man. He skated much better than I thought he might. He also had an excellent shot. He seems to be a person who loves playing hockey and wants badly to show he belongs. He, too, seemed very focused and intense when doing the drills. All of the kids game the impression of being people you’d like to be around. All of them were energetic and seemed to have positive attitudes. Having run endless basketball drills through college, I have seen some players dog it during practice; but not one person seemed to be taking a cruise through this practice.
I am looking forward to going back to the RecZone this afternoon to try to focus on some other players. All the defensemen struck me as agile. I was also struck by how well-coached the defensemen were in terms of positioning – even in the context of drills and not scrimmaging.
I also was impressed with the coaches. It’s a silly thing perhaps, but I think all the coaches made the young players know they were watching them closely, but wanted to help them be better hockey players. It was an attitude by the coaches body language of work hard and have fun.
OK – my 2 cents (literally)
Jarred Staal is built like a BRICK $H!T HOUSE!
Skinner is FAST & SCRAPPY/FIESTY!
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
I am now laughing out loud while at work. Thanks Dani-now I have to explain the humor in J.Staal being built in the same style as an outhouse to my co-workers.
"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."
lol…no seriously though. In most people’s eyes Staal = tall, long, lanky but not the case with Baby Huey Staal – he is huge. I don’t think i can compare him to anyone we had on the team last year. Maybe Pitaknen’s height but the body shape of Ruutu and Gleason
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
From just watching the interview with him on the news last night, he definitely looks bigger than Eric (sounds just like him though-it was kind of creepy). IMO he looks bigger than 198.
"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."
What channel? I wanna see if I can find a link to the video.
"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."
try Jason Jennings at WRAL – They did 3 stories on Camp on last night’s 11pm news. 1 – Rod at Camp, w/Comments from Ronnie Franchise, 2 – trip to Harris Teeter 3 – the kids at the Reczone
Twitter @HMof2
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 8, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Here are a few, copying/pasting from elsewhere so fingers crossed they work!
Harris Teeter:
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/hurricanes/video/7921004/
Jeff Skinner:
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/hurricanes/video/7920466/
Ron Francis:
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/hurricanes/video/7920473/
Jared Staal:
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/hurricanes/video/7920459/
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by LTD on Jul 8, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It was NBC17 at 11. I’ll look for a link.
"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."
I’m not finding a link. It really wasn’t all that different or special. They used really old footage of E.Staal (Ladd was still here!) scoring and gave the basic Staal boys’ story (backyard pond, Eric and Jared teamed up, extra motivation for Jared, etc.)
Jared said about 25 words (excited to be here, hope to make team, etc) and that was it.
"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."
Almost…ALMOST lost the coffee on that one.
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
I agree with Dani.
And Jeff Skinner (or as I’ve now dubbed him, Sk8er Boi) is doing everything he can to vie for a roster spot. Dude is all kinds of intense.
Oh, and BTW the defenseman he leveled was Tyler Stahl. I didn’t get the “before” or “during” shot, but I do see the number on the back of his helmet as he’s lying on the ice in the “after” shot.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Oh Sk8er Boi is so sticking with him as a nickname. :)
"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."
hehe – Can’t wait to see that on a poster at the glass during warm-ups :0)
"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."
Kid’s been here 1 day and you’ve tagged him already. Bravo!
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
To those folks lucky enough to be at the RecZone… could you tell in the players noticed and/or reacted to the number of crazed Caniacs watching the practice.
I hope to be there Friday and Saturday. Wouldn’t that be cool if at the end of practice on Saturday the crowd broke out in a “Let’s Go Canes!” chant!
"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."
There will be a lot of CC people there on Friday. Who’s to say the chant has to be just on Saturday?
"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."
no one… just didn’t want to interfere with camp and change anyone’s mind in the organization making them open to the public.
"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."
Hmm…good point. Well then on Saturday, I’m counting on you to cheer twice as loud since I won’t be there.
"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."
I think if we wait until after practice is over on Friday that should be ok. And I will cheer twice as loud on Saturday, too :)
"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."
Yay! It may just be because we haven’t had any hockey to watch/talk about in almost a month (!), but I am really excited to see the prospects on Friday.
"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."
They skated out to a pretty warm round of applause and cheers. I was surprised at how many people were there compared to “opening day” last year. The players seemed to appreciate it (lots of smiles) but otherwise they were rather down to business because they’re all trying to impress.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
gee i feel a wee bit
JEALOUS !!! just a wee bit now mind ya…just a wee bit !!! hehehe…Bob,LTD and to those who got to go…Thank you..this fan appriciates the efforts…really !!
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
That Checkers 3rd Sweater ROCKS !!!
Check out who’s getting some love from CH.com!
"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."
KUDOS!! Mentions of both LTD and Bob of CC. Although HockeyMom’s conditioning camp guide blows the one the Hurricanes out of the water and on to the next continent!
"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."
The Canes made one? Shows how spoiled I am-I don’t even check CH.com unless HM links it in one of her posts. Ahhhhh the good life. :)
"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."
Sundheim linked to it in that article. I’m tempted to twitter him a link to HMof2’s.
"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."
Oh I didn’t even consider that a guide. :) There aren’t even pictures on that one! :shakes head: Amateurs.
"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."
They probably didn’t like my “notes” column – they need to stay purely with the facts so as not to ruffle feathers. But thanks for the suggestion. It was my frustration with that sheet (same format as was provided at training camp in Sept) that made me realize there was considerable room for improvement.
Twitter @HMof2
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 8, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh – this is totally OT – but it as good of a place to say it as any… As of Tuesday I’m on a new team at work. The rest of my team is in Boston, I work from home here in Raleigh. Today we had our first team meeting and my new manager introduces me as “Carolina Hurricanes’ # 1 fan”. hehe – does it show that much? :)
"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."
I think you might have made your allegiance known once or twice before…. ;)
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?" -- Oddball, from Kelly's Heroes
[My Hockey Photoshops] [My Music] [Beat a Dead Horse]
by Raccoon Fink on Jul 8, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay, severely OT here but…just to show a friend at work, I clicked on your “beat a dead horse” link.
HAD to screenshot this.
I’m thinking this is NOT the answer to training problems. :P
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
LOL
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?" -- Oddball, from Kelly's Heroes
[My Hockey Photoshops] [My Music] [Beat a Dead Horse]
by Raccoon Fink on Jul 11, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
The Hurricanes icon on my work IM might have given it away… oh, and the day after winning the Cup in ’06 when I was training the Toronto office on a new app and I started the training session with a big ole pic of the Canes winning the Cup. That might have something to do with it.
"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."
Sundheim just tweeted :
“Rumor has it a Conn Smythe winner will be in net today at conditioning camp.”
Since I’m pretty sure neither Tripp or Rutherford can claim one, & I don’t suppose Barrasso wants to pack on the pads, by process of elimination means I’m almost as excited about this as the 13 kids who’ll be on the ice with them.
See ya there, folks!
Twitter @HMof2
Ugh! 4pm flu, here I come! >.>
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
Didn’t your lunch give you food poisoning.
"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."
Something like that. I hear there’s a place in Raleigh that can fix that. Pretty cold there, too.
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
What a statement for those kids to be on the ice with Francis, Barrasso, Brind`Amour, Wesley and now Ward? I can’t imagine how much of an inspiration that is to them to commit to giving their best (not just here but up until training camp) but also to see how much the organization really cares about them and is invested in them. How better to deliver the message?
I wonder if LaRose will give the “you can do anything if you put your mind to it” speech?
Twitter @HMof2
So jealous…I hope he’ll be there tomorrow.
"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."
by caniacgirl on Jul 8, 2010 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
teaser
^ LOL
Well, to tide you over just in case….
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by LTD on Jul 8, 2010 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I am speechless. You have made my day. :D
"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."
He looked great – tan and all. Doubt he’ll come out tomorrow – but I could be wrong.
(though the locker room video from the N&O is a little too close for comfort – IMO)
Twitter @HMof2
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 8, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, had to remove some photos
Elliott, I’m sorry but the photos you posted are property of the News and Observer and we do not have permission to re-post them here. Please just leave the links to them. Thanks.
Editing Manager of CanesCountry.com
oops
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/07/08/570511/will-lawson-be-worth-wait.html?tab=gallery&gallery=/2010/07/07/570464/canes-young-players-at-conditioning.html&gid_index=1
Here is the link of all the photos
by Elliott Farrell on Jul 8, 2010 11:36 PM EDT reply actions
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