Canes Country's Guide to the Hurricanes Training Camp: Group A

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 17, 2010 11:29 AM EDT

Meet Group A: Levi, Bellemore, Blanchard, Staal, Nash,Murphy, Jordan, Borer, Chaput, Dodge, Dalpe, Skinner, Pogge, Lawson, Fitzgerald,McKenzie, Terry, Kennedy, Rissanen, Sanguinetti, Samson, Osala, Matsumoto. (collage by hockeymom, using cropped photos by LTD and Sandpiper214)

My count down clock says 30 minutes till Training Camp starts for the 2010-11 Carolina Hurricanes. Today they get their physicals, their pictures taken and do conditioning tests. Tomorrow, at 9:00 AM sharp, the first group of skaters, among them the newest faces of the franchise, takes the ice at the RBC Center. Raleigh, North Carolina: meet "Group A".

The Canes put out their list of invitees Thursday night following the final game in Traverse City, as the young Canes won the contest in double-overtime, on a goal by Jeff Skinner with the assist from Zac Dalpe. If you've been reading here the last month, you know those names very well. But if you're wondering about some of the other less-than-household names, or wondering what's new since last April, Canes Country is here to help.

After the jump, take a look at the Canes Country Guide to Training Camp. And, just like we did for Prospects Camp, we've also set up a downloadable .pdf version of Canes Country's Guide to Training Camp for you to print out and take with you as you head to the RBC tomorrow for the first On-Ice practice of the 2010-11 season. Last, don't forget our new feature this season, the Canes Country Calendar. It's always there in the left column of the front page, loaded with all the details and links on when, who, and where for all practices and games throughout the season.

Group A

A quick census of Group A:

Twenty-three players: 13 Forwards, 8 Defensemen, 2 Goaltenders.

Age: This group is an average age of 22 years, 4 months. Jeff Skinner is the youngest at 18 years, 4 months; Zack Fitzgerald is the oldest, at 25 years, 3 months. Birthday trivia: Bobby Sanguinetti, like Cam Ward, is a "Leap Day" baby, born February 29, 1988 (four years after Ward).

Nationality: 15 were born in Canada, 5 in the US (all defensemen - coincidence?), and there are 3 European-born players.

Height: Brett Bellemore and Jared Staal are the tallest, listed at 6' 4". Three players show up at the "vertically challenged" end of the roster, standing 5'-10" tall: Jeff Skinner, Chris Terry and Nick Dodge.

Weight: According to the numbers available now, Jared Staal is heaviest at 210 lbs. and Goaltender Mike Murphy is the lightest at 165 lbs. Since they are weighing in today, after a summer of weight management and training, I suspect these numbers are subject to change.

Our downloadable .pdf version: With photos and few more familiar names, it's ready to print-and-go. Here's the link once more: Canes Country's Guide to 2010 Training Camp

GROUP "A" (as of 9/17/10)

#	NAME , HT/WT, DOB & Birthplace	how acquired, 09/10 Team, Contract	Notes
FORWARDS
18	JON MATSUMOTO	Trade w/PHI	Acquired at the 2010 draft for a 5th round pick; AHL All-star in 2010; Leading scorer for the Flyers affil. Has never played an NHL game in 3 yrs as pro.
	6' 0", 184 lbs	Adirondack (AHL)
	10/13/1986	Adirondack (AHL)
	OTTAWA, ON, CAN	2-Way
22	ZAC DALPE	07 - 2nd rnd	Leading scorer at OSU before joining Albany in March. Scored 8 points (6 G + 2 A) in his 9 games with the Rats. A standout at Traverse City tourney.
	6' 1", 195 lbs	Ohio State/ Albany
	11/1/1989	Ohio State/ Albany
	PARIS, ON, CAN	2-Way
23	RILEY NASH	Trade w/EDM	A first round pick in 2007, acquired for 2nd round pick in LA. Played 3 years at Cornell. Centered 2nd line at Traverse City.
	6' 1", 191 lbs	Cornell Univ
	5/9/1989	Cornell Univ
	CONSORT, AB, CAN	2-Way
32	OSKAR OSALA	Trade w/WAS	Acquired in Joe Corvo trade. Has only 3 NHL games, after 2 seasons w/Hershey and Albany.
	6' 4", 219 lbs	Hershey/ Albany
	12/26/1987	Hershey/ Albany
	VAASA, FIN	2-Way
34	JARED STAAL	Trade w/PHX	Youngest of 4 Staal brothers, the 'Yotes 2nd rd pick in 08; Contributed a goal + couple assists in Traverse City
	6' 4", 210 lbs	Sudbury / San Antonio
	8/21/1990	Sudbury / San Antonio
	THUNDER BY, ON, CAN	2-Way
45	MATT KENNEDY	09 - 5th rnd	Captained the Traverse City team w/5 point night vs CBJ; his 2nd trip to Trav City. Invited to 2010 OHL All-star Game.
	6' 2", 202 lbs	Guelph/ Barrie (OHL)
	3/4/1989	Guelph/ Barrie (OHL)
	RICHMOND H, ON, CAN	2-Way
53	JEFF SKINNER	10 - 1st rnd	The Canes 1st pick in '10, among top goal scorers in OHL (20 G in 20 GM in playoffs). Clutch in Trav City. Will he sign a contract or return to Kitchener?
	5'10", 182 lbs	Kitchener Rangers
	5/20/1992	Kitchener Rangers
	MARKHAM, ON, CAN	None
54	STEFAN CHAPUT	06 - 5th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	6' 0", 190 lbs	Albany	Albany: 75 games, 10 G, 28 A, 38 P
	3/11/1988	Albany
	MONTREAL, QC, CAN	2-Way
58	CHRIS TERRY	07 - 5th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	5' 10", 190 lbs	Albany	Albany: 80 games, 17 G, 30 A, 47 P
	4/7/1989	Albany
	BRAMPTON, ON, CAN	2-Way
61	MIKE McKENZIE	undrafted	A surprise invitee after a successful showing at Traverse City. Signed AHL/ECHL with Checkers in July. Follow him on twitter: @MikeMcKenzie11
	6' 0", 175 lbs	St Lawrence Univ
	4/29/1986	St Lawrence Univ
	WHITBY, ON, CAN	None at NHL
65	NICK DODGE	06 - 5th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	5' 10", 185 lbs	Albany	Albany: 80 games, 16 G, 20 A, 36 P
	5/1/1986	Albany	Captain of ~~Carlton~~ Clarkson University Team
	OAKVILLE, ON, CAN	2-Way
71	JEROME SAMSON	UFA (2007)	09-10 stat line:
	6' 0", 195 lbs	Albany/ Carolina	Albany: 74 games, 37 G, 41 A, 78 P
	9/4/1987	Albany/ Carolina	Carolina: 7 games, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P
	GREENFD PK, QC, CAN	2-Way	Among AHL's Leading scorers
72	NICOLAS BLANCHARD	05 - 6th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	6' 3", 200 lbs	Albany	Albany: 78 games, 14 G, 8 A, 22 P
	5/31/1987	Albany	and don't forget 171 PIM
	GRANBY, QC, CAN	2-Way

DEFENSEMEN
24	BOBBY SANGUINETTI	Trade w/NYR	Acquired for a 6th rnd and '11 2nd rnd picks. A fast skater and great puck handler, is he ready for the NHL? Two-time AHL All Star, fastest skater at skills competition
	6' 3", 190 lbs	Hartford Wolfpack
	2/29/1988	Hartford Wolfpack
	TRENTON, NJ, USA	2-Way
47	MICHAL JORDAN	09 - 3rd rnd	Czech captain at 2010 World Juniors; Played in Traverse City in both 09 and 10.
	6' 1", 186 lbs	Plymouth Whalers
	7/17/1990	Plymouth Whalers
	ZLIN, CZE	2-Way
51	AUSTIN LEVI	10 - 3rd rnd	Young, skates well, has good size; "Stay at home" Dman; invited following good showing at Trav City. Teammate w/Jordan and Terry in Plymouth.
	6'3", 192 lbs	Plymouth Whalers
	2/16/1992	Plymouth Whalers
	COLUMBUS, OH, USA	None
55	CASEY BORER	04 - 3rd rnd	09-10 stat line:
	6' 2", 205 lbs	Albany/ Carolina	Albany: 30 games, 1 G, 8 A, 9 P
	7/28/1985	Albany/ Carolina	Played 2 games for Canes last season. Fought back bravely from knee, neck surgeries. Finally at 100%.
	MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA	2-Way
62	RASMUS RISSANEN	09 - 5th rnd	Finnish player who has been playing in WHL in Everett Washington. Defensive Dman who was invited following Trav City.
	6'2", 202 lbs	Everett Silvertips
	7/13/1991	Everett Silvertips
	KUOPIO, FIN	None
63	ZACK FITZGERALD	UFA, 2009	09-10 stat line:
	6' 2", 205 lbs	Albany	Albany: 77 games, 2 G, 12 A, 14 P
	6/16/1985	Albany	Led all AHL players in 09-10 with a whopping 311 Penalty minutes in his first season with Albany.
	TWO HARBORS, MN, USA	2-Way
68	KYLE LAWSON	05 - 7th rnd	Was +/- leader for Canes at Trav City; went to NCAA Finals in 08, joined ALB for 10 games last March when college career complete.
	5' 11", 192 lbs	Notre Dame / Albany
	1/11/1987	Notre Dame / Albany
	SOUTHFIELD, MI, USA	2-Way
73	BRETT BELLEMORE	07 - 6th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	6' 4", 205 lbs	Albany	Albany: 75 games, 1 G, 6 A, 7 P
	6/25/1988	Albany
	WINDSOR, ON, CAN	2-Way

GOALTENDERS
31	JUSTIN POGGE	Trade w/ANA	Injured at Albany in March shortly after trade from Anaheim (A Ward deal). Hoping for a fresh start after already playing for 3 clubs in career. U-20 Gold Medal in 06.
	6' 3", 204 lbs	San Antonio / Albany
	4/22/1986	San Antonio / Albany
	FT. MCMURRAY, AB, CAN	2-Way
70	MIKE MURPHY	08 - 6th rnd	09-10 stat line:
	5' 11", 165 lbs	Albany	Albany: 20 games, 10-9-0
	1/15/1989	Albany	2.81 GAA, .924 SV%
	KINGSTON, ON, CAN	2-Way	Great work at Traverse City Tournament last 2 years.

Keep in mind, each player's group assignment is subject to change on a daily basis, and you can read into those coaching decisions as much significance as you want - that's the interesting part. At the beginning, it appears Group B is the NHL group, and Group A will either return to their Junior team or play in Charlotte. But, as we've been discussing for weeks, all bets are off on where it will all fall out in the next two weeks. I guarantee there will be moves involving the players named above, and it's gonna be some kind of fun to follow.

The Canes Country Calendar is new section we've set up this season to check on the schedule for games, practice and fan events, including relevant links. The first pre-season game is next Tuesday, September 21 at 7pm, when the Canes host the Florida Panthers. There are three more games in rapid-fire succession from there (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) , with the cut off for assignment to AHL teams without any waivers required coming on Saturday, September 25.

Group A practices are as follows for the next week:

Date	Time	Place
Sat, Sep 18, 2010	9:00am	RBC
Sun, Sep 19, 2010	11:00am	RecZone
Mon, Sep 20, 2010	9:00am	RBC
Tue, Sep 21, 2010	GAMEDAY	RBC
Wed, Sep 22, 2010	11:00	RBC
Thu, Sep 23, 2010	GAMEDAY	RBC
Fri, Sep 24, 2010	GAMEDAY	RBC
Sat, Sep 25, 2010	GAMEDAY	RBC
Sun, Sep 26, 2010	Team Practice	RecZone
Mon, Sep 27, 2010	[golf tourney]

If you can't make it to Raleigh, you should be able to check it out on the RBC's webcam which updates still images every minute.

Finally, I'll be posting the "Group B" roster and table later this afternoon. See you tomorrow!

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Comments

Here's the webcam from RBC which will update live.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 17, 2010 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

How frequently does this refresh?

www.prosportsblogging.com

by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 17, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

It doesn’t automatically refresh but they take a new photo every 60 seconds. Whenever you come to this page you’ll get the latest image. Refresh page again to see it update.

Not sure what’s happening now at 7pm. Bunch of people out there on the ice skating.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 17, 2010 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Fantastic Work

HMof2: that program is fantastic. Thanks for all the hard and excellent work.

by abramsdoug on Sep 17, 2010 11:43 AM EDT reply actions

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO CLOSE NOW! YAY!

"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.

by Tachi828 on Sep 17, 2010 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

very nice job HM!

Editing Manager of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Sep 17, 2010 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Dodge

…was the captain at Clarkson, not Carlton, University.

by king_lerxst on Sep 17, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Very true. Thanks for the pickup! Fixed.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 17, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you

Awesome job!

by Hockeydog on Sep 17, 2010 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

We the little People

of the Caniac nation…Salute You !! Great job HM…we thank you…

And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
That Checkers 3rd Sweater ROCKS !!!

by CaniacSteve on Sep 17, 2010 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

Now on to the predictions for Group A

Like some I have not seen any of these guys play much or at all. I have read articles and/or scouting reports on most of them. My predictions may not be as educated as some who have had more exposure to these players and thus may be more insightful than mine, but I’ll chip in my 2 cents now.
I think a real sleeper in this bunch up front is Matsumoto. He’s been a pro for 3 years, acquitted himself well in the AHL, and at 24 should be mostly physically mature. Whether he was really just stuck behind a logjam of great centers in the Flyers org. or not, he has to be chomping at the bit with this opportunity. All the talk is around Nash, Dalpe, and Skinner because they are shiny new, but none has attended a pro camp yet- although Dalpe stepped right in at the AHL level once his NCAA career was over. I do think Nash will earn a center spot, but my prediction is that Matsumoto will get the other. At some point if Skinner shows he’s a keeper as an NHL center E. Staal would be free to slide to wing, which I think he’ll do at some point in his career. Honorable mention in this category to me would be Kennedy. He has good size and did well this week. Outside shot to J. Staal. His size is attractive, but is his game ready?
My defensive sleeper is Sanguinetti for many of the same reasons as I think Matsumoto is. If he can supplement his skating and puck handling with some solid play in his own end he could swipe a spot.
Like I said, I just wanted to start some conversation here. Many of these guys have little or no experiance at this level, so it’s hard to predict how they can handle it. The bulk are players who will be NHL’rs here at some point.

by Hockeydog on Sep 17, 2010 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

I think Matsumoto will surprise some and will end up being our 4th line center to start the season. I think Nash will start and play most of the season in the A. Dalpe will continue to impress and win the 3rd line center spot, but as the season goes along he will work his way into the top 6 as a wing. I also can’t see Skinner moving Staal out of the 1st line center spot. Staal’s more effective IMO when he can play more of the ice and wing somewhat limits that with our current system. I think Skinner will impress, but I still feel he will probably be sent back to Juniors.

Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!

by PackPride17 on Sep 17, 2010 6:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Predictions

I think we all will have a better idea what the lines will look like as training camp starts and the pre-season games start. Based on what I’ve seen and read thus far, I feel strongly that Boychuk will stick with the team out of training camp. I think Dalpe will be the third line center and that Skinner will be kept at Carolina. I had assumed Nash would take the fourth line center; but I am not as certain at the moment. The decision to sign O’Sullivan does add some lack of visibility to the situation. If O’Sullivan is ready to play Hurricanes hockey, he will make the team; but if he plays loose defense and makes poor choices with the puck in his own end, I think he’ll be relegated to the AHL. Tlusty’s knee injury also adds some lack of visibility. If Tlusty is well, the position is his to lose. The Hurricanes are unlikely to have all their top nine forwards play the entire 82 game season if history is any guide.

I am looking forward to seeing the practice tomorrow; and am hoping to get to see Sunday’s practice as well. I agree that Matsumoto cannot be discounted. Dwyer, too, has not been getting huge press, but he did well last season.

by abramsdoug on Sep 17, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

HMof2: I <3 you! This is way too awesome! Thank you!

"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."

Count Down to the Hurricanes '10-'11 Season!

by Cyn4Canes on Sep 18, 2010 12:02 AM EDT reply actions

This list of players made me drool a bit

I don’t think Charlotte realizes the huge jump in quality of hockey they’re going to be seeing, going from the ECHL to a loaded AHL team. On a side note, I’d love for Staal the Younger to turn out to be the big front of the net garbage winger that we need.

by pancanbra on Sep 18, 2010 8:10 AM EDT reply actions