Hockey Returns to Raleigh: Carolina Hurricanes Players Begin Pre-Camp Skates

The start of the 2012-13 NHL season may be up in the air, but for sixteen Carolina Hurricanes players, today's purpose was without question: time to get back on the ice with the team.

Newest Cane Jordan Staal joined brothers Eric and Jared at Raleigh Center Ice today for the start of informal pre-camp skates. Also representing the forward ranks were Zac Dalpe, Patrick Dwyer, Chad LaRose, Andreas Nodl, Anthony Stewart, and Jiri Tlusty. Joe Corvo, Justin Faulk, Tim Gleason, Jay Harrison, and Joni Pitkanen rounded out the defense, and Justin Peters and Cam Ward were in net.

(Cam Ward and Justin Peters are sporting shiny new gear)

Local fans affectionately call the informal skates "Camp Brind'Amour" in honor of the former captain who ran the practices for several years, but today Chad LaRose and Jay Harrison called the shots. The skate was brief but intense and lasted a little under an hour. It was mainly an opportunity to get back into the swing of practice with a few skating and passing drills broken up with conditioning sprints.

(All decked out in red - newest Hurricane Jordan Staal)

(Zac Dalpe with a long drive yesterday to make in into town early to begin fighting for a roster spot)

(a welcome rest, and a couple of laughs, between Anthony Stewart, Justin Faulk, and Jiri Tlusty)

• Here is my full photo album from today's skate on flickr: 2012 Pre-Camp Skate

• Micheal Smith posted a report at the Hurricanes website: First Day of Informal Skates Marks Unofficial Start of Hockey Season

• As well, Chip Alexander from the N&O filed this report: Canes take ice hoping for best, bracing for worst

Both articles include quotes from the players.

The informal practices will continue at Raleigh Center Ice at 10:30 am daily until training camp starts. Practices are open to the public.