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The Carolina Hurricanes released information yesterday regarding the Traverse City Tournament, including the expected roster. Some big names will be making the trip to northern Michigan.
Elias Lindholm, Ryan Murphy, Victor Rask, and newly signed Sergey Tolchinsky will all be there.
The remaining forwards are: Erik Karlsson, Brody Sutter, Brock McGinn, Brendan Woods, Brandon Shea, Brent Pedersen, Hunter Garlent, Zack Mitchell, Stephen Pierog, and Adam Brace. (Brace was recently signed by the Checkers.)
Joining Murphy on defense are: Danny Biega, Austin Levi, Keegan Lowe, Trevor Carrick, Beau Schmitz, and Tyler Ganly.
Daniel Altshuller will most likely see the bulk of time in net. He will be backed up by Austin Lotz.
Checkers coach Jeff Daniels will be leading the team as they get started with their first game on September 5th against the Rangers at 3:30 p.m. Next up will be the Blue Jackets on the 6th at 3:30. After that will be the Sabres on September 8th at 3:30. The team will play one more game on Monday, the 9th, to be determined.
It is good news that Karlsson will make the trip from Sweden to play because he will be missing some time from his Swedish team. When I spoke to him at the development camp, he was unsure if he would be able to make it.
This tournament is very important for most of these guys, (including Karlsson), because if they impress, they will be invited to the Hurricanes training camp.
For more information, check out Carolina Hurricanes.com.
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Checkers to play twice at PNC Arena this season
The AHL released schedules yesterday and the Charlotte Checkers will again be making a trip to Raleigh. You can take your Valentine's date to a game on Friday night, February 14th, and the team will be playing again at the PNC on Sunday, the 16th. Both games are conveniently scheduled during the Olympic break.
For more info, go to Go Checkers.com.
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NHL.com's "30 in 30"
The NHL posted the Hurricanes version of their preseason "30 in 30" feature today and it is worth a look.
First up they ask if Jeff Skinner is Carolina's "X-Factor"? Jeff Skinner
Next, they look at the possible lineup, (good luck with that). Hurricanes Lineup
They give an overview stating that the Canes are now healthy. Canes looking to bounce back
Cam Ward's health is of course important Ward's health is key
They name Carolina's top prospects. Lindholm tops list
It is very difficult to project what the Hurricanes lineup will look like. Muller has stated that he will experiment with Skinner as the third line center. I would expect Tuomo Ruutu to be on the second line. But depending upon chemistry, the most dangerous second line could be Skinner, Jordan Staal, and Ruutu.
Although the coaching staff also has to worry about where the points are going to come from within the bottom two lines, which are wide open in my opinion. So they may wish to spread the talent out.
Muller was quoted as saying that special teams is job one during training camp, and rightfully so. The PK finished 28th in the league and the PP was 27th. Next priority will be trying to reduce goals against.