Training Camp: Day 1

77 players are present and accounted for at Prince George Cougars Training Camp. They were expecting 77 and they got 77. Already a good start compared to the past few years.

As I type this, Team Byfuglien is on the ice practicing with Assistant Coach Jason Becker leading the practice.

Already a physical tone has been set. Lots of one-on-one battles for pucks, and so far I applaud the players for their efforts. The tempo is naturally a little choppy, but that's to be expected on the first day of camp.

Keep in mind that I'm not a G.M., Coach, or a Scout, but the following players have stood out to me in a positive way:


Troy Bourke - He's patient, and skates very swiftly. You can tell that he's got confidence, and it shows during Day One of Camp.

Brock Hirsche - Has shown a strong nose for the net. He handles the puck well, and has shown that he's not afraid to battle.

Brennan Tutt - For a player who's 6'5 He's got good hands, and his skating does not seem to be a liability.

Cody Carlson - Makes a strong first pass, skates well, and battles hard. As the lone 20-year-old rear-guard on the Cougars he'll need to continue this type of intensity.

Mattia Bortolotto - Defensively he's not afraid to muck it up. Even though he's undersized, he's shown that he's not going to back away from physicality.



I'll post more once Team Hamhuis takes the ice.