Come on people, training camp started yesterday and no posts! What is up with that. I know some of you must have been there and for those of us who have to work we sure could use some updates. I managed to see the last 15 min or so yesterday but didn't get to see much. I hear there was even a fight on day one! Who looks good, who looks like they don't belong, who do you think will make the team, who from last year will be sent packing? Let us poor working stiffs know....thanks!

My thoughts...

As you may have been reading, it is a very competitive camp. There aren't alot of friends out there and many returning players are working to keep their jobs. Right now I'd say there are potentially 6-7 guys from last year's team that won't make this year's team. Some of these cuts will be surprising.

This team is much improved over the team that ended last season. This team will be a little bigger overal and a bit faster.

They are going with four 16 year olds. They are: MacNeil, Asselin, Crowder and Eric Jagodich; the 6th round pick. I would say that Jagodich has been the biggest suprise. He is 6'4" and 225 lbs. He skates well, takes the man consistently and good with the puck. When he hits guys they usually end up on the seat of their pants, this guy is a load. He does not look out of place at all. I think he is going to take Jenish's job. He is bigger, quicker, better skater and offers more offensive upside while being 2 years younger. The big question is what happened to Pyatt, their first pick in the 2nd round? Could they not sign him, or did he not want to come here?

This team is really deep on the left wing with Gimblett, Asselin, Suggs, Jagodich, Price (a good looking free agent), Jenish, Thompson and Mills, an '86. All have real good size. I'm thinking they will play Yachmenev (not in camp yet, typical visa problems?) on the right side, his "off" wing.

Platt is starting just where he left last season, he is just flying out there. JM Rizk is all business. He is much quicker this year and much much better with the puck. His head is up at all times when he is carrying the puck up the ice. I don't think 30 goals is out of the question for him this year.

MacNeil is obviously something really special. He will bring people out of their seats this year when he goes end to end with the puck. It's going to be a real treat to watch this kid over the next 3-4 years.

On defense, some tough decisions have to be made. I think the depth chart would look something like this:

Bissionnette
Sturgeon
MacNeil
Russian Import (who is not in camp yet)
Gibson
Luckovitch
Kozak
MacDonnell

I think they still need a center, perhaps a big center to play on the checking line as done last year by Flache. MA Rizk, who is looking surprising good in camp, I don't think is physically strong enough for that role. Perhaps they have Raszka slated for that role, if that's the case they still need a center who can put up some numbers. I don't know if Borges is that person.

Mike Pain has gotten into about 5 scraps so far. Dix is on his team or you know they would be getting together.

I've heard that the Pyatt thing is about him wanting a signing bonus or something like that which is not allowed by league rules. Dick has refused to break the rules (even though other teams do) so this leaves Pyatt out in the cold. I wouldn't look to see his rights traded until next year. Let him sit a year I say.

And I've also heard that Denis is still in Russia and has an offer on the table to play with a Russian elite team and most likely will not be here this season. That leaves us in a good position to pick up another import player in a trade. Sorry, but Denis was either hot or cold last year so I don't think he'll be missed that much.

What's up with Suggs, He has scored in each of the three scrimmages so far, two in one game alone. I haven't seen him play, but it sounds like he's having a good camp so far. I can't wait until Friday night!

Any posts after tonites game would be appreciated. Good looking rookies? Any set lines standing out? Dust ups? I hear Platt is flying. OA's to return? Don't expect Yach back...Pyatt looking for more???..I heard Sarnia offers car use to high picks as a plumb..stand tough Dick and Costa or you'll have your hands in your pockets steady..maybe bonuses instead? Also signing means zilch..a signee can still be cut if it is warranted..there is a rumour of an OA showing up via a trade..Kellerman, maybe????

I've not seen a list of who's at the camp?
Who's on the White Team? The Blue?
Sounds like bigger and faster Spirit
team this year? Hope that we can put
some big wins on the board?
Any thoughts?

did pyatt go back to thunder bay? anyone know?