Where is the Russian Import Defenseman they took this year in the import draft? He was also drafted by Minnesota, but he is not on their rookie team currently playing in Traverse City. That's curious. When (and if) he arrives I think some defensemen from last year's team will be leaving to make room. Many difficult decisions to come for this team. I saw a member of of the Sarnia organization at the game last night. It will be an interesting next couple of weeks. Thought the ice looked great. The game was "OK". The new concession stands as currently designed will be overwhelmed and all backed up for big crowds. It's an exciting time of the year.

Replying to my own post, but anyway looks like he is here. He is on their website's roster and also with his picture (the result of which makes one think they only had one picture left on the roll of film and could not take another)

With Bissonnette back and Misharin now here at least we won't be playing short on Saturday. Pain & Kozak will not be available until Sunday's game. I expect the team will keep 8 defensemen on the list for now with two sitting out each game. With Kozak still not 100% I would think he will miss both games this weekend. I expect Misharin to get a look see on Saturday but could sit out Sunday's game depending on conditioning & how well he fits in. Just speculating out loud.

What happened to Kozak? I noticed in the last home preseason game he had on a full cage. Just curious.

I was talking with Phil's dad before the game on Saturday. He was telling me that Phil took several stiches to his tongue (ouch). I think it happened during a fight he had against a Sarnia player during a preseason scrum. Not sure about that though. Anyway, these two games off (suspension from last season) have given him a chance to heal. I suspect he won't play Sunday either since we are at full strength on defense now and we can afford to have him sit out another game. Knowing him, he is going to want to play, so we will just have to see how it plays out.

wow must of been a serious injury. it's my understanding that they dont usually put stitches into the tongue because all that bacteria in the mouth, but i could be wrong either way it must of hurt.

I was told by a player that Kozak had 20 stitches after the Plymouth game to re-attach his toungue and that he broke his nose and finger in Sarnia. I'm surprised he was playing at all.

maybe they should stitch his gloves to his jersey so he doesnt drop the groves anymore. it sounds like he is on a painful losing streak.

the toungue injury was from a high stick

the mouth heals its self, but if your tongue is unattatched(by the sounds of the post above) then yeah i would think some stitches would help..