I sort of know how these prospects probably felt as the opening of practice for football is just a few weeks away as players prepare themselves for the rigors of practice. Sure, you can skate on your own; run, bike, weight train but it still will pale in comparison to the drills the organization’s coaches will put them through. It doesn’t always make sense, you may push yourself very hard and put yourself through a dynamic and challenging workout but for whatever reason it just doesn’t exert your body the same way. Wild prospect camp veteran, Colton Gillies said as much to wild.com’s Kevin Falness. Saying that he’s feeling it physically, but also that its good to be put through their paces as it helps get him ready for the actual training camp. That also probably means getting a chance to get ready for the annual prospect tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. Prospects do not just run through drills they also met with a nutritionist where they actually participated in a cooking class to learn how to cook meals that will help them perform at their best. The prospects also went to a sort of a fight camp; not quite the Derek Boogaard Fight Camp but a boxing center where they learn how to maximize their punches and learn about staying balanced while they throw their haymakers. For the prospects the camp is all about learning even if they do not end up a part of the Wild organization they may be skills they can use for the rest of their hockey careers.
One of the tryouts, Joel Broda has already been given a 3-year contract, will any of the others managed to have earned one after this 5 day camp? Perhaps a case could be made for University of Minnesota-Duluth star Justin Fontaine who again showcased great skills scoring 2 goals (both off rebounds) in the Saturday scrimmage in a losing effort for Team White. Amongst the tryouts there was one other standout according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune‘s Michael Russo, Vancouver Giants forward J.T. Barnett, the son of former Phoenix Coyotes GM Mike Barnett. Russo said he liked Barnett’s effort and offensive instincts despite only being a 3rd liner with the Giants. Another player who surprised many with his assertiveness and poise in his first development camp was Jason Zucker who fired a wicked wrist shot to beat Dennis Endras over the shoulder to give Team Green a 5-4 come-from-behind victory. Another player who earned praise for his efforts in both scrimmages was Cody Almond who seemed to be a player who could recognize when his team needed him to make a play, as he scored the tying goal in the 1st scrimmage and cut Team White’s lead in half in the 2nd one. Another of the new prospect camp skaters to impress was Brett Bulmer. The lanky 6’3″ Bulmer exhibited some flash and dash, some great puckhandling skills as he dangled around defenders as well as a willingness to take the puck to the scoring areas of the ice. The Kelowna Rockets’ forward also demonstrated he likes to dish out the hits and this served to get under the skin of some of the prospect camp vets like Maxim Noreau and Tyler Cuma. Between the pipes, it was German goaltender Endras that seemed to stand out amongst the four at camp. He was battling every shot and came up with some outstanding saves to help give Team White a 3-1 Sunday victory.
A few players who did not win rave reviews was Colton Gillies and goaltender Matthew Hackett. For Gillies, who is in is 4th prospect camp he looked like a youngster as he was punished physically on the ice. This is unforgiveable for a player who was one of the older ones and had been playing against men the last two seasons at the NHL and AHL level. There is simply no way he should struggle physically. He should dominate, and look as though he is a man amongst boys but the only area where he stood out was along the boards which is not very impressive for a player of his experience. As for Matthew Hackett, he did not seem to be as air tight as he did throughout most of the OHL season last year. Hackett struggled mightily with his rebound control and that was a big reason forwards like Fontaine were able to pounce on the 2nd chance opportunities. Rebounds can kill a goaltender, especially at the pro level where those secondary chances often end up in the back of your net. Either way, not what you’d expect from your ‘blue chip’ goaltending prospect.
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It is unfortunate that defenseman and arguably the Wild’s top prospect Marco Scandella was unable to play as he was out with tendonitis. It would’ve been interesting to see if he could control the game at least with his ability to shut down or provide some punch with his big point shot.
However the crowd pleasing moment of the afternoon was the shootout attempt by newly signed forward and Fridley, Minnesota-native Jarod Palmer. Palmer would move in where he appeared to tee up a slap shot Brian Rolston-style but as he released he missed the puck and then calmly pushed the puck with his skate and then moved it over to his backhand where he beat Dennis Endras with a pretty backhand that found the twine just beyond the crossbar making the waterbottle jump just a little bit. It got the 4,000+ fans in attendance excited. I have to admit if it wasn’t intended it sure looked refined and well executed as you can see right here.
http://wild.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=845
Just in case you want the #’s as you watch the footage, here is the link for the camp’s roster.
http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=533879&navid=DL|MIN|home&navid=DL|MIN|home
I should warn you that the videos of the complete scrimmages for Saturday and Sunday are rather slow to load even if you have an excellent internet connection but the links for player interviews (Joel Broda, Justin Falk and Jarod Palmer), scrimmage highlights, shootouts that were done at the end of both scrimmages in addition to interviews with the new Houston Aeros’ coaches; Head Coach Mike Yeo and recently hired Assistant Coach Darryl Sydor work quite well. Both coaches seemed focused and excited at the new challenge of developing the Wild’s prospects and in the interviews you could tell many of the prospects are pumped up about the changes that have taken place to the Wild’s AHL affiliate. No matter what it is good to see the Wild’s young talent in action as the organization needs them to develop, prosper and literally be the franchise’s future stars.
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