We managed to drop in to training camp again today for a bit, and have to say we are excited for this team already. The intensity was noticeable with these guys, and it's only the second day of camp. We don't remember guys battling this hard in training camp last year until... well, we don't really remember. But this seems to be a team of hard workers so far.
Again, there were 13 skaters on the ice, and we actually recognized a few today. (They stopped and stood right in front of us where we could see their faces.) It was good to see Tim Crowder back, and also Brett Parnham. There were three goalies on the ice today, so they took turns during the drills. (No word of who the 3rd goaltender is as of yet.)
When we arrived at Acord Ice Center, the team was already well in
to their practice, this time doing organized drills. The first one we watched was a 1-on-1 drill in front of the net - that's where we first noticed these guys were really going for it. There were quite a few good hard checks into the boards throughout practice, and they weren't afraid to shove each other around to get the job done.
to their practice, this time doing organized drills. The first one we watched was a 1-on-1 drill in front of the net - that's where we first noticed these guys were really going for it. There were quite a few good hard checks into the boards throughout practice, and they weren't afraid to shove each other around to get the job done.This group also paid close attention to the explanations of the drills at the white board, and weren't afraid to ask questions if they didn't understand. They got it right more often than not. Perhaps it's because a lot of them were back from last season, but we checked our notes, and on October 14th last season (almost the end of camp) Coach Colley was still yelling at the team to go back and do it again until they got it right. Today we only saw one group that had to start over for doing a drill wrong. Either Colley is mellowing out, or this team gets it.
Practice went a little longer today than yesterday - they ended with a stretch at 11:00 am. Coach Colley told them, "good job today," and left the ice. Most of the guys were still hanging out on the ice getting to know each other and working on stuff when we left around 11:15 am. We would have stayed longer to see what they got up to, but we had to get back to our real jobs.
We may not make it out to practice tomorrow or Thursday, but after Tuesday even the calendar says W. T. F. We'll try to check in again this week, though, so stay tuned. Also, practices are free and open to the public, so if you can get away from your real jobs, drop by the Acord Ice Center and check out the Grizzlies.
*Pictures in today's post were taken at yesterday's practice (10/4/2010).
UPDATE: The third goalie in practice today must have been Dan Bellissimo. [Article from ECHL.com]
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