| 15 July 2009
We'll be updating this post live after each period with photos, video and other media. We'll also be on twitter blogging about the game. If you're in attendance and want to say heads up, I'm the guy who gives Finley and Leonhardt a run for their money in size, I'm also in orange.
Hockey in July! Let's Go Caps!
The teams are split up into White vs. Blue. A few standouts on Blue include Carlson, Bouchard, Gustafsson, Della Rovere, Kugryshev, Godfrey, Eakin and Orlov. White features Bruess, Dubuc, Broda, Holtby, Miskovic, Finley, and Perreault.
About two mins left in warm-ups, I'm assuming that Holtby will start in net for White, but I haven't a clue yet about team Blue.
Zamobonis on the ice, teams in the dressing rooms. Early prediction? It's pretty much Squad A vs. Squad B, and as others have noted, Squad B is more talented offensively, but A features the only "real" goalie prospect and some of the most physically imposing players (Finley). I'll root for the underdogs today in Squad A.
From Twitter: @cmasisak22 Shaone Morrisonn, Chris Bourque accepted their QOs, Steve Pinizzotto signed a two-year contract.
Lots of Cup talk in the crowd -- this city is anxious for hockey, you can feel it in the crowd.
Zambonis have just about finished up, so I'll be going dead until the end of the period. I'll update with photos and hopefully some video when the first is over, till then...
FIRST PERIOD
The period started with Joe Finley taking a tripping call about 20 seconds into the game. He was out against the Gus-Bouchard-Edmonsson line and whoever tried to deke around him was just blatantly tripped. I'm thinking it was Bouchard.
Carlson and Orlov blasted away on the power play, but Holtby stood his ground. Carlson looks like he could become a great PP quarterback in the future, solid skater, great shot, good hockey sense, there isn't a lot to dislike about him.
Joel Broda had a strong period, almost scored a shorty and had a great opportunity late in the period from the slot. Goalie D. Carlson made some great saves on the Group A shooters, and believe it or not, Group B is lucky it isn't 2-0 right now.
After about the 12-minute mark the hitting started to pick up, with Joe Finley on the receiving end of one of the larger hits.
After 30 minutes, the score is 3-0 Group A.
Goals by Bruess, Dubuc and Backman.
Not the most impressive period for Group B; almost every goal was the result of a turnover and the ensuing breakdown.
Backman's goal was a blistering slapshot, there was a scrum at the mid-boards, Backman collected and carried into the zone, then unleashed a slapshot. The goal got a large reception from the crowd, and the Gus-Bouchard-Edmonsson line could only shake their heads.
Della Rovere had a great period. He was a ferocious forechecker, he had a great sequence where he went on a hitting rampage, knocking two down in his drive for the puck, and played the pest role to a T. Group B didn't have much in the way of defensive standouts, but Delly looked sharp out there.
Kugryshev had a fantastic chance, breaking down center and then sending a pass across the slot that was eventually fumbled. He's a fast skater with powerful strides and he's been impressive whenever I've seen him. Looking forward to more Kugryshev in the second.
For those wondering, it's a huge crowd at Kettler, I'm not great at estimating but the bleachers are near full and the eagle's nest above the away net is filled. Take heed, if you're coming to Saturday's scrimmage, come early. Very early.
Overheard people talking about Finley. I know he's not the most popular prospect, but his size and hitting are making him a bit of a crowd favorite here. One fan yelled out "someone fight Finley" at the start and every time he's on the ice it seems people are expecting a hit or something. If he can improve his skating, he'd be one hell of an addition to the team.
Period 2 is incoming, so we'll be back after the period.
SECOND PERIOD
Stonger showing by the Group B defense in the second so far, we've just entered the extra 10-minute portion of the game and the score is now 3-1.
Kugryshev had a great breakaway that led Group B's first goal.
Dmitri Kugryshev continues to impress, has used his speed to set up plays, is burning past defenders, he's continuing his strong play from the first and he's a clear standout on the ice -- if not a surprise to the Kettler crowd. Many are grabbing their roster sheets wondering who he is.
Trevor Bruess is also among the standouts. He has a goal already and he's been a brutal forechecker. Almost put Miskovic over the boards in between the two benches.
Carlson just banged one in down on my end (I'm in the eagle's nest now). As you can expect, he's having another great showing here at development camp.
3-2, group A still leading.
Your fan favorites for the night, Joe Finley and John Carlson. People won't stop talking about them.
Period is winding down, score is now 5-2, Goals by Kugryshev, Carlson, Dubuc (EN),. Dubuc.
FINAL
Team A wins 5-2.
The game was played in a 20/10 minute format.
Group A played a tighter game overall, better defense, creating chances off physical play, they weren't the best team on paper, but were on the ice.
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