September 29, 2012

Bob Rotruck reports from Flyers Training Camp in Voorhees, NJ all week:

Day 1 of training camp is officially in the books and what a day it was. This was NOT your typical day at the rink. 39 players broken up into two groups and everyone was worked hard.

Group 1 beginning at 9:00 with the first practice of the day. Then Group 2 beginning at 10:45 and running until 12:15. After practice was a team-video session studying different aspects of the game, lots of stretching and lifting and crunches and biking in the workout room (dry-land workouts), grabbing some lunch somewhere in there, coming across to find our other set-up for the head-shot photos, a few interviews with the Philadelphia media who are covering the camp, etc etc.

And that was just Part 1!

They had a second on-ice practice against at 4:30 pm. Broken into two groups and going hard up and down the ice with passing and shooting drills. It was all gogogogo in that practice session. And then...back to the workout room for even more stretching, sit-ups and the like.

The safest bet of the entire camp is on how hard the boys will sleep tonight. They really got off to a flying start in this training camp and are getting worked hard. Everyone seems really excited to be here though and they all are committed to being in the best shape possible for the start of the season on October 13.

These guys all had their share of working out in the summer as well. They have to. You can't very easily survive a day like they just had if you've been sitting around playing video games and eating junk food all summer. There's no easing into this.

Nice turnout of fans too checking out some of the Flyers players who are on the Phantoms' roster such as Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Zac Rinaldo, Marc-Andre Bourdon, Eric Wellwood and Erik Gustafsson. Quite a lineup there. And also getting more familiar with some of the top Phantoms players from last year such as leading scorer Jason Akeson (41 assists, 55 points), Shane Harper (19 goals in 31 games after being acquired in a trade), Tyler Brown, Tye McGinn, Shane Harper, Oliver Lauridsen and more.

And then there's the brand new guys. Among them, perhaps the fans' attention is mainly towards new goalie Niko Hovinen who is hard to miss: Not every day you see a 6'7" tall goalie. I met him for the first time this afternoon when he was wearing skates and he practically had to look straight down to have a conversation with me.

For me personally, it was a pretty busy day just trying to keep up with them! Interviews after each practice session with the other media, some pics and videos, helping out with the players' photos and some team-autograph sticks, learning my way around the facility a bit more (I'm the new guy here) and on and on. But it actually went really smoothly throughout. The Flyers people are all class-acts and had everything arranged and set up. I'm kind of along for the ride in some ways.

Good to see a lot of the guys that I had not seen since either Prospect Camp in July or the last game of the season last April. And also nice to meet some of the new guys too. Lots of catching up and "How was your summer?" type of chats.

There is a real excitement in camp among all these players. And I get the very real sense that the NHL guys who are locked out who are able to play for us like Zac Rinaldo and Eric Wellwood are genuinely excited to have this option available to them. So many of the NHL guys are packing up their stuff and heading to Europe to play. Or are kind of in wait-and-see mode before they commit to playing in Europe. But the players that we have don't have to worry about trying to find a team or deciding if they want to play in Europe for an undetemined amount of time. They already have a ready-made oppourtunity for them with the Phantoms where they are already familiar and comfortable.

And the other aspect of the excitement in camp is in regards to how good this team is. These guys know they have a really good lineup. The Phantoms have more guys sent down from the NHL than almost any other team. They know they are good and are ready to do this. They are pumped to get to show exactly how good they are against the rest of the AHL and are geared up for a great season.

Check out some of the videos from Day 1 below. The third video is of Phantoms head coach Terry Murray. My favorite part is at about 1:05 into it when the reporter asks about being in a league "where maybe development comes before winning." Terry gives a bit of a look and then quickly responds, "Not for me it doesn't!" I think it's a somewhat common idea for some that winning isn't as much of a focus in the minor leagues. But it just simply isn't true, especially in hockey.

Training camp in Voorhees continues through October 7. Then the team heads up to Glens Falls to continue preparations beginning with the team's first practice at the GFCC on October 9. By that time, we'll be chomping at the bit to get the season started: Opening Night is Saturday, October 13 against the Portland Pirates.

The newest Phantom! 19 year old Sean Couturier is excited for his new team after scoring 13 goals and 14 assists in Philadelphia last year. Flyers radio broadcaster Tim Saunders has the interview.

Video of the training camp's opening practice. How many Phantoms can you recognize? Hint: The numbers on their helmets.
Warning: A couple numbers changed from last year!

Terry Murray addresses the media after the morning sessions on Day 1.

Part of the day's off-ice activities included the preseason head-shot photos.

Tye McGinn does not approve of Jason Akeson.

Shane Harper wants to get his hair just right. A little in front or pull it all back? It's a tough decision.

Looking tough. C'mon Cullen Eddy...give us a smile! Is he starting up the bearded look again?

Pick up your Phantoms schedule posters! They're available now at the Adirondack Phantoms offices located downstairs inside the Glens Falls Civic Center. Also look for them around town. Pick up an extra and post it on the door or window of your area store or business. Help spread the word...Hockey Season is Coming!!

Opening Night presented by Nemer Ford is on the way! The Adirondack Phantoms opener for the 2012-13 season presented by Bud Light will be Saturday, October 13 at the Glens Falls Civic Center featuring great retro-style red jerseys that will be auctioned to the fans following the game. Magnet Schedule giveaway that night presented by Great Meadow Federal Credit Union.

Get great savings with the Phantoms when you purchase a season ticket PLUS never waste a ticket. Your unused game tickets can be redeemed for future Phantoms games. 22-game and 12-game packages available as well.

I'm In! We need 1,756 season ticket holders for this season to help prove the viability of Glens Falls as a great hockey market. The league and other teams are watching! We're already off to a great start. and are closing in for our goal. Keep it up, fans! To join the "I'm In" campaign, contribute your $50 down-payment to a season ticket for 2012-13 or ask about a 22-pack or 12-pack ticket plan. Together we can do this. Call the Adirondack Phantoms at (518) 480-3355.