Training Camp review (part 2)

Sorry I'm a day late but stuff came up and didn't have a chance to get it done.

This is my post on how the forwards performed during camp. There are a few that I don't have much on just due to the fact I wasn't sure who they were until it was too late.

I'm going to go through the players alphabetically, that way I won't really "rank" them.

First off I was pleasantly surprised by Blue #11 with the veterans. I had absolutely no idea who he was until he joined team red and was told that it was Braden Christoffer. This kid was all over the ice hitting absolutely everyone, getting in pretty much everyone's face and even went face to face with Brandon Davidson. This kid has guts, skill and can skate. Honestly if he makes the team it wouldn't take him ling to become a fan favourite.

I'm looking forward to seeing Campbell Elynuik in a Pats uniform. He's a big tough player and from what I've read he can actually skate for a big guy.

Unfortunately I never really had a chance to pick out Dryden Hunt during most of the camp but when I did i realized he has some pretty good wheels and can snipe. He definitely hit the scoreboard a few times. I think he has a legit chance to make the team.

Wheels. That is the best word to describe Mikael Jung. He's got such great speed it's crazy. I'd love to see him get a chance because he unleashed a great shot numerous times during camp.

My money is on Morgan Klimchuk lighting it up this year. He's got some decent size, can skate, get points and has a great shot. If he's given the opportunity he's going to make many a defenceman look silly. I can't wait to see him play full time.

I'm not sure what to say about Lyndon Martell other than he always seems to be in the right spot at the right time in the offensive zone. He is total money in close and hardly seems to miss. The dude can score.

Hitting everyone and everything in sight is what Garrett Mitchell was doing all throughout camp. He's the same ol' same ol' crasher and banger. I honestly think that he's going to play pro.

Not seeing Nils Moser participate in scrimmages is hard to gauge where he is at physically. He participated in a goalie session and looked like his knee is healing up. Hopefully he's healthy soon.

"Mighty Mouse" (I heard the term a few times during scrimmages) is a great term for Tanner Olstad. The guy was all over the ice and always mixed it up. I look forward to seeing him with the Pats for a full season.

One player that looks like he's really improved over last season is Trent Ouellette. He seems quicker and when he was playing on a line with Jung he looked really impressive.

One player that never really stuck out during camp was Andrew Rieder. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. He still hits and still can skate. Pats will need leadership from him this season.

Seeing Jack Rodewald play with the veterans was well worth it as he never looked out of place. He's got some size and shown a knack around the net.

After bulking up and coming into camp at a listed 210 lbs., Michael Sagen looks like a definite power forward or a checker. Didn't see too much offensively from him but he always around hitting and forechecking.

Don't be surprised to see Lane Scheidl quietly light it up this year. He looks totally improved since March. With his first full camp in Regina he's definitely shown signs of being a great offensive player. He's definitely going to put up some points.

It looks like there might be a new mucker and grinder battling for a spot on the club and he is Bryden Serafini. I don't see a ton of points but he board play is impressive. He's only 17 so he will get a chance to grow bigger than his 6-1, 212 frame).

I'm still bothered at how Chandler Stephenson was used last year. There were games where he hardly saw the ice. The kid is fast and has grown quite a bit. He was impressive all throughout camp and I look forward to him putting up some potentially huge numbers.

One player that I have been impressed with his whole (albeit short) career is Dyson Stevenson. The kid's got game. I don't know if he's got any better but I don't know if he needs to. He can skate, shoot, hit and fight. Should be a good season for him.

Import pick Dominik Volek looks like he fits right in. He can dangle. He is fast. Doesn't seem to shy away from contact. I look forward to him donning a Pats sweater.

One last player to mention and that's Jordan Weal. I just need two words to describe this guy: 'Nuff said.

I think I got everyone covered. If I missed anyone, I apologize. I'm so pumped for the season to get underway! 

GO PATS GO!
on September 01, 2011 by Kevin Shaw |