Saturday's notes: Nashville Predators Rookie Camp opens today!

by Dirk Hoag on Sep 10, 2011 10:14 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News

At 10:00 this morning, goalies hit the ice at Centennial Sportsplex to kick off the Nashville Predators Rookie Camp, with a full practice following at 10:30. Preds On The Glass has a full selection of printable schedules and rosters available, and we've got a look at (almost) all the prospects available for you as well (if you have a smart phone, you can read them at the rink!).

For now, follow after the jump for all your morning hockey news...

Nashville Predators News

Wade Belak’s final hours - Sports - Macleans.ca
A damn fine read here.

PredGold: Ryan Ellis = Tim Tebow?
Whether Ryan's junior dominance can translate to the NHL is a valid question, but the fact that he's performed at that high level for a few years in a row is a huge positive sign.

Red Light District: Ten players facing make-or-break seasons
I totally agree on Colin Wilson's inclusion here. Again, considering the contract that James van Riemsdyk just received, the sky is the limit for Wilson if he can push the 50- or 60-point level.

Nashville Predators Training Camp: Who has what it takes to make the jump? | The Predatorial
Jeremy has a surprising pick to contend for an NHL roster spot on defense...

Paul McCann - A Heartfelt Evening at the Bridge
Paul shares his memories of Thursday's night at Petey's Preds Party. I hope to post mine tomorrow...

Smashville 24/7: 2011-12 Preview: New faces
How will Niclas Bergfors, Jack Hillen, and Zack Stortini fit in this fall?

Smashville 24/7: Smashville On The Glass - Inaugural Episode
Buddy & Ryan kick off their new venture.

The 303:30 – Gus Katsaros of McKeen’s Hockey and Preds AGM Paul Fenton | Section 303
The guys preview training camp and take a tour around the Central Division.

Nashville Predators want to revive Arena League football - The Tennessean
Can a third time be the charm? The Preds put forth the idea of bringing back an AFL team in order to keep sports events humming at the Bridge all summer long.

Chet Pickard works toward goal of spot with Nashville Predators - The Tennessean
Chet's thinking big, and has his sights set on Anders Lindback's job.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun Talks Trapezoid With Vezina Candidate Pekka Rinne | Puck Agency, LLC
It's no surprise that Peks would rather see the trapezoid go away, remember when he racked up two penalties in one game for violating it?

Around the Wide, Wide, World of Hockey

A Hockey Enforcer Has His (Dark) Day - NYTimes.com
"The Last Gladiators" made it's debut at the Toronto Film Festival, a documentary about retired hockey fighters featuring longtime Montreal Canadien Chris Nilan.

What David Backes' Captaincy Reveals About the Blues | The Hockey Writers
The Blues have a new captain this fall in their big man in the middle.

A Core of Good Players - The Copper & Blue
With all the young kids coming along, might Ales Hemsky no longer fit in Edmonton?

First they ignore you… | mc79hockey.com
Ryan Jones believes he can maintain a superior shooting percentage... but Tyler argues that there's no genuine evidence to support the notion that any such advantage exists.

Canes mull visit to Atlanta - Canes - NewsObserver.com
The Hurricanes and Predators will both broadcast 40 games into the Atlanta market, but Carolina also offers the chance to see the Jets visit 3 times during the regular season.

TBJ Report: Karmanos Selling 8% of Hurricanes - Canes Country
It looks like they've found some minority partners in Carolina.

Puck Daddy chats with Anaheim’s Corey Perry about MVP award, his reputation, his grandma, hits to head and ‘NHL 12′ - Puck Daddy
Even in a video game, Corey Perry is all about running the goalies.

Hockey Podcast Survey | The Rink Podcast
If you have any interest in listening to hockey podcasts, I highly recommend you give James some feedback here.

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@SlavaMalamud
BREAKING: Lokomotiv president Yuri Yakovlev holds a press conference. The team WILL NOT play this year.

“We need to reassemble a team that would measure up to the fallen. We will come back next year. It’s a firm decision” – Loko pres Yakovlev

Inability to assemble a competitive team (with not only players, but “chemistry” and a game plan) on a short notice cited as the reason.
2 hours ago

R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, and Boogaard.

by CAustin on Sep 10, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Seems like a good choice

It’s just really sad they had to make it

by IG-PRED8 on Sep 10, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Went to get the $10 tix this am--Great crowd

Lots of teams (many in costume) for the scavenger hunt. Met some nice people who had just moved to town and were buying their very first Preds tickets. (They promised to cheer for the Preds as long as they were here. Apparently they move around quite a bit. They’ve been Devils, Rangers, and Sharks fans in succession.) They were quite impressed with the atmosphere and thought it was a great marketing program. I have to agree. Channel 5 and Channel 4 were filming (hope it gets on the air.) I didn’t get a chance to meet Blum and Stortini, as I had to run, but I hope the turnout was good for them, too.

Btw, I didn’t see anyone sporting one of the new jerseys, but lots of folks in gold.

R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, and Boogaard.

by CAustin on Sep 10, 2011 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

How'd the practice go? Anyone here go?

Also football side note: Adrian Peterson gets a 7-year deal worth $100 mil, $36 mil guaranteed. At least one of my favorite teams can lock up the star player! :)

by DonBorvio on Sep 10, 2011 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Practice report

Just some quick observations:

Bourque and Smith looked like the class of the forwards. Ekholm looked good, relaxed. Calling him “The Big Easy.” Goalies…well. Let’s hope GMDP can lock up Peks. Put it that way.

"I like JR’s style, kinda reminds me of HST without all the drugs and mayhem" -DonBorvio

In the market for a new favorite player

OtF Resident Rascal

by JRTheByLineGrinder on Sep 10, 2011 3:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Good to hear about the forwards, I saw the same thing in Rookie camp earlier in the summer. Ekholm is Franson’s replacement – I have no doubt. Same size, better play.

Goalies…well, Mitch Korn is here for a reason.

by DonBorvio on Sep 10, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

ekholm

I hope he learns to use his size better than Franson. that always annoyed me about his game.

Keys to the game: GA<GF

by flyalder on Sep 10, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

The goalies...

Mitch Korn has had some hand in the development of these two for years now (since 2007 & 2008). How long do you hold on to potential? If they aren’t getting where they need to go, you have to start asking questions. My biggest question is whether there’s improvement since last season and if so how much and in what areas. Are they NHL material or not?

R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, and Boogaard.

by CAustin on Sep 10, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions