Almost Time to Come Out of Hibernation

The Wolverines are back out on the ice (with the coaches present), so I guess that means it's time to come out of my summer slumber. Clearly I'm not doing the player-a-day previews like I did last year because, let's face it, that sucked. But I will start posting season preview stuff in the very near future. And they'll probably end up being much longer than I anticipate, just like my NHL preview is every year.

MGoBlue has a practice report. They're working with some really jacked up lines (Glendening-Caporusso-Lebler) at the moment to try to get the freshmen used to working with some of the upperclassmen. I know the equipment has been talked about at the Yost Post quite a bit, and it looks like the guys did switch skates if this is any indication:

Powers added, "The passing is a little off, the shooting is a little off, but it's also new equipment, new gloves and new skates. We're still getting used to some new stuff.

So out with the Bauers, in with the CCMs?

Powers also mentioned that Brian Lebler and Steve Kampfer had excellent offseasons in terms of their conditioning work and whatnot. Kampfer was almost surprisingly good last year. If he can take another step forward, that would be huge for this team, especially arguably our best defensman moving up front.

The NAHL Showcase concluded with the Under 18s and Under 17s both going 2-2. Kevin Lynch had a goal and two assists, with a +3 rating, 12 shots on goal and 10 PIMs during the tournament. Chris Brown had 3 goals, was +1, and had 16 shots and 14 PIMs. Luke Moffatt had a 1-1--2 line with 13 shots on goal, 2 PIMs, and a +1 rating for the U-17s.

Lee Moffie also had a goal in preseason action for the Waterloo Blackhawks as he tries to make their squad for the upcoming season.

Also of interest: Since there is no Blue/White game this year, fans can do their skate with the team following the Waterloo exhibition game. And the Red Berenson Show will be moving from banfields Creekside (thanks Roger) to The Arena. It will debut October 7.

Eric Werner is back in the States. He signed a contract with the Manchester Monarchs after spending a year in Europe.

Porter and Kolarik: Still playing together. Still impressing people while playing together.

WCH has his take on the U18s who played at the NAHL Showcase. Michigan relevance:

Chris Brown: I continue to be impressed with how he's playing. He's big, skates well, and throws his body around. Plus, he's starting to get time with the top lines and his point totals look to be going up. Draft Stock: I already had him fairly higher, but he might move up even higher.

Kevin Lynch: Not the prettiest player to watch, but very effective. Can stickhandle around any defender one-on-one, though I'm not quite sure how. Draft Stock: Should stay about the same.

U-17 stuff to come...