Conner Bleackley. John Leyba, The Denver Post
My colleague Mike Chambers will have a story in the paper tomorrow on Duncan Siemens, and he has from Monday’s start of Avalanche rookie camp.
Video of Conner Bleackley talking about today also is here:
A few impressions from me on the first day:
– I would classify what I saw as kind of a routine day, just some general scrimmaging and not a whole lot else. I thought Bleackley looked good, and you can tell by the video that he is in good shape. He seems to have become a bit more chiseled since he was drafted over the summer.
– Siemens seemed fine to me, and maybe has taken off some bodyfat as well. It’s amazing the difference in how players are in shape coming into camp today as opposed to 20 years ago, when I first started. Everybody is so lean now, but in a good way. No fat. The science of nutrition and fitness training today is off the charts for pro athletes.
– The regular coaching staff was not present, nor were any regular roster players. Most everyone was playing in a team golf tournament. But one familiar face was on the ice as a coach – former Av Brett Clark. I don’t know for a fact, but I assume he will have some kind of coaching role with Lake Erie this season.
Guess that’s about it for now. Like I said, not all that exciting today. There were only about 50 people in the stands watching too. But it was still good seeing guys on the ice again. Hockey is back.
