Solid 3rd line potential for Bulldogs

An excerpt from the HabProspect.com article which takes a look at a potentially solid third line for new Bulldogs head coach Guy Boucher:

When the 2009-2010 season gets underway in Hamilton, the Dogs will have a new look not only on the ice but behind the bench as well. With Guy Boucher taking over as the new Head Coach for the Bulldogs, and the roster turnover that has taken place, it's anyones guess as to who will be paired up with who and if returning players will be reunited with linemates from last season, but you can expect that it will be a hard working team and that could pay dividends for a possible 3rd line of Russell-Pyatt-White.

Q & A with Habs prospect Alexander Avtsin

Below is an excerpt from the RussianProspects.com article:

And what else did they teach?

We had a very interesting meeting about ties with journalists. They teach us how to work with the camera. And also that journalists usually ask the same questions (pause, sly mow)…

Really interesting…

That it’s better to anticipate questions, never be ashamed, always smile and reply calmly. (smiles) We also had meetings with focus on skating, stick handling, different kinds of shoot. Their methods of training were really interesting. While training our skating we had drills made up for figure skating. I never worked like that. Americans were used to train like that while I looked like a dunderhead (smiles). But I tried hard and the coach praised me because I skate well, even if the he gave me the puck and showed my errors.

You had many?

Well yes. I will have to train at least 15 minutes on ice working separately on them. I didn't know the drills they showed me, either the ones for the agility or for the flexibility. It was truly useful to me.

Never felt like it would be hard to adapt to the NA style of hockey?

I've got double feelings, I played quite well. I didn't score, but I had two assists.

Rinks are smaller...

You simply have to think faster. Shoot, never limit yourself and that's all. In America the game is simpler, just dump the puck in the zone and go. In Russia you get into the zone, there is plenty of room, you can do a pause. There it's simpler, but you have to shoot or you'll get lost.

In an interview with Soviet Sports magazine in America you said that in Canada there is such an organization that in the locker room there is bubble bath and hairspray.

Yes and friends now tease me for that. (smiles) There were also shaving cream and razors.

Development camp: Mac Bennett

Below are two excerpts from the Canadiens.com article by Shauna Denis

“I feel really good. Being here helps me realize the importance and the extent of everything that’s happening right now and I’m learning a lot, on and off the ice,” explained the young blue-liner, directly following a battery of physical tests. “It’s a really useful and complete experience. On the ice, we’re learning how to improve our skating and how to make sure we’re shooting properly. At the same time, we’re also learning training techniques as well as how to handle pressure and the media.”

Later in the article, the 17 year old Bennett was taken aback by the Habs' crazed fans:

“I still can’t believe how into it the fans are here,” added Bennett, referring to the hundreds of Canadiens fans who have flocked to the Bell Sports Complex to check out the stars-in-training this week. “There’s nowhere else where you’d get this many fans to come and see a bunch of young guys getting skating lessons. I couldn’t have asked to be drafted to a better team.”

Canadiens 2009 draft review

Louis Leblanc taking shot during yesterday's development camp drills (Photo credit: Phil Carpenter, The Gazette)

Excerpt from the Hockey's Future article by Jason Menard:

Louis Leblanc, C, Omaha (USHL)1st round, 18th overall

Ht: 6', Wt: 178, DOB: Jan. 26, 1991

Rarely does a pick match a team's need and fan desire -- but such was the case with the Habs' first-round selection of the Point-Claire, QC native. When the hometown club announced the selection of the hometown player in the hometown draft, the Bell Centre's rafters shook. Between the fan reaction and the media horde who quickly surrounded him, Leblanc had a crash course in Habs 101.

"Any young player from Quebec being a first-round pick of the Canadiens is going to face lots of pressure," Timmins said. "He's pretty mature, though, he'll be able to handle it."

Growing up in Montreal, becoming a Hab has been a life-long dream -- and after hearing his name called he was at a loss for words.

"It's impressive. I had goosebumps. There's not really any words to describe this feeling," Leblanc said. "My favorite team growing up and to wear this jersey tonight is unreal. Looking forward to this moment my whole life, and I'm just living it right now."

Leblanc was named USHL rookie of the year this year, after leading his Omaha squad in points. He caught the Canadiens' brass' eye much earlier than that.

"I saw him at the Canadian under-18 camp in Calgary and he really impressed me. He plays all facets of the game and he plays them with intensity and passion," Timmins explained. "He's a natural goal-scorer and he's a really smart kid."

This smart kid is heading to Harvard after forsaking the Canadian junior route for the USHL. Leblanc said he's going to make the most out of his opportunity at the prestigious university, however he wouldn't rule out leaving early -- adding that he could always return to complete his studies.

"I need to get bigger and stronger and I think a few years at Harvard won't hurt," Leblanc said. "When I'm ready, I'm going to leave and try to make this team."

Time is something the Habs are happy they have on their side. Timmins explained that the young forward still has some maturing to do, physically. "

Physically he's not there yet; he's got a way to go. But I have no doubt he'll catch up," he said. "Of course, he'll put on more weight and he's 6'0 -- that's not small. "

We don't put any timeline on any of our guys. We'll see where he's at and take it one year at a time. We'll watch him at the World Junior tryouts and see how he's doing."

Petteri Simila OHL Bound

Excerpts from the HabProspects.com article:

The CHL Import Draft saw two Hab prospects get selected, Petteri Simila 21st overall by Niagara Ice Dogs and Alexander Avtsin was picked 43rd overall from the Quebec Remparts, it appears as though Simila will report to the OHL but Avtsin will not report to the QMJHL.

With the Niagara Ice Dogs losing their starting goaltender to Nashville, Simila should get every chance to be a starter although he will likely only spend one season in the OHL since he is a '90 born, he would have to play as an overager the following season and that's rare for a Euro Import.