Rookie Training Camp is right around the corner, you know what that means? Less than three weeks till the NHL regular season!
As much as I love the summer heat and drinking mojitos on my porch, hockey season is way better. Three weeks can seem like forever, but fear not. Rookie camp starts today and is open to the public! The Nashville Predators rookie squad usually plays a tournament in Florida this time of year.. But alas, they’re stuck in Nashville as hurricane Irma inches closer to the USA. The good news is that they’re hosting a good Tampa Bay Lightning rookie squad and all games are open to the public.
Where and When?
All three games will be played at the Ford Ice Arena. Saturday’s game is at 2PM, Sunday’s game is at 12PM, and the final game is on Tuesday at 11AM. The Ford Ice Center is in Antioch, TN. Only about a 20 minute drive South-East from Bridgestone Arena, where the Nashville Predators play!
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Players to watch
The rookie roster can feature players from all walks of leagues. Expect a mix of players from the ECHL, AHL,CHL, and various European hockey leagues. Some players are just brought on to round out the team, but others will actually have a shot at the big league. If you are going or are watching via live stream, I heavily recommend that you watch these three players. Alexandre Carrier, Tyler Moy, Yakov Trenin.
Carrier is the most NHL ready prospect that will be playing in these games. Expect him to use his speed and vision to dominate on both ends of the ice. He’ll likely be doing a lot of heavy lifting and play upwards of 22 minutes per game. Carrier will be most noticeable on the breakout, in the offensive zone, and on the power play.
Moy has become a responsible two-way player since he was drafted. He posted 22 goals and 45 points in 36 games last season for Harvard. After that season he posted 4 points in 3 games for the Milwaukee Admirals. Moy most likely will need some time in the AHL before he’s ready to make the jump. But he could be a valuable bottom six guy in the future. He’ll most likely play a defensive role.
Trenin finished off his QMJHL career strong with 67 points in 54 games. His jump to the AHL was promising, but short. He tallied 3 points in 5 games. This season Trenin will start in a middle six role for the Admirals and get plenty of time to adjust to a professional league. His skating has improved greatly and he seemingly has developed more of a scoring touch. Trenin is an all situations player and will look to dominate against other rookies in the tournament.
Why you should go to these games
Because it’s fun and it’s free. I’ve missed hockey so much that in order for me to get my fix, I watch old games from the 70’s. Plus, it never hurts to see a player early on in his career so you can boast to your friends about how “you knew about him way back when”.
It’s hockey, and after a long summer of no hockey, what could be better than a look at future Nashville Predators?