Pay Attention to the Preseason

September 8, 2009 – Larry Gasik

NHL training camp is two weeks away and I am more excited about this season than I have been in the past. Most people look at training camp as just meaningless exhibition games, and while they are exhibition games, many of the players are fighting for their chance to make it into the NHL, or attempting to redeem themselves. Preseason hockey brings an insight as to the future of our clubs to see the prospects of our favorite clubs. Fights are also an excellent way to make preseason more exciting and gear the fans up for the regular season no matter how closely they follow the league.

I look at this year as a step towards a new generation of hockey players. Players such as Sakic, Roenick, and Jagr are fading away from the spotlight. Now live the days of the next superstar players that will help define this era in hockey. Players like Crosby and Malkin in Pittsburgh are starting their dynasty. Ovechkin is becoming a household name. Younger players like Stamkos and Tavares will be looked to for leadership in their respective clubs.

With the stories away from the ice like the ownership issues in Phoenix and Tampa Bay, to the public trade request of Dany Heatley all the way to the disaster that is the NHLPA, it can be easy to forget that hockey is the most exciting sport and every game does mean something. It may not field the best rosters, or count in the standings, but it does not mean players are not attempting to make a name for themselves.