StarGazing: Dallas Stars Training Camp Underway

Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas has a few quotes from the first day of training camp:

"I thought it was a really good first day," said Stars coach Marc Crawford. "That first day you are kind of getting a feel for the ice and you are getting a feel for that body contact. That's the biggest change that happens once you get into the first day. They can skate pretty hard in their workouts, but the body contact is the big change."

Crawford said there was some time spent on introducing systems, including their defensive zone coverage and how they want to play in the neutral zone. It was also a first chance to get a good look the newer players.

"It was our first chance to see players like [Severin] Blindenbacher, [Tomas] Vincour, [Scott] Glennie and some of the kids that were in Traverse City," Crawford said. "It's a chance to see how far the players that played with Texas in the AHL have come. And it's a chance to see the players you know that played in the Dallas and see how hard they worked in the summer. We're getting a chance to see how well conditioned guys like [James] Neal and [Matt] Niskanen really are. They've put a lot of effort into their conditioning. It showed right away."

Within that update, Mark lists the lines used yesterday. As expected, Jonathan Cheechoo was with Morrow and Ribeiro. Interestingly, Fabian Brunnstrom played the right wing beside Jamie Benn at center and Steve Ott. Count me intrigued by that line. And Philip Larsen was paired with Brad Lukowich, where I hope he absorbed veteran skills through osmosis. 

Mike Heika also has a note on Mike Ribeiro, and his approach to this season after a disappointing campaign:

He said that he allowed frustration to get the better of him last season and that he had a talk with Joe Nieuwendyk and Marc Crawford recently and that helped clear the air.

``It was a great to talk things out and just understand everything,'' Ribeiro said. ``I still have to prove to them that I'm here for the team and I have to prove that I can remain positive. A lot of times last year, I got my head down and let things frustrate me, and I can't let that happen. It was hard for us, because me and Brenden (Morrow) struggled and didn't maybe get used the way we were, and maybe I didn't fit as well. But Joe has been here a year and Crow has been here a year and I think we all know each other better now. I think we have a lot better attitude and a very hungry attitude. I think this is a very hungry team.''

Heika also mentions that Ribs has gone from 165 pounds last season to 177 pounds this season. By Heika's estimations, that's the biggest percentage gain on the team. Deke-tastic Ribs, now with 100% more physicality! 

Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk was navigating the hundreds of bodies in the lobby of the Cari Complex/McLaughlin Arena on the University of PEI campus on his way to his seat with the scouts and other hockey people this morning when he was stopped by young man.

"Mr. Nieuwendyk... can I have your autograph."

"Of course" said the Stars GM, who was signing about the 10th of what would be several dozen autographs that morning. As he was signing the photograph, the young man, maybe in his late teens said, "Can I ask you a question?"

Joe, who is always so obliging said "sure".

"How come you didn't draft Fowler or Gormley instead of Campbell in the first round?"

Poor Nieuwy. Can't even escape in his home country.