Nelly took a few photos for me.
And from AP
And here was a post-practice interview.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Lockout is Officially Over
Both the Board of Governors and the NHL Players Association have now ratified AND SIGNED the tentative CBA agreement that was made last Sunday, January 6. The 2012-2013 National Hockey League lockout is now officially over.
The 2013 Florida Panthers Schedule
The 2013 Florida Panthers Schedule
TIME FOR CAMP: #FlaPanthers Set to Kick Off 2013 on Sunday
On Frozen Pond
TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards
Coaches and players love to espouse whatever success or failure happens early on in a hockey season can be overcome or overtaken.
"It's a marathon,'' they'll say, "not a sprint.''
No one will say that this year.
When the Panthers -- and the other 29 teams in the NHL -- report for the start of training camp on Sunday morning, they may as well be wearing a pair of Usain Bolt's used Pumas.
This thing is going to go fast.
"It's going to go by very, very quickly,'' said Panthers goalie Jose Theodore.
"It seems like forever since we've been here, but at the same time, it feels like yesterday. All those months are gone. And the season is going to be like that. It's great to go back to work. You can feel the intensity picking up around here.''
With the NHL lockout lasting four-plus months, there isn't much of a season left as the league will play 48 games instead of its usual 82.
Teams will open the 2012-13 season on Saturday -- a week before the All-Star break was originally scheduled for. That celebration, which was to be held in Columbus, was cancelled months ago.
Even preseason games have been shelved this year.
"Experience is going to play a big role,'' Theodore said. "We have a lot of veterans so we should be OK. Preseason is good to have, but it's not the real thing. What you are going to see is five very intense days of practice and we're going to be ready to play.''
The Panthers will hold physicals at the Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs Sunday morning with the possibility for a short practice at noon.
The team is expected to hold a training camp with workouts and scrimmages from Monday through Friday starting at 10 each morning.
Florida kicks off its 48-game slate Saturday at the BB&T Center in Sunrise against visiting Carolina.
"We're going to be asking a lot of these guys in a shortened season,'' said coach Kevin Dineen, who played for Hartford during the previous 48-game season in 1994.
"Every game is going to have a playoff-like atmosphere. You're going to hear that a lot and that's because it's true. Things are going to come fast and furious. Everyone talks about how important that start is. I believe that. It's going to be a very entertaining season.''
When the Panthers opened camp last year, there were more new faces than old. General manager Dale Tallon revamped Florida's roster and had a new coach and system after firing Pete DeBoer and brining in Dineen.
One advantage the Panthers have in this shotgun season is their familiarity with one another. Florida will have a few new faces -- Peter Mueller, George Parros, Filip Kuba -- but the core of last year's Southeast Division champions returns.
"We have most of our team back and the additions we made were great,'' center Shawn Matthias said. "I think we have a really good team here. We're all excited to get going. It's going to be a sprint from start to finish.''
Florida's top line of Stephen Weiss with Tomas Fleischmann and Kris Versteeg returns intact. Rookie Jonathan Huberdeau will be added to the forward mix this season, likely playing on Florida's second line.
The Panthers bring back both goalies from last year and will replace Jason Garrison (Vancouver) on the blueline with Kuba (Ottawa).
Florida will have a handful of roster battles with rookie Jonathan Huberdeau a lock to make it.
Veterans Alex Kovalev and Marek Svatos are in on a try-out and may find openings with forwards Marcel Goc and Sean Bergenheim expected to miss the start of the season with undisclosed injuries.
Dineen will likely carry the full 23 players on his roster to make it easier to substitute players during the many upcoming back-to-back sets of games.
"We're going to have a real quick transition,'' said Brian Campbell, Florida's lone All-Star selection last season after coming over from Chicago.
"With a short training camp, having the same players and coaches is an advantage for us. We know the system. We know what to expect, nothing is new.''
PANTHERS TRAINING CAMP
What to Look For
-- When, Where: Sunday-Friday; Saveology.com Iceplex, Coral Springs
-- Directions: The Iceplex is located one-half mile east of the Sawgrass Expressway off Sample Road and Sportsplex Drive.
-- Times* -- Sunday: Possible workout at 11:30 a.m.; Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.
-- Season Opener: Saturday vs. Carolina; BB&T Center, Sunrise, 7:30 p.m.
-- Admission: Free
-- Key returnees: C Stephen Weiss, RW Kris Versteeg, LW Tomas Fleischmann, G Jose Theodore, D Brian Campbell, D Erik Gudbranson
-- Key additions: D Filip Kuba (Ottawa), RW George Parros (Anaheim), C Jonathan Huberdeau (rookie)
-- Fighting for a spot: RW Alex Kovalev, RW Marek Svatos, C Quinton Howden
TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards
Coaches and players love to espouse whatever success or failure happens early on in a hockey season can be overcome or overtaken.
"It's a marathon,'' they'll say, "not a sprint.''
No one will say that this year.
When the Panthers -- and the other 29 teams in the NHL -- report for the start of training camp on Sunday morning, they may as well be wearing a pair of Usain Bolt's used Pumas.
This thing is going to go fast.
"It's going to go by very, very quickly,'' said Panthers goalie Jose Theodore.
"It seems like forever since we've been here, but at the same time, it feels like yesterday. All those months are gone. And the season is going to be like that. It's great to go back to work. You can feel the intensity picking up around here.''
With the NHL lockout lasting four-plus months, there isn't much of a season left as the league will play 48 games instead of its usual 82.
Teams will open the 2012-13 season on Saturday -- a week before the All-Star break was originally scheduled for. That celebration, which was to be held in Columbus, was cancelled months ago.
Even preseason games have been shelved this year.
"Experience is going to play a big role,'' Theodore said. "We have a lot of veterans so we should be OK. Preseason is good to have, but it's not the real thing. What you are going to see is five very intense days of practice and we're going to be ready to play.''
The Panthers will hold physicals at the Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs Sunday morning with the possibility for a short practice at noon.
The team is expected to hold a training camp with workouts and scrimmages from Monday through Friday starting at 10 each morning.
Florida kicks off its 48-game slate Saturday at the BB&T Center in Sunrise against visiting Carolina.
"We're going to be asking a lot of these guys in a shortened season,'' said coach Kevin Dineen, who played for Hartford during the previous 48-game season in 1994.
"Every game is going to have a playoff-like atmosphere. You're going to hear that a lot and that's because it's true. Things are going to come fast and furious. Everyone talks about how important that start is. I believe that. It's going to be a very entertaining season.''
When the Panthers opened camp last year, there were more new faces than old. General manager Dale Tallon revamped Florida's roster and had a new coach and system after firing Pete DeBoer and brining in Dineen.
One advantage the Panthers have in this shotgun season is their familiarity with one another. Florida will have a few new faces -- Peter Mueller, George Parros, Filip Kuba -- but the core of last year's Southeast Division champions returns.
"We have most of our team back and the additions we made were great,'' center Shawn Matthias said. "I think we have a really good team here. We're all excited to get going. It's going to be a sprint from start to finish.''
Florida's top line of Stephen Weiss with Tomas Fleischmann and Kris Versteeg returns intact. Rookie Jonathan Huberdeau will be added to the forward mix this season, likely playing on Florida's second line.
The Panthers bring back both goalies from last year and will replace Jason Garrison (Vancouver) on the blueline with Kuba (Ottawa).
Florida will have a handful of roster battles with rookie Jonathan Huberdeau a lock to make it.
Veterans Alex Kovalev and Marek Svatos are in on a try-out and may find openings with forwards Marcel Goc and Sean Bergenheim expected to miss the start of the season with undisclosed injuries.
Dineen will likely carry the full 23 players on his roster to make it easier to substitute players during the many upcoming back-to-back sets of games.
"We're going to have a real quick transition,'' said Brian Campbell, Florida's lone All-Star selection last season after coming over from Chicago.
"With a short training camp, having the same players and coaches is an advantage for us. We know the system. We know what to expect, nothing is new.''
PANTHERS TRAINING CAMP
What to Look For
-- When, Where: Sunday-Friday; Saveology.com Iceplex, Coral Springs
-- Directions: The Iceplex is located one-half mile east of the Sawgrass Expressway off Sample Road and Sportsplex Drive.
-- Times* -- Sunday: Possible workout at 11:30 a.m.; Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.
-- Season Opener: Saturday vs. Carolina; BB&T Center, Sunrise, 7:30 p.m.
-- Admission: Free
-- Key returnees: C Stephen Weiss, RW Kris Versteeg, LW Tomas Fleischmann, G Jose Theodore, D Brian Campbell, D Erik Gudbranson
-- Key additions: D Filip Kuba (Ottawa), RW George Parros (Anaheim), C Jonathan Huberdeau (rookie)
-- Fighting for a spot: RW Alex Kovalev, RW Marek Svatos, C Quinton Howden
Thursday, January 10, 2013
First Practice Back at Saveology IcePlex
Even though it's still not an "official" practice, since the CBA is not ratified yet, the Panthers were back at their own practice facility today. Coaches are still not allowed on the ice with them, but Coach Dineen and GM Dale Tallon were watching from the other side of the glass.
My friends, Nelly and Angi, were there taking photos, along with a local news station.
I was happy to see him reunited with Asst. Equipment Mgr, Chris Moody. (Plus it's so nice to see him be able to wear his #60 practice jersey again, rather than the plain one he'd been wearing during the lockout.)
My friends, Nelly and Angi, were there taking photos, along with a local news station.
I was happy to see him reunited with Asst. Equipment Mgr, Chris Moody. (Plus it's so nice to see him be able to wear his #60 practice jersey again, rather than the plain one he'd been wearing during the lockout.)
A few from local10.com a local news station down there.
More later!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Guys are Practicing in Pompano One Last Time Today
One more practice at Glacier Ice and Snow in Pompano/Lighthouse Point before they head to Saveology tomorrow.
A few tidbits from George Richards this morning.
A few tidbits from George Richards this morning.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
I'm only posting this article for the awesome quote from José
Luongo's status still up in air
Sun Sentinel
It’s no secret that since Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo became a backup to Cory Schneider late last season that he longs to return to South Florida and has been working out at the Panthers facility since August.
On Tuesday he told the Sun Sentinel that nothing has changed other than he has given his general manager Mike Gillis the green light to improve the Canucks anyway he can. He has softened his stance on possible destinations such as Florida or Toronto, and is flying to Vancouver Thursday to join his teammates.
“My mind is open to other possibilites right now, we’ll see,’’ Luongo said. “The funniest quote I saw yesterday was I was practicing in the Panthers facility, in a Canucks jersey on with a [former] Maple Leafs goalie coach. That sums it up for you.’’
"[Gillis] has the green light to take his time and do what’s best for the team,’’ added Luongo, who lives in nearby Parkland with his family. “Obviously, I’m open-minded about a lot of possibilities. We’ll work things out together and figure things out as we go along here.’’
Luongo said his agent is making calls but he won’t hear back until the CBA is ratified on Wednesday.
“It’s touch and go right now. I’m getting ready as if I’m going to Vancouver for the regular start of the season. Once Mike talks to me we’ll make some decisions,’’ he said. “It’ll be an interesting few weeks.’’
Luongo, 33, who played for the Panthers from 1999 to 2006, has 10 years left on a contract with an annual salary cap hit of $5.33 million. The Panthers have veteran goalies Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen under contract for one and two more years respectively, while prospect Jacob Markstrom is still projected as the heir apparent.
Luongo has seven 30-win season and a career goals-against-average of 2.52, as well as a 32-29 record in the playoffs. He has been working with former goalies Vokoun as well as Craig Anderson, who played for the Panthers from 2006-09, but now starts for Ottawa.
“There’s going to be teams out there that really needs him,’’ Anderson said. “It’s just a matter of finding a good home for him. He’s one of the top five goaltenders in the league consistently over the past five years. You can’t replace a guy like that, especially if you have a team that’s borderline to make a run for it. He’s the guy who can put you over the edge. I don’t want to face him more than once a year.’’
Sun Sentinel
It’s no secret that since Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo became a backup to Cory Schneider late last season that he longs to return to South Florida and has been working out at the Panthers facility since August.
On Tuesday he told the Sun Sentinel that nothing has changed other than he has given his general manager Mike Gillis the green light to improve the Canucks anyway he can. He has softened his stance on possible destinations such as Florida or Toronto, and is flying to Vancouver Thursday to join his teammates.
“My mind is open to other possibilites right now, we’ll see,’’ Luongo said. “The funniest quote I saw yesterday was I was practicing in the Panthers facility, in a Canucks jersey on with a [former] Maple Leafs goalie coach. That sums it up for you.’’
"[Gillis] has the green light to take his time and do what’s best for the team,’’ added Luongo, who lives in nearby Parkland with his family. “Obviously, I’m open-minded about a lot of possibilities. We’ll work things out together and figure things out as we go along here.’’
Luongo said his agent is making calls but he won’t hear back until the CBA is ratified on Wednesday.
“It’s touch and go right now. I’m getting ready as if I’m going to Vancouver for the regular start of the season. Once Mike talks to me we’ll make some decisions,’’ he said. “It’ll be an interesting few weeks.’’
Luongo, 33, who played for the Panthers from 1999 to 2006, has 10 years left on a contract with an annual salary cap hit of $5.33 million. The Panthers have veteran goalies Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen under contract for one and two more years respectively, while prospect Jacob Markstrom is still projected as the heir apparent.
“There’s nothing to say. [Tomas Vokoun] would want to play here too; he’s been training with us for the last week if you'd asked him,’’ Theodore said after practice at Glacier Ice and Snow Arena in nearby Lighthouse Point. “Louie committed to Vancouver for 12 years. Until he gets traded that’s where he is.’’
Luongo has seven 30-win season and a career goals-against-average of 2.52, as well as a 32-29 record in the playoffs. He has been working with former goalies Vokoun as well as Craig Anderson, who played for the Panthers from 2006-09, but now starts for Ottawa.
“There’s going to be teams out there that really needs him,’’ Anderson said. “It’s just a matter of finding a good home for him. He’s one of the top five goaltenders in the league consistently over the past five years. You can’t replace a guy like that, especially if you have a team that’s borderline to make a run for it. He’s the guy who can put you over the edge. I don’t want to face him more than once a year.’’
Monday, January 7, 2013
I saw José at their informal practice on Friday (1/4/13)
Saturday night I got back from a whirlwind trip (by car) to South Florida to see José at one of the informal practices some of the Panthers and friends have been conducting during the lockout. We left at about 8:00 pm on January 1st, made it to Coral Springs on the evening of the 2nd, we watched the practice on the 4th and got to visit with José afterwards, then headed back out, after I stepped my feet in the ocean for the first time.
So it was quite the full few days (and a round trip of over 2400 miles.) I will write more later this week, as I'm still cleaning up after the trip.
But here are a couple photos to show you I'm not making it up. :)
After he came off the ice, we chatted a bit and took a couple photos, and then he asked if we wanted to talk more after he cleaned up, so that's why we were out back of the building. We didn't go back there uninvited. He was so incredibly nice. You might remember that I met him in Minnesota 2 years ago, and he was super nice both times. He remembered me and my husband. :))
Like I said, I'll write more later. All sorts of things going on with this and the lockout ending. These photos were from Friday morning. Then the lockout ended on Sunday morning. Best 48 hour period of my life EVER! :)
So it was quite the full few days (and a round trip of over 2400 miles.) I will write more later this week, as I'm still cleaning up after the trip.
But here are a couple photos to show you I'm not making it up. :)
After he came off the ice, we chatted a bit and took a couple photos, and then he asked if we wanted to talk more after he cleaned up, so that's why we were out back of the building. We didn't go back there uninvited. He was so incredibly nice. You might remember that I met him in Minnesota 2 years ago, and he was super nice both times. He remembered me and my husband. :))
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