Alexander Ovechkin fights Oleg Tverdovsky

Gotta love Ovy getting in his first scrum over in Russia. Cheers to Stirling of the Caps Message Boards for finding this nugget of joy.

Reflection on Rookie Camp

I know I'm a few days behind, but better late than never. The Caps deserve major kudos for the summer development camp they hosted this month. With the plethora of young talent in the organization right now, this camp gave fans their first real look at many of the players we've been reading so much about over the past several weeks, months, and years.

Unlike previous years camps, this featured an expanded roster which included prospects from the OHL, WHL, QMJHL, Russian Super League, AHL, NCAA, ECHL, and several other leagues. As expected, the daily scrimmages proved to be the camp highlight, drawing out packed crowds of mid-summer hockey-deprived fans.

My belief in the future of this organization was reaffirmed upon seeing some of the Capitals up-and-coming talent. I was impressed by several players performances at camp - especially on the blue line. While Joe Finley was already a well-known prospect for his massive size and TV appearances playing in the Frozen Four for North Dakota, I must admit that I doubted his ability to develop into an NHL player given the league's rule changes and faster pace. Joe quickly destroyed those preconceptions at camp. Despite his large stature, Finley moved quite well, and was not afraid to throw the body. Another impressive physical defenseman was new 2007 draftee Ted Ruth (previously shown in scrimmage video highlights leveling a winger skating up ice). I thought Ruth played rather well for a new draftee who has yet to even play a game at the collegiate level. I try to make it out to South Bend once a year for a Notre Dame football game - I hope to be able to take in an Irish hockey game as well, and will be sure to take notes on Ruth's performance.

In addition to the two physical defensemen, I felt that Karl Alzner, Sami Lepisto, and Josh Godfrey all had strong camps. Alzner frequently showed poise on the blue line, and had several good "keep ins" for his team in the offensive zone. Lepisto showed some promise on the power play, and should make some noise at Caps camp. While I don't expect him to make the team, he will be a good addition for Hershey. As for Godrey, his rocket of a slapshot lived up to the hype, directly leading to a goal for his team in one of the week's scrimmages.

Of the goaltenders, Neuvirth had the most impressive camp, while Varlamov showed promise as well.

In the forward ranks, Nicklas Backstrom, Matthew Perrault, and Francois Bouchard all had good camps. Bouchard, believed by many to be the most impressive forward at camp, earned some coverage in this past Sunday's Washington Post, courtesy of Tarik. Bouchard played mainly on a line with highly touted Nicklas Backstrom. The pair showed some good chemistry throughout the week, and connected for several scoring opportunities, including Backstrom's game winner last Friday. While Backstrom did not steal the show and dominate camp, he did show flashes of brilliance, including some great passes and moves around defenders. Despite his somewhat reserved and shy personality off the ice, he was gracious with fans for photos and autographs.

While most of the players at camp will not be competing to wear the red white and blue for several years, some - including Bouchard - could challenge for a roster spot making Hanlon's decisions at September's training camp a little more difficult.

One thing is certain - the future is looking bright for Capitals hockey.

Shame On Me

I've got some catching up to do with all that has gone on recently. Until I have that together, enjoy my latest wardrobe addition, courtesy of ebay.

A Little Video Action

Backstrom making some moves and Ruth lowering the boom on someone.

Hangin With the Kids at Camp

I had a great day at Kettler taking in Day 2 of the Washington Capitals rookie camp. Tons of pictures, videos, thoughts, and recaps to come soon!

2007-2008 Schedule is Out!

Have a look.

For the second year in a row, the Caps will start the season on the road and follow up with a home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Caps Rookie Camp Kicks Off Wednesday

As you might have seen by now, the Caps have released their roster for this week's rookie camp being held at Kettler. Not a shabby list, if I do say so myself. Among the notable players attending camp are 9 of the Caps 10 2007 draft selections, including highly touted blue liner Karl Alzner. This camp will also give fans their first glimpse of the Caps top selection in 2006, Swedish pivot Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom, largely expected to center one of the Caps top two lines, is likely to be the center of attention for media and fans attending the on-ice sessions. Other notable attendees include two hot shot QMJHL prospects - Francois Bouchard and Mathieu Perrault - as well as goalie prospects Simeon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth.

Unlike previous years' camps, this camp will focus much more on in-game strategy, as scrimmages will be held daily from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. General Manager George McPhee, in a morning radio interview, confirmed that these sessions will be full contact, and focus on assessing players' in-game abilities and decision making.

Another difference from previous years is the appearance of several of the Caps NCAA prospects. Due to NCAA rules and regulations, players from college teams are unable to hold agents or receive paid trips/meals/lodging from pro teams. As such, it is essentially up to a college player to pay their own way if they want to attend such a camp. Sure enough, several college prospects will be attending, including two notable defensemen - towering North Dakota defenseman Joe Finley, and 2007 draftee Ted Ruth, who will be attending the University of Notre Dame this fall. To me, this shows the character and desire of some of the players the Caps have drafted. It is great to see kids who are hungry to make it in the big leagues and take every chance they can get to show the organization what they have to offer.

I'm planning on checking out camp Thursday and Friday, and will do my best to get some video footage and scoops. Stay tuned - this should be a fun week of mid-summer hockey!