Projo Bruins Blog

September 16, 2007 - September 22, 2007 Archives

Ok, I may be getting ahead of myself, especially since this is my first day at training camp, but the Bruins do look good.

New coach Claude Julien seems to have created an up-tempo style of play in the two practices I've watched this morning at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington.

The Bruins will face the New Jersey Devils in the in their second preseason game in Manchester, N.H. tonight with Manny Fernandez getting the nod between the pipes. Rookie netminder Tuukka Rask wil serve as the backup.

Bruins assistant captain Patrice Bergeron battled injuries all last season and he just said he's healthy and ready to go. Boston needs Bergy to have a big year and he said he's ready for the challenge.

There have been a few surprises at camp this season, including forward Pascal Pellitier and rookie defensemen Andrew Bodnarchuk and Matt Hunwick.

Pellts could easily be a guy who makes the team out of camp. Julien said he's been impressed with him.

"He's been good," said the coach. "Actually, he's been very good. I like his work ethic and his dedication. He's had a really good camp, probably well above what was expected of him."

"He's a high-engergy guy," added Julien. "He's gritty and he gets his nose dirty."

Pellts played in all 80 games for the P-Bruins last season and recorded 49 points (14 goals and 35 assists). The 24-year-old was one of only a few players from Providence not called up to Boston last season, and he said he took it personal.

"I came to camp in really good shape and I lost a lot of body fat," said Pelletier. "I think I've opened some eyes."

There's a good chance Pelletier could make the team, if not he'll be one of the first players called up from Providence if he can continue to play the way he has during camp.

Bodnarchuk made his professional debut with the P-Bruins last season, playing just one game at the conclusion of his junior season with Halifax. The 19-year-old blueliner has played better than some of the veteran rookies on the club. If he does not make the team out of camp, he'll return to Halifax.

Hunwick, the 22-year-old product of the University of Michigan, has also opened some eyes and he will likely be a mainstay in Providence with a solid chance of helping Boston at some point this season.

I'll have a feature on all three "surprises" in tomorrow's Journal. . .

The Boston Bruins today announced that four players who have been with the team in training camp will rejoin their Junior clubs, three will be invited to the Providence Bruins training camp and two will be assigned to the P-Bruins

The four players returning to their Junior teams are right wing Jordan Knackstedt (Moose Jaw - WHL), defenseman Denis Reul (Lewiston MAINEiacs - QMJHL), defenseman Radim Ostrcil (Ottawa 67's - OHL), and goaltender Adam Courchaine (Ottawa 67's - OHL).

Defenseman Daryl Boyle, center Reid Jorgensen and left wing Jamison Orr will be invited to attend the Providence Bruins training camp, which is scheduled to begin Saturday.

Left wing Chris Collins and goaltender Mike Brown have been assigned to Providence.