Doan's Unofficial Camp

Monday was the start of Doan’s unofficial hockey camp. It seemed very different than last year. It seemed a lot more organized for the first day. They all had matching uniforms (except Tyson Nash) and it was a lot more pros. Last year, I remember the first week was only a couple pros and lots of younger guys. Here is who I remember being there:
Shane Doan
Derek Morris
Bill Thomas
Jeff Taffe
Olli Jokinen
Tyson Nash
Peter Mueller
David Spina
Nick Boynton
There were some of the rookies there that I didn’t recognize yet. I have to start learning who the new guys are! I didn’t take any pictures, maybe next time. I had my camera with me but just didn’t get around to pictures. It was just great to watch hockey again. The guys looked like they were having a good time. When DMo walked in, he told us not to watch him and just watch all the other guys.
Jovo and Lisin were at the rink but not on the ice. They were talking to Maloney and (who I think was) the new assistant coach.

The Coyotes had an open house this past Saturday. According to their site about 2,500 people showed up. I can attest to that. I was there and the line was super long. Signing autographs were Shane Doan, Olli Jokinen and Peter Mueller. They were all good sports, but maybe that was because we were at the start of the line! Jokinen looked a little shell-shocked. I would guess the Panthers don’t have these fan events. He’ll get used to it. Doan was his normal self. We were joking with him about going blind from all the camera flashes. He is such a good sport. I am trying to recall what Mueller was like early last year, but it escapes me. Either way, he seems to be a lot more confident and seems to be interacting more with the fans.

The promotional schedule came out today. I was a little disappointed as it seemed to be less give-a-ways than last year. The items so far seem to be good ones though. The Jokinen bobble head will be nice to add to my collection (too bad I accidentally broke my Jovo one - oops). The fleece blankets are always my favorites. My parents will be excited; it looks like they will be here for that game. The winter gloves are always appreciated. I ended up with two last year and I love them! And the bear is just too cute. I hope there are scratchers this year. I liked wining all those tickets!

I guess the Coyotes rookies and the Kings rookies will be playing a couple of games before the season starts. It looks like September 16 (6 pm) and 17 (2 pm) at the arena. It’s open to the public, so it sounds like it will be free. I’m not 100% sure on that but I will update when I know more. The 2pm game will be tricky for me. I will have to take a half day at work. It doesn’t look like I have any meetings that day and I will make sure not to schedule any that day!

Kyle Turris has a blog entry up on the coyote’s website. In there he said he can’t wait for summer to be over with. We are with you KT! Everyone I know is ready for hockey season to start. I am looking forward to a whole season of KT. This is shaping up to be an exciting season but it is still filled with many question marks.