Considering that the Canucks prospects are practising in Penticton today as the YoungStars tournament gets underway, I thought we'd see a bit more buzz in the press—at least, on Canucks.com.
I think I enjoy preseason more than most people. The possibilities are endless and I love getting a look at the prospects and seeing who's in the pipeline. I know that season ticket holders gripe constantly about being forced to buy preseason tickets as part of their packages, but I like watching exhibition games. They're a challenge when I'm doing stats, with the crazy rosters and limited supporting information, but I think it's so much fun to pick out the players who look like they have potential.
Besides—you never know what might happen. This Pavel Bure memory from the 1995-96 exhibition season is one of my all-time hockey favourites:
Now, 24, I guess Tommernes is too old to be considered a "YoungStar." I'm hoping he'll be at the big camp and that we'll get to see him in an exhibition game or two. I'm also eager to see who will catch my eye this year.
The Canucks prospects will hit the ice at 2:30 today at the main rink of the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton. The skate is open to the public, and free to attend.
If you're going, please let us know what you see!
Still no Canucks livestream details for tomorrow's game against Edmonton, but I can tell you with certainty that the game will be broadcast on TSN 1410. Jon Abbott is New Canucks Voice
After the departure of TEAM1040 play-by-play man Rick Ball for Calgary, his replacement was announced yesterday.
Jon Abbott is just 28, according to this article from the Vancouver Sun. He's coming our way from Toronto, where he called Marlies games and did fill-in duties on Leafs games. So—he was working in a high-profile gig, but doesn't exactly have Canucks blood running through this veins.
Abbott seems to be enjoying the sights in town so far. He's on his way to Penticton, apparently.
Beautiful morning as a welcome to Vancouver! Ready for the drive to Penticton and Young Stars #Canucks @TSN1040 pic.twitter.com/Cso40FacCU
— Jon Abbott (@HockeyAbbs) September 11, 2014Perhaps we'll hear him on Friday's radio broadcast.
Abbott will be the Canucks' primary voice on radio—calling all games when John Shorthouse takes care of business on the Rogers Sportsnet regional broadcasts.
Ryan Miller and Wife Expecting First Child
To wrap things up on a surprisingly slow news day:
Canucks goalie Ryan Miller and TV star wife expecting baby http://t.co/B9oW1Ta8X4
— The Vancouver Sun (@VancouverSun) September 11, 2014Miller and his actress wife Noureen DeWulf celebrated their third anniversary last week.
Also interesting to note in this story that the NHL Network is putting together a reality show this season called "Wives and Girlfriends." Since DeWulf is an actress by trade, it makes sense that she and Miller will be one of the featured couples.
The baby's due in March.