While discussions continue, the NHL prospects had their annual game this week at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres. Team McClanahan ended up winning this contest 5-2 against Team Housley with three major goals in the second period. This game gave many young players the ability to experience playing in an NHL atmosphere while not quite being on a professional hockey team yet.
"It was amazing, a great experience," Team Housley forward J.T. Compher said. "I've had so much fun being here. The Buffalo Sabres have been great, USA Hockey has been amazing. It means a lot knowing that young kids are going to look at this game and say, 'I want to play in the [All-American] Prospect Game, I want to be here for USA Hockey.'"
During the lockout, the coaches have managed to keep busy. Many of the Penguins' coaching staff, including head coach Dan Bylsma.
“You anticipate hockey for a long time in the summertime, getting ready for the season,” Bylsma said. “A chance to get on the ice, see these guys on the ice, work with players in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization – I get excited about that opportunity. I get excited about getting on the ice and I get excited about being a part of coaching our players.”
Finally, the Penguins organization is planning a new tournament to begin this year at the Consol Energy Center. The "Three Rivers Classic" college hockey tournament is set to take place on December 28 and 29th. The four competing teams are set to be Penn State, Ohio State, Miami of Ohio, and Robert Morris. Robert Morris, a nationally ranked hockey team, is easily a favorite for this tournament. I see them winning mainly because of their definite drive to win and overall skill on their lineup. Other teams, such as Penn State, are simply not as experienced in tournaments as this dominant Robert Morris team.
That is it for this week. Check back next week!
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