Photo: ESPN980
Day one of the Capitals 2016 training camp is in the books. With Barry Trotz still coaching Team Canada in Toronto, Hershey Bears head coach Troy Mann is running the show.
SKATE TEST
The much dreaded skate test, or “bag skate” as it is affectionately known, is aimed to test the current endurance (and off-season commitment) of each player entering camp. Today’s first day of camp was no different, as the test was conducted at the end of each of the three sessions. I think it’s safe to say that if you fail this test, or even do poorly, camp is going to be a bit tougher for you in the coming days.
Easily the players’ least favorite part of camp: the timed bag skate. pic.twitter.com/9OOm1iJulG
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) September 23, 2016
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And the traditional post skate-test carnage was no different this year. It’s interesting to see who comes to camp in shape, and who may not have fully prepared for day one. Here Jill Sorenson catches coach Reirden helping Joey Leach (50) to the finish line.
Reirden helping Leach finish. Leach collapses at the end #CapitalsTalkpic.twitter.com/diYUazOkbW
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) September 23, 2016
First group skate test is over. This says it all. #CapitalsTalk pic.twitter.com/Kr9OXVRXAy
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) September 23, 2016
Stan Galiev and Jay Beagle looked to be two of the better conditioned players from day one. Chandler Stephenson and Joey Leach were two of the players that struggled.
PRACTICE LINES:
It’s never to early to begin talking lines. Coach Trotz and GM MacLellan both stated during the summer that a potential new third line could consist of Marcus Johansson, newly acquired center Lars Eller and Justin Williams.
Karl Alzner, still recuperating from offseason surgery, did not participate in the skate test today.
LET THE GAMES ADVERTISING BEGIN
The Capitals unveiled their new practice jerseys for training camp, complete with new advertising on the front.
MEDIA SESSION
The Capitals held their annual media day following the first workout on ice.
#Caps F Justin Williams talks to the media on the first day of #CapsCamp. Full coverage of ’16 Training Camp here: https://t.co/fdZLjDrewQ pic.twitter.com/OnKNfnrMiu
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 23, 2016
If you’re interested in following training camp in a little more detail, or you might be interested in attending a training camp session at Kettler, we’ve got you covered with our schedule and roster, found right here.
By Jon Sorensen
