Rookie Focus Now On Main Training Camp

CENTENNIAL, Colo.—Colorado Avalanche prospects have been putting in hard work since last Thursday, with last weekend’s Rookie Showcase offering quite an opportunity to show off where they are in their development.

Most players have been in agreement that the tournament games, against their peers from the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, allowed them a refreshing change of pace.

“It was pretty good to compete against other teams instead of competing against each other,” defenseman Nicolas Meloche said. “So we had fun. It was pretty cool.”

Now that Rookie Camp has come to an end, the skaters at Family Sports Center are looking ahead to making a good impression when the club’s regular training camp opens on Friday. Systems have been taught, adjustments have been made and a bond has been forged… just in time for some individual competition to begin.

“It’s a talented group for sure. The most impressive thing is that everyone is competing so hard,” said Meloche. “We play like we’ve played together for three months. It’s pretty nice to play with these guys and battle with them and for them.”

Everyone wants to catch the eye of the organization’s new coaches. While all are vying for favor from Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, others will be looking to impress San Antonio Rampage bench manager Eric Veilleux as well.

With mere days before the opportunity arises, practices like the one on Tuesday allowed those in attendance to offer a sort of self-evaluation.

“I’m playing very well. My skating ability is way better than last year, so I feel more comfortable,” …

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