Team Meetings
Its been about 2 Weeks since I have been drafted in the second round to the Columbus Blue Jackets. I looked up what the trade was with Philadelphia and it was something like this.
Columbus Gets:
Philadelphia 2nd Round Pick
RJ Umberger
Philadelphia Gets:
CBJ 1st round pick (acquired from trade with Adam Foote to COL)
CBJ 4th Round pick
Wow a first and a fourth round pick for me and Umberger? Thats pressure right there, they could have used that first round pick to get a good young defencemen but they chose me and Umberger.
So as i arrive in Nationwide Arena fans are standing beside the doors cheering on the players and coaches. Some even signing autographs, This one teenage boy asked me to sign his book. I grabbed the pin and wrote my name down, as I began to enter the arena I heard the kid say "Who is that?" No matter I will look to change that soon.
Coach Hitchcock and GM Scott Howsen were there and it began like this.
"Today we will be having meetings for the experienced and players who have been with the team for at least 2 years. You guys will stay in the meeting room to look at gametap with Scott. The rest of the new players will come with me and work on the ice. But before we get to all the fun stuff I want all of you to go around the room and say a little something about yourselves. Who would like to start?"
The captain Rick Nash stood up.
"Im Rick Nash. Left wing. I will be your captain for this year. I pledge to give it my all this year and hope you guys will follow my example."
After a few guys had gone it was my turn.
" I am Scott Quickel, Right wing. I came out of Michigan State college this year and I hope I will make the NHL roster with all of you."
I heard a few snickering considering im not the most built looking guy in the room. They probley thing im out of condition and slow. I hope Hitchcock doesn't see me that way.
After everyone went I noticed I wasn't the only rookie here. First round pick Nikita Filatov was also here. I quickley learned that there was alot of new players here too. When we were taking a tour of the arena with coach Hitchcock I noticed Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman, Kristian Huselius and many more were here.
When we finally got on the ice we didn't have any pads on or anything it looked like a typical skate around. Probley to get a glance at our speed. The other players joined us a while later also in only skates. After a few hours on ice Howsen sent me and Filatov to his office. I was very nervous and I turned to Filatov to ask him.
"What do you think this is about?"
" I dunno" He said that in a Russian accent.But I could tell what he said.
"Im kinda nervous."
" Yeah me also." His english skills weren't the best, but not bad for a guy who just came to america. Howsen was sitting at his desk when we came in.
" Well do you like your new teamates?" He said that with a smile.
Me and Nikita nodded
"Well as you might have noticed you guys aren't the tallest of the group. I want you guys to start out in the AHL. Our affiliate is the Syracuse Crunch."
Great I move from Michigan to Ohio to New York in two weeks.
I wasn't suprised or angry. But I feel I didn't get a fair shot with the team. Howsens final word was "The bus to Syracuse is outside for you guys. There are alot of people coming with you so don't get down on yourselvs.
I sat on the bus next to Derick Brassard. Who was in the minors only because of the addition to RJ Umberger. He wouldn't stay in the minors very long. Nikita Filatov sat near us probley becuase im the only one that talked to him back in the arena. I quickly found out me and Derek had alot in common.
Maybe Syracuse won't be so bad....
Operation Sports
01-24-2009, 07:17 PM
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