By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis and Linktree
As the Labor Day weekend subsided and fall in New England sets in, a familiar feeling comes over Boston Bruins fans all over the region: Hockey is BACK. The Bruins, coming off an offseason full of heartfelt goodbyes, look to turn the page on the historic 2022-23 season and initiate a campaign chock full of question marks. On Tuesday, September 9th, members of the black and gold flocked to Warrior Ice Arena for the team’s first captain’s practice of the season. Here’s what I saw:
Highlights:
Brad Marchand: As the Bruins continue to search for their next captain, it was apparent at Tuesday’s practice that Brad Marchand was running the show. The veteran winger was on the ice before practice started, getting in work with goalies Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, and ran the show once warm-up drills began. Marchand separated the skaters by jersey and set up the five-on-five scrimmage. If we’re betting on who the next captain is, my bet is Marchand.
Big Showing for Providence: The Providence Bruins have a lot of buzz coming into this season because of the elevation of multiple prospects to the AHL squad. Mason Lohrei, Brett Harrison, Trevor Kuntar, and Frederic Brunet were all in attendance, and a series of established Providence veterans. The AHL presence was strong at this practice.
New Guys: The Bruins made many acquisitions this offseason, several of which were in attendance. Kevin Shattenkirk, Morgan Geekie, and James van Riemsdyk all took part in the optional skate and looked comfortable with their new teammates.
Standouts
Pavel Zacha: The Czech native heads into his second season as a Bruin with heightened expectations, and he got off to a strong start. Zacha was one of (if not the) best players on the ice, showing off his passing and transition game while also being a force defensively. He looks ready to embrace his new role as first-line center.
Trevor Kuntar: The former Boston College Eagle returned to the ice after offseason surgery and looked good as new. His speed and jump were evident as he water-bugged along the boards and dominated puck battles along the boards. He created several scoring chances by showing off impressive stick-handling and puck control.
Brandon Carlo: The veteran defenseman was all over the ice on Tuesday. He’s been working on his transition game as he made it his mission to jumpstart the offense, leading multiple rushes and dictating the pace. He was his usual steady self on defense, but his work in the neutral and offensive zones was impressive.
Side Notes
Full Roster: The Bruins saw excellent attendance at Tuesday’s practice. You can find a complete list of attendees here.
Highlight Reel: James van Riemsdyk showed off his silky smooth hands on a net-front deflection. The shot was low to the ice, and he deftly angled his stick blade, sending the puck shooting into the top corner of the net. It drew an emphatic “ew,” from Brad Marchand.
Defense Pairs: Mason Lohrei and Frederic Brunet will skate for Providence this season. Interestingly enough, the two were taking shifts together in the scrimmage and played well together. They’re both left-handed defensemen, but it would be fun to see them play together.
I will do my best to be at captains’ practice all week; follow me on Twitter and keep an eye on Black N’ Gold’s website for more updates.
Well written article with insight, a rarity these days in sports journalism. I will be following along.
Thanks
Thank you Steven, glad you liked it!