Blackhawk Rookie Camp 08', Day V.

Friday and the last day of Rookie Camp, it seemed surreal opening my trunk in 90 degree heat and donning a heavy sweater to put over a tank top. That's hockey in July, dressing for both extremes. Friday's game was the abbreviated two 25 minute periods with a 25 minute break. Goalies were switched at the 12 minute mark and remaining netties were given a last chance to impress. Antti Niemi of the Finish Pelicans and a student of Passi Nurmien impressed most in the house. It would not be surprising to see him backing up Corey Crawford in Rockford next October. Utica native Joe Palmer also looks solidly in the pipeline. Give him another year or two of hard work at Ohio State and he will look better still. Link to follow the colegate teams is at right, should you wish to follow Palmer's development along with other college results and rankings.

Another player to set your tickler file for, Kruise Reddick, 18 just last week, plays for Tri-City in the WHL. For the youngest kid in camp he looked very mature.

The end of camp is a study in contrasts. For the small slice, the few that will move up to the pros, either to the Hawks or through Rockford it is the culmination of years of hard work. For the majority of players restricted by age (a player must be 20 to play in the AHL per an agreement with the Major Juniors, meaning a 19 year old makes it to the NHL or goes back to his Junior/Elite team) or college standings it is an invaluable week spent with professional coaches who will give them advice on how to take it to the next level. Work hard and with perseverance you will be back next year showing us how you follow through. The looks on the faces of the players not moving up was not disappointment as one might expect but of pride and determination.





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