Hundreds of fans filled the Habs practice facility for the opening day of training camp in Brossard on Sunday. So many in fact, several stood outside in the rain, waiting in line to enter.
Here are news and notes from Day 1.
Dressing Room Changes:
The Canadiens dressing room received a slight make-over from the new coaching staff. The slogan "No Excuses" has been added on the wall in the dressing room. A new carpet was installed in the room with a much bigger CH logo in the middle of it. This year, Bergevin and Therrien implemented that the logo will be covered when the media is in the room to avoid anyone stepping on it.
Gomez Reaction:
When Brian Gionta spoke with the media, he had yet to speak with Gomez. He was called into Michel Therrien's office when he arrived at Brossard and was told what happened and why. Gionta was the one that informed the players. Josh Gorges saw Gomez pulling out of the practice facility as he was driving in this morning. Max Pacioretty spoke about the pressures of playing in Montreal and how that might have factored into Gomez's demise.
Practice:
Therrien will be trying many different scenarios throughout training camp, including giving Alex Galchenyuk some time on wing. Therrien wants him to start him there to learn the systems and eventually he will move him to centre to see what he can bring.
Monday's Practice Lines:
Pacioretty - Desharnais - Cole
Galchenyuk - Eller - Gionta
Bourque - Prust - Moen
Armstrong - White/Dumont - Gallagher
Markov - Emelin
Gorges - Kaberle
Bouillon - Diaz
Weber - Tinordi
Injury Update:
Tomas Plekanec is day-to-day, Petteri Nokelainen is still at least two weeks away.
Intra-Squad Game:
Because there are no pre-season games, the Canadiens will have an intra-squad game on Thursday night (7pm at the Bell Centre). General Manager Marc Bergevin will recall extra players from Hamilton for the game. They are Louis Leblanc, Mike Blunden, Frederic St Denis, Patrick Holland and Michael Bournival. Fans can attend for free. They will also be allowed to watch the Habs and Leafs morning skates on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
