With training camp set for the middle of September, there's at least one new member of the Ottawa Senators who is already looking to make an impression.
Defenceman Brendan Bell, who signed a two-way deal in July, will look to make the club's blueline following the departures of Wade Redden, Mike Commodore and Luke Richardson.
The 25-year old Ottawa native, is looking forward to start of training camp to show that he's ready to be an everyday player.
"They took a chance on giving me an opportunity to come in here," Bell told TSN. "Obviously there are some openings on the back end. I'm really looking forward to it. These next 3 weeks are going to tick by very slowly. I can't wait for camp to start."
Bell, who was named the Canadian Hockey League's defenceman of the year in 2002-03, says that he hopes he can help the club by moving the puck efficently from the back end.
"They said there is some lack of a an offensive defenceman a puck moving defenceman and by no means am I a Brian Campbell or someone like that. but I think I may be able to fill that void if I play as well as I can," Bell told TSN.
Last season, Bell played two games the Phoenix Coyotes, where he recorded no points. He seven goals and added 24 assists for 31 points in 69 games with the San Antiono Rampage of the American Hockey League.
Bell has represented Canada internationally on two occasions, winning a gold medal at the 2003-04 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, and winning a silver medal at the 2002 world junior championships in Halifax.
