It’s almost that time of year. The best time of year – hockey season. With only a week until training camps open I decided it was time to get back to writing. I basically took the summer off from writing because, well, I wanted to. However, the season is fast approaching and I thought I would take a moment to knock off some of the rust and get back into this whole blogging thing.

I am sure much of what I am going to write about is old news, but I say the hell with it. I’m going to write about it and get this blog back up to speed with the rest of the Avalanche Universe!

World Juniors

Earlier this month Duncan Siemens attended the Canadian World Junior Development Camp in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The camp was six days long and featured a total of 47 players. Siemens is the third youngest player on the roster and one of twelve from the WHL.

Of the 47 players attending camp, 35 will be asked to skate at a selection camp at the beginning of December. The final roster will carry 22 players and will be selected after the camp.

Training Camp & Preseason

The Avs announced information about their training camp at the end of August. Veterans will report on Friday, September 16th for medical and physical tests.

The 55 member squad will be on the ice for three days, September 17th through the 19th. The full training camp roster can be viewed here. Kyle Cumiskey, who has recently signed, isn’t on the roster, but will also be at camp.

Training camp concludes on Tuesday, September 20th with the annual Burgundy vs White game. This years game will be played at Air Force Academy.

The Avs will play six preseason games beginning Thursday, September 22 at Dallas. The rest of the schedule is as follows:

  • 9/23 – St. Louis
  • 9/25 – Dallas
  • 9/28 – Los Angeles
  • 9/29 – at St. Louis
  • 10/1 – Los Angeles (in Las Vegas)

Re-Signing

The most recent news involves defenseman Kyle Cumiskey. It was announced today that the 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal. Cumiskey was the only player remaining who had yet to sign.

The 2005 draft pick (222 overall) has appeared in 132 NHL games tallying 9 goals and 35 points. He missed much of last season due to concussion symptoms and will most certainly be looking to get back on track this year.

Greg Sherman and the Avalanche made it a point this off-season to toughen up the blue line by bringing in two big and strong defensemen in Jan Hejda and Shane O’Brien. These two players, as well as the returning 7 players who saw a considerable time with the Avs last season, will make a roster spot hard to come by. Prospects Stefan Elliott, Cameron Gaunce, and Tyson Barrie will also be fighting for a spot, making Cumiskey’s task that much harder.

The regular season begins October 8th at home against the Detroit Red Wings.