This week, the Leafs are holding their rookie camp. It's the closest thing to tryouts there is in the NHL. Kids show up from far and wide hoping to dazzle for the coaches and show they deserve a spot on the team. Unfortunately for them, the sad reality is that there are more players than spots and most will not make it. It sucks, but it's the way things are.
But Brian Burke isn't the only one making cuts this week. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday marks tryouts for a local hockey club and Chemmy and I will be among those making cuts. For you see, the two of us are going to be coaching a team of our own this year; only the roles have been reserved. I'm the head coach and Chemmy is my assistant. Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Naw, ain't no thang. S'all good. Anywho, it'll suck to see kids not make the team they want to be on but fortunately for us, we're coaching the lowest level team and we don't have to cut a soul! Huzzah!
Too bad it can't be like that for everyone though. (Here's looking at you Jason Allison last summer.)
Links after the jump.
Will the Kovalchuk signing create an opportunity for the Leafs?
Hopefully not if it means Clarkson; and they aren't trading Langenbrunner.
Phaneuf speaks; but who's listeneing?
VLM recalls how Phaneuf's latest comments are much like those of Keon before him.
Maple Leafs Chat: The Camp Prank
LD brings us the quest for the right handed lace puller.
Kadri on off-season and NHL expectations
MLHS with a great interview with Kid Kadri.
Top 10 Leafs of all-time as per The Hockey News.
Leafs fans, go easy on them for not including Sundin, HHOF class of very soon.
Has Burke cross the line for some fans by inviting Michael Liambis to rookie camp?
It's definitely controversial, but everyone deserves a second chance.
Leafs Nation Online with the next player in line for a preview.
It's camouflage for goalies! (g/t to KK)
These remind me of the green soccer shoes from the 2006 World Cup; useless.
And you non-hockey link of the day
If you thought the Leafs were currently navigating some rough seas, they've got nothing on this cruise.
