Arizona Coyotes Training Camp Is Finally Here

Long awaited Arizona Coyotes training camp is in action, and there’s a high level of competition going on

As I attended the Arizona Coyotes training camp yesterday, I noticed that even though Head Coach Dave Tippett was losing his voice, and quite hoarse…he was still out there doing his job. He was checking out the talent at hand for the 2015-16 training camp. Attending the camp were 37 forwards, 19 defensemen, and seven goalies.

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With that large a showing, the players were split up into 3 groups. I attended the last day’s group, and got to see players like: Marek Langhamer, Adin Hill, Mike Smith in goal. The D-men I noticed were: Nicklas Grossman, Connor Murphy, Philip Samuelsson, Stefan Elliott, James Melindy, Kyle Capobianco. The forwards there were: Brendan Perlini, Brad Richardson (#12 in photo above), Jordan Szwarz, Craig Cunningham, Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Martinook, Ryan MacInnis, Matthias Plachta, Antione Vermette, Henrik Samuelsson, Michael Bunting.

First off, it was great to see the veterans on the ice again. I really thought Nicklas Grossmann impressed me with his size. And, it was excellent to see Vermy back in an Arizona Coyotes uniform. Connor Murphy looked strong, and scored a nifty top shelf goal in one of the drills. Philip Samuelsson was there, and was very sound, with outstanding skating ability. His brother Henrik also showed that the extra time he’s put in to work on his skating is starting to pay off.

In the nets, Adin Hill was impressive, very mobile for a guy his size at 6’ 4”, 203 pounds. Marek Langhamer showed why he is in camp, performing admirably.

And then there was Smitty. To tell you the truth, he didn’t look as good as the other two goalies. I know it is just training camp, but he had his head down a lot, indicating his lack of endurance, or confidence. We all know that if the Arizona Coyotes want to step it up from last season (and really there is nowhere else to go but up) then Mike Smith must be on top of his game. It’s still early, so let’s see how he does in pre-season games.

The one new player who impressed me the most was Stefan Elliott, who was acquired in the Gormley trade with the Colorado Av’s. In the drills, he as all over the forward coming into the defensive zone, and numerous times broke up plays, even in the 2-on-1 drills. With him being a right hand shot, this gives the Arizona Coyotes four defensemen on the right side to go along with three left shooting blue-liners.

It was also my first glimpse of Brad Richardson, who signed as a free agent with the team over the summer. He wore #12, and looked like an exceptional player to camp in and around the net. He gobbled up rebounds with the best of them, and skates well also.

Three other marginal players making an impression in this session were: Craig Cunningham, who got accolades from his teammates after scoring a slick goal on Mike Smith; Brendan Shinnimin who also put a couple in the net; Jordan Martinook was solid as well. All these three will more than likely be in the AHL, and ready for recall if the need arises for the team.

It’s still too early to tell, but this group of players showed areas where improvement is needed: speed, defense, and puck possession.

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