After an eventful, relatively short but seemingly long off-season, the first signs of NHL life for the 2013-14 season is finally upon us, as the Ottawa Senators announced the names of the 26 players (3 goalies, 8 defensemen and 15 forwards) that will participate in rookie camp and the ensuing 4 team rookie tournament Sept 4th-8th in London.
May 7, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) in the first period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The group is headlined by former first round picks – Cody Ceci, Curtis Lazar, Matt Puempel – as well as contenders for the roster in Shane Prince, Mark Stone and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Sixteen of the invitees played at least part of the season in Binghamton last year, while 3 of Ottawa’s 2013 draft picks – Lazar, Ben Harpur and Vincent Dunn will also be attending.
You can view the entire list of Ottawa’s invitees HERE.
The London tournament will also include teams representing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Ottawa club will be coached by Binghamton Senators bench boss Luke Richardson.
The Leafs will have first round picks Morgan Rielly and Tyler Biggs, while the Penguins will showcase their defensive depth with the likes of Olli Maatta, Brian Dumoulin, Scott Harrington and Derrick Pouliot. Chicago will be sending a team that includes former Canadian World Junior team member Mark McNeill
Let there be HOCKEY!!!