Eyes Training Camp: Week 1

Calgary (CP) With off-season moves in management that saw a lot of internal organizational changes, the Sather's Eyes opened camp this week with renewed optimism. After 3rd and 2nd place finishes in their first two years in the league respectively, GM Victor Khoo still knows there is a lot of work to be done if they want to catch their cross town rivals, repeat champions Leaf Haters!, to satisfy the fans.

"We know we have a good team but their needed to be a change in direction if we're going to catch them.", GM Khoo stated after the team's practice. "The Leaf Haters! have pulled off some good moves and will be a formidable opponent coming up. I think we've addressed our main concerns during the off-season and have really changed the make-up of our team." he continued referring to the upgrades in goaltending and the noticeable injection of youth.

"When we started, we had a lot of experience but perhaps not enough young legs. Right now, we have those legs and I believe we haven't dropped significantly in talent."

With 28 people at camp battling for 20 positions, the Eyes look to have 4 solid lines going into the season. Their defence though may come under some scrutiny after the block-buster trade that saw Huet + Pronger sent to the Whalers for all-star goalie Mikka Kipprusoff. "Losing a player like Prongs is always tough. He brought leadership on the ice and in the dressing room. But plain and simple we needed a No.1 goalie moving forward and believe that Wade is ready to take over the leadership part of the defence."

There is no question that the Eyes are deep down the middle which is fine with the coach. "Centers are the most versatile players usually. I have no qualms sticking a center on the wing, but obviously want to keep people at their natural position. Starting Sakic centering on the 4th line is insane, but we believe he can provide the leadership on what would make most people's top two lines."

Steve Sullivan is also making waves during his first on-ice sessions. "The back feels good right now and it'll be stiff tomorrow. I'm just glad to get back on the ice again." Steve was signed earlier this week in hopes of reviving his career once again.

Here's a look at possible line combinations that were tried during camp.

Arnott-Lecavalier-Morrow
Rolston-Thornton-D.Sedin
Kunitz-Richards-Perry
Connolly-Sakic-Morrison

Redden-Rozsival
Hainsey-Salo
Spacek-Lydman

Fur Engee (CP)