Victoria –
Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet says he desires to see consistency and creativity from his gamers because the Nationwide Hockey League staff prepares for its first pre-season recreation Sunday in opposition to the Flames in Calgary.
Many of the gamers dressing for Sunday’s recreation in Alberta will likely be prospects and youthful staff members, Tocchet mentioned Saturday following a staff scrimmage in Victoria the place the staff has been in coaching camp.
“You need to get the younger guys in,” he mentioned. “There’s some guys that deserve a shot.”
The Canucks have been in Victoria since Thursday and can conclude their coaching camp Sunday.
Tocchet mentioned the staff has been engaged on five-on-five techniques all through the camp, and consistency and energy are ideas he desires to instil within the gamers.
“You realize me, arduous to the bench. The wall work,” he mentioned. “Plenty of our ideas, numerous our staples. I need these issues first.”
However Tocchet mentioned he does not need to prohibit participant creativity.
“You probably have an opportunity, do your magic,” he mentioned.
Canucks gamers squared off in opposition to one another Saturday in a full-contact scrimmage forward of the primary pre-season recreation.
The scrimmage contest noticed the Canucks costume two full benches of gamers, together with veterans Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and goalie Thatcher Demko and a number of other rookies attempting to crack the road up.
The 2-period contest resulted in a 3-1 rating with staff blue defeating the white squad.
Prospects Josh Bloom and Chase Wouters, together with veteran Conor Garland, scored for the blue staff, whereas Teddy Blueger, a former Vegas Golden Knight who signed a free-agent contract with Vancouver in July, replied for staff white.
Canucks ahead Jack Studnicka mentioned he expects the Canucks, who completed out of the playoffs and in sixth place within the Pacific division, will likely be a a lot improved staff this season.
“I believe we will be hockey staff,” he mentioned. “I believe we will shock some individuals.”
Studnicka, acquired in a commerce final season with the Boston Bruins, mentioned he has added extra grit to his recreation this 12 months.
“It is sort of arduous to face out (at camp) as a result of we’re engaged on numerous techniques stuff, however I am attempting to make use of my legs and throw my weight round a bit and simply present that I am in form and I will play within the soiled areas,” he mentioned.
Garland additionally mentioned he additionally plans to play with extra of an edge this 12 months.
“That is how I’ve to play,” mentioned Garland. “It is good to sort of get again to my previous self.”
He shrugged off a quick shoving incident with Canucks teammate Dakota Joshua throughout Saturday’s scrimmage.
“That stuff is over in a second,” Garland mentioned. “We’re really fairly shut off the ice. I am in all probability going to have lunch with him.”
The Canucks start the common season on Oct. 11 in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Area.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Sept. 23, 2023.