First day reports Goalies

[thefanblogger]

Lalande, Kevin

Had a great day, his play has really improved. Kevin’s lateral movement from side to side was very good. Still needs to work on his angles giving to much room for the shooter. But he is quicker than last year he looks like he has had a good summer working out.


Keetley, Matt

Looks like the old Matt as usual; I truly believe that he is the best prospect in net. His glove hand is very good, plays his angles very well. The only thing he needs to work on is controlling his rebounds.

Irving, Leland

Covers his net very well he does not give much for the shooter. But he is very quick and controls his rebounds very well. I love his attitude always looking for improvement. I suspect he will be battling it out for one of the two positions in Quad Cities.

Spratt, James

He still has some work to do James not quite there yet. In all fairness has not had the background as the other three. He is still a good looking prospect needs some help in covering his angles well. His glove has is pretty good and is a great stick handler.

But again this is only the first day; there is plenty of time to make up.

The Shooters that were there were

Backlund, Mikael

The guy is a good as advertised. I love his skating has quick hands will make a great playmaker. Backlund has all the tools to be the right for the NHL. It will be in the line up or back to Sweden, he will not to back to Quad City.


Ryder, Dan

Dan did not look rusty today made some solid shots I like his skating ability. I think he will be fine, glad to see him there.

[burn_this_city]

Nice write up.. Wish I was there..

[JiriHrdina]

Most important news of the day is that Dan Ryder got on the ice already! Already ahead of last year's pace.

[Flame4Ever]

I really hope that Dan's carrer gets back on track.
I still beleive he has the potential to have a Stasny like impact after a year of seasoning in the minors. He can be a solid two way player that you never notice until you watch carefully because he's not super flashy. However, if you look closely, he's making the smart play most of the time.

[Canada 02]

whether its fair or not, I just can't see a first round pick being sent to the ECHL; I think Irving is a lock to be in QC

[jtfrogger]

That's awesome that Ryder was there. I have been waiting for tomorrow to find out if he would show up this year. I got my info a day early!

Thanks for the update.

[tvp2003]

Some photos on Calgary Herald.com if you're a gear-head and want to see what equipment the goalies are wearing:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...108_Flames&g=0

(Can't say I'm that impressed with Irving's new mask)

[MolsonInBothHands]

Thanks for the report. Great to hear Ryder has shown up. Looking forward to the goal tender battles.

[coldraptors]

Thanks for the report a lot!! Sutter believes Backlund a genuine shot at the squad this year but since we already have about 15 forwards signed, he will play in Sweden this year.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Some photos on Calgary Herald.com if you're a gear-head and want to see what equipment the goalies are wearing:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...108_Flames&g=0

(Can't say I'm that impressed with Irving's new mask)

Keetley uses the force to be see the puck!

[thefanblogger]

hey guys should I do my daily reports here or the main form when I go tomorrow

[PIMking]

do em here!!!! Us in the QC land want to see the boys! Thanks bud!!!

[Save Us Sutter]

Maybe add a thread to the main board saying people can find them here? I'll admit I didn't see this until right now. That's not a shot at the QC board as I appreciate the insight we get here on our prospects as well as Hoody's article links. Just don't check here as much.

Good news on both the forwards. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your updates. Thanks!

[snowdude]

http://communities.canada.com/calgar...y-1-ryder.aspx


Ryder speaks:

*
"I just needed some time away from hockey — I still wasn't ready for a
full season. That was my decision — I'm glad I did it. Two long seasons
in a row, two short summers. It was just hockey every day. I wasn't
ready for a full season. I feel ready for a full season now."

[Sample00]

great write up and thanks for the links to the pics.
My son and I went last year but alas wont be able to go this year.
as my son is a goalie, he's really into this. Got to meet them last year.
appreciate the efforts, thanks

[Dorkmaster]

Sweet, thanks a lot for the information.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by snowdude

http://communities.canada.com/calgar...y-1-ryder.aspx


Ryder speaks:

man I hope that to be true. I know its not all candycanes and lollipops with this guy, but if he has his head on straight he can be a good pro for the Flames

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

whether its fair or not, I just can't see a first round pick being sent to the ECHL; I think Irving is a lock to be in QC

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...php3?pid=62478

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by looooob

man I hope that to be true. I know its not all candycanes and lollipops with this guy, but if he has his head on straight he can be a good pro for the Flames

Yeah it is indeed encouraging. Having Taratuhkin, Gioradno and Ryder all "leave" the organization last off-season was discouraging for an organization that is already not very deep in prospects.

Fast forward and both appear back in the fold.

Ryder could of course flake out again - but one hopes that he stays with it because the talent is certainly there.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by looooob

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...php3?pid=62478

totally different situation; the Oilers didnt have an AHL team at the time, and had limited roster spots from the Penguines