Sport-scan daily brief

Laviolette, head coach of the 2006 U.S. Olympic team and an assistant for the 2014 squad in Sochi, Russia, agrees with Holmgren that the time can be put to good use.

“I think it’s a really good spot to slip out, we’ve had a big camp here,’’ he said. “We’ll take a group up there and it’s an opportunity to get away from families and out of your homes and get to a different place where you can spend some time, work on some things.

“We don’t do that anymore. It seems like everything revolves around a big rink or a city. I think we’re fortunate to have this opportunity to go up there and work on some things, eat together and get to know each other better.’’

Assistant coach Joey Mullen was a big-time U.S. college player in 1980, went to the Olympic trials but, because his father was ill and the family needed money, decided to sign a pro contract instead.

The Hall of Fame player says he has no regrets.

“I had to make a decision,’’ he said. “I think I made the right one for me.’’

Mullen, all business on the ice, looks forward for the chance in a more isolated environment.

“It’s a good place where we can go right to work,’’ he said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. It starts when we get there.’’

Scott Hartnell, a Canadian, speaks highly of the 1980 U.S. accomplishment. Easy for him to say. His country has a whole sock drawer full of medals.

A weekend with the guys at such a historic spot will be cool.

“Everything is a little messed up here at the Wells Fargo Center instead of being in Voorhees (because of the renovations),’’ he said. “To get away from Philadelphia and the distractions, it will be exciting.

“I’ve never been to Lake Placid so it will be interesting to see the history of that town as well.’’

---

The Flyers have reduced their training camp roster by 28 players, according to Holmgren.

Brandon Alderson, Cal Heeter, Jason Akeson, Tyler Hostetter, Mark Alt, Andrew Johnston, Rob Bordson, Matt Konan, Tyler Brown, Maxim Lamarche, Carsen Chubak, Matt Mangene, Doug Clarkson, Brandon Manning, Nick Cousins, Derek Mathers, Steven Delisle, Tye McGinn, Cullen Eddy, Mark Nemec, Zack Fitzgerald, Marcel Noebels, Kyle Flanagan and Petr Straka.

In addition, the Flyers loaned three players to their junior clubs – Tyrell Goulbourne (Kelowna), Taylor Leier (Portland), and Samuel Morin (Rimouski), and released Todd Orlando from his tryout. There are 32 players remaining in Flyers training camp.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 09.19.2013

717313 Philadelphia Flyers

Newly signed Morin looks like the real deal

Posted: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:24 pm

Wayne Fish Staff writer

PHILADELPHIA – Sam Morin might not be ready to become the next Chris Pronger just yet, but he’s making steps in the right direction.

One night after impressing the coaching staff with his performance in a 4-3 shootout loss to Washington, the 2013 No. 1 draft pick was signed to an entry level contract by the Flyers.

The towering (6-foot-6) defenseman played with poise and certainly didn’t look like an 18-year-old out there.

After the Caps game, Morin indicated he’s not putting any limitations on his aspirations for this camp. It would be a surprise if he made the opening night roster, but certainly not a shock.

General manager Paul Holmgren cracked a smile when someone asked him if Morin comes from the same franchise-player mold as Pronger.

“I’d hate to put that label on him,’’ Holmgren said. “For a guy that size, I think he gets around the ice real well. His hands are good, his (hockey) sense is real good.

“Any time he can spend here is a bonus. You learn what it takes to be a pro. When the time comes to make a decision, we’ll make that.’’

Morin played again on Tuesday night in a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers and didn’t seem to make any glaring errors.

“I don’t think I played a bad game,’’ he said. “But maybe I played better last night.’’

The Flyers never mind players who sound sure of themselves. Now it just comes down to how quickly Morin can back up his words.

“He’s obviously a very confident kid,’’ said Holmgren of the Lac-Beauport, Que. native. “He’s pretty sure of himself, not in a bad way but a good way.

“He’s a hard-working kid, he’s put the time in, he trains properly, he eats properly. He weighs 200 pounds. I remember Chris Pronger when I had him in Hartford as an 18-year-old, I think he weighed 180, 185. . .so Sam already weighs 200 pounds. Who knows what he’s going to be when he’s full-grown?’’

Morin knew the Flyers were talking with his people for some time so the new deal came as no big surprise. In fact, he hinted at it after Monday night’s game.

Still, he’s not going to let it go to his head.

“You know, a lot of guys who have contracts don’t play in the NHL,’’ he said.

Some of the vets gave him advice before the game.

“Yeah, quick passes, no stickhandling,’’ he said with a grin.

Coach Peter Laviolette was coaching the Flyers’ split-squad team on Monday in Toronto but got some good reports from the staff working in Philadelphia.

“He’s looked really good in practice,’’ Laviolette said before the game. “I think it (the chance of making the team) is true of any young player – you continue to push and then those things become organizational decisions.’’

/n

First cuts: Holmgren said the Flyers plan to make their first roster cuts on Wednesday. He said the team plans to take about 26 to 28 players to Lake Placid for the four-day getaway to Lake Placid this weekend.

Vinny and the gang: The Flyers experimented with a line of Vinny Lecavalier, Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds for Tuesday night’s game. That unit had one practice together so far in camp but Laviolette likes what he saw.

“They absolutely destroyed the three-on-three competition,’’ Laviolette said. “It will be fun to watch them together.’’

Normally, Hartnell would be with Claude Giroux but the captain is out due to finger surgery.

“I was excited to play with Vinny, I played against him for so many years,’’ Hartnell said. “I think the coaches were happy with the way we played. Big bodies, cycled the puck, protected it well.’’

/n

Short shots: Sean Couturier continued his strong preseason. One night after a two-assist game against Washington, Couturier registered his first goal and was 8-3 on faceoffs. . .

The play of free agent defenseman Hal Gill, here on a tryout, has caught Laviolette’s eye. “His job is to keep the puck away from our net and I think he’s done a pretty good job of that,’’ Laviolette said. “He’s in tremendous shape.’’

Burlington County Times LOADED: 09.19.2013

717314 Philadelphia Flyers

Morin returns to junior club as Flyers trim roster

John Boruk goes one-on-one with Scott Hartnell

Staff Writer

There were a couple surprises Wednesday afternoon as the Flyers trimmed their roster by assigning 28 players while retaining 32 for their Lake Placid portion of training camp which begins on Thursday.

As expected, Flyers defenseman Samuel Morin was sent back to his junior club, Rimouski, on Wednesday morning.

Morin confirmed it on his Twitter account.

Among the surprises, however, was Jason Akeson and Tye McGinn going to the Phantoms right now. That actually clears an easier path for both Micheal Raffl and Scott Laughton to make the Flyers' roster.

McGinn played well and already has NHL experience with the Flyers from last season. That he didn’t make it all the way through camp is a bit of a shock.

Akeson had played very well and was vying for a spot at left wing on the roster. Also sent to the Phantoms, among the forward group, was Petr Straka, Nick Cousins and Marcel Noebels.

Defensively, Brandon Manning went down as the Flyers still have a log jam in camp with 12 defensemen competing in camp.

Overall, the Flyers now have 17 forwards and three goalies remaining in camp.

As for Morin, the 18-year-old defenseman was nothing short of impressive in training camp and has served notice that he is likely a year or two away from joining the Flyers full-time.

Unusual though it may be, the Flyers were stacked on defense in camp with nine players on one-way contracts plus Hal Gill on a tryout. Gill will go to Lake Placid when training camp continues on Thursday.

The 6-foot-6, 211-pound Morin was the Flyers' first-round pick this past summer at No. 11 overall in the NHL draft.

General manager Paul Holmgren all but said Morin was going home to more seasoning on Tuesday night.

“It’s a stretch just because of the numbers we have here,” Holmgren said . “We’re just going to take it a day at a time and see how it goes.”

Morin signed a three-year, entry-level contract worth $4.275 million on Tuesday.

Players assigned by Flyers

Adirondack Training Camp (AHL)

Brandon Alderson

Jason Akeson

Mark Alt

Tyler Brown

Carsen Chubak

Doug Clarkson

Nick Cousins

Steven Delisle

Cullen Eddy

Kyle Flanagan

Cal Heeter

Tyler Hostetter

Andrew Johnston

Matt Konan

Maxim Lamarche

Matt Mangene

Brandon Manning

Derek Mathers

Tye McGinn

Mark Nemec

Marcel Noebels

Petr Straka

Zack Fitzgerald

Loaned to junior clubs

Tyrell Goulbourne – Kelowna (WHL)

Taylor Leier – Portland (WHL)

Samuel Morin – Rimouski (QMJHL)

Released from tryout

Todd Orlando

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.19.2013

717315 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers Notes: Hal Gill to get more looks

The Flyers fall to the Rangers at home in preseason action

Staff Writer

Two games won’t be the deciding factor on whether Hal Gill sticks around or not on his tryout deal.

Gill played in Sunday’s 4-3 exhibition loss in London, Ont., to Toronto, and in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Rangers at the Wells Fargo Center.

Sources say Gill will make the trip to Lake Placid early Thursday where the Flyers will continue their camp through the weekend.

The 38-year-old Gill is fighting thick odds with nine defensemen already here on one-way contracts.

While the 6-foot-7 defenseman is in amazing shape, he looked a little slow in both games in coverage areas.

“In a normal situation, when you have a contract, you worry about progressing and getting better in every game,” Gill said. “In this situation, I wanted to speed up the process. But it was good. It was nice to get out there and be competitive and play. I felt good. Like preseason, you’re learning a new system and timing needs to get there.”

The Flyers are taking between 26-28 players to Lake Placid.

“I can show that I am healthy and ready to go and I have that desire,” Gill said. “I want to be part of the team. I don’t have to show people what I can do. I’ve been doing the same thing a long time.”

He had a defensive overplay with Mark Alt in the loss to the Rangers that allowed for Benoit Pouliot’s easy, point-blank rebound in the third period for the winning goal.

Absent of a major injury or trade, it remains hard to see this 15-year veteran making the roster, but coach Peter Laviolette said Gill will get more looks.

“Hal did a good job,” Laviolette said. “His job is to keep the puck and keep people away from our net and he’s done a pretty good job of that. His best asset is defending.

“Think back to Hal in his career and when he is most noticeable, it’s him taking care of the front of the net. Him being physical on top-end players. We’ll get a better look and better read on Hal as the camp moves on.”

Laviolette did admit his skating might not grab your attention, but that was never his primary asset anyway.

“His strengths are different,” Laviolette said. “He’s big, he defends, he ties up bodies, he clears the net ... plays that type of game.”

How it happened

Derick Brassard scored on a shot in the slot that hit the back of the new, shallower net so quick it popped out before the red light went on. ... Max Talbot tied it later in the period and the same thing happened -- the puck flew out of the net even though it was a soft shot. ... Flyers goalie Steve Mason played the entire game. ... Ray Emery gave up a tying goal in the final 21.7 seconds of regulation on Monday against the Caps. Mason gave up one to ex-Flyer Darroll Powe in the second period to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. ... Sean Couturier, who had two assists against Washington, made it 2-2 in the third period with his first goal.

Inside the lines

Scott Hartnell played on Vinny Lecavalier’s line with Wayne Simmonds.

“We had one practice together on Day 2 and I was kind of excited to play with Vinny," Hartnell said. "I played against him for so many years, watching him score goals. I think the coaches were happy with how we played. We’re all big bodies. We move the puck well, cycle and protect the puck.”

Laviolette wanted to see the chemistry between Lecavalier and Simmonds. It appears the left side is up for grabs.

“That second day [in camp] with Hartnell, they absolutely destroyed it on the three-on-three competition,” Laviolette said.

New nets

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.19.2013

717316 Philadelphia Flyers

Team plans to bond on champions' ice

Sep. 18, 2013 11:46 PM |

Written by

Dave Isaac

After 33 years, Joe Mullen has no regrets.

He tried out for Team USA, the squad that won Olympic Gold in 1980 in Lake Placid, N.Y. Instead of sticking around, he chose to go pro and sign with the St. Louis Blues.

“I had to make a decision,” Mullen said. “I think I made the right one for me.”

Today, the Flyers assistant coach will step on the ice of what is now called Herb Brooks Arena on a mission to put together a different motley crew.

“I’m just going to work,” said Mullen, who played for 17 seasons in the NHL with the St. Louis, Calgary, Pittsburgh and Boston. “That has nothing to do with it.”

It begins a four-day, team-building retreat in a town with a tad more than 2,500 people and countless stories.

“Any American involved with hockey has seen the movies and the remakes and everything else and is aware of it,” said Flyers center Adam Hall, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. “You’re aware of the history that happened in that building.”

While the likes of Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig were making an unlikely run, Mullen was watching on television.

“It was great,” Mullen said. “I knew most of the guys between trying out with them and playing college hockey against them and summer hockey with them. I knew just about everyone on the team. I was proud of them.”

Where that magic happened seemed like the perfect venue to the Flyers for a retreat during the dog days of training camp.

“It’s got a quaint little town to it,” said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, a Franklin, Mass. native. “The fall setting…it’s a little colder up there. You can feel it’s time for hockey.”

And also time for getting to know one another off the ice. Vincent Lecavalier spent the last 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now he’s got about 25 new friends to make.

“When you go away for three or four days, you never get to know someone unless you get to go (away) with them,” said the four-time All-Star. “For me especially, getting to know the guys, it’s a great thing.”

In Lake Placid, players will have roommates and spend more time together than they might for a team dinner the night before some random road game.

Courier-Post LOADED: 09.19.2013

717317 Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes winger Lauri Korpikoski still driven to improve, even with 10 million reasons to feel secure

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Wed Sep 18, 2013 5:50 PM

Security carries a price tag.

Apparently it’s not $10 million.

Coyotes winger Lauri Korpikoski cemented his place in the core of this team after he was awarded a four-year contract this summer with an annual payout of $2.5 million. It’s the longest and most lucrative contract of his career.

He earned that because he kills penalties and his defensive awareness is among the best in the forward group. Korpikoski can score goals, highlighted by bursts of speed, but his bread-and-butter asset is his role as the prototypical third-liner.

And since the Coyotes find value in that job — evidenced by their willingness to pay him long-term for it — Korpikoski could do that and nothing more for the next four years, and no one would peg him as a disappointment.

But Korpikoski hasn’t gotten comfortable now that he has stable roots in the organization.

In fact, he handles that word with trepidation, as if it could snap back and bite him without notice.

“I don’t like to float that around too much,” Korpikoski said. “You still want to have goals and that kind of attitude that you’re going to come in and show again. Every year you’re got to show what you’ve got.

“It’s nice to have (the contract). I’m happy so that I can just concentrate on the hockey side of it. (But) I’ve still got to do the job.”

And the job description, in Korpikoski’s mind, is under renovation. He isn’t about to turn his nose up at his defensive duties, especially on the penalty kill. With center Boyd Gordon gone, Korpikoski could emerge as the team’s top forward in that situation.

But Korpikoski wants to show more offensive flair in his game and prove that the 19 goals he scored in 2010-11 and 17 the following season weren’t flukes. He added 10 pounds in the summer to try playing as a heavier winger — almost a must in the Pacific Division — and he likes the change so far.

“You want to get better, but I know that the PK side of it and the defensive side that’s something I’ve got to keep doing also,” he said. “That’s a big part of it. I know that coaches expect me to do that, and I’ll for sure try to get even better on that side, too.

“I’m just trying to add something. I’ve always felt I can do a little better there.”

He’s getting the opportunity, at least in camp. Korpikoski has been practicing alongside center Martin Hanzal and winger Radim Vrbata. The audition for a top-six position is a sign that the coaching staff recognizes the potential for him to do more offensively.

“He’s actually a very good power-play player,” Tippett said, “but it all depends on the rhythm of your game.”

Translation: if Korpikoski has just killed three penalties in one period, he probably isn’t going to be overworked on the ensuing power play.

But the beauty of Tippett’s system is it rewards hard work and the hot hand. If Korpikoski combines those two, he could easily find himself with more responsibility.

“If you play better, you play more,” he said. “So even if you play well on the defensive side and being good, just playing solid, he’s going to get you in there on the power play and get you chances.”

And, if Korpikoski gets that chance, the Coyotes could end up benefiting by getting more bang for their buck.

“Personally, you always want to take the next step and be more offensive,” he said.

Reach The Heat Index at sarah.mclellan@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-7888. Follow her at twitter.com/azc_mclellan.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 09.19.2013

717318 Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes' Paul Bissonnette to appeal suspension

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Wed Sep 18, 2013 4:21 PM

Coyotes enforcer Paul Bissonnette is appealing the 10-game suspension he was issued Monday by the NHL for leaving the bench in an illegal line change during an altercation in Sunday’s preseason game at Jobing.com Arena against the Los Angeles Kings.

Bissonnette’s agent, Mark Guy, confirmed the decision.

In the first period of Sunday’s game, defenseman Rusty Klesla was leveled with an open-ice body check from Kings center Jordan Nolan and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. After that, Nolan became an easy target for the Coyotes and center Martin Hanzal elbowed Nolan along the boards later in the period.

A scrum ensued and that’s when Bissonnette made an illegal line change, coming off the bench before a teammate returned to it, to join the action. He was given a game misconduct for leaving the bench, and that triggers an automatic 10-game suspension.

The appeal process was revamped under the new collective bargaining agreement. An appeal first will be heard by Commissioner Gary Bettman, but now players who’ve been suspended six or more games have the option to appeal that decision to a neutral arbitrator.

If the suspension stands, Bissonnette will start serving it in the regular season. He would forfeit $37,820.51 in salary and would be eligible to return to the lineup Oct. 24 when the Coyotes are in Los Angeles to play the Kings.

Bissonnette is allowed to continue to participate in preseason games.

“We’re gonna keep pushing like he’s a normal player,” coach Dave Tippett said.

Benefit scrimmage

The Coyotes used Wednesday’s intrasquad scrimmage to honor the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30.

Players wore tribute jerseys in the pregame skate, and photos of all 19 firefighters were shown at center ice befire puck drop.

All proceeds from the event were donated to the families.

But once the pregame ceremony concluded, it was business as usual on the ice.

All of the regulars played, but the coaching staff was particularly focused on the players fighting for roster contention. Tippett watched from the press box and let assistants Jim Playfair and Newell Brown work behind the benches.

“You’re going to play against all the best players,” Tippett said. “If you can stand out in that group, that bodes well for you.”

The first line of winger Mikkel Boedker, center Mike Ribeiro and captain Shane Doan was hoping to find more chemistry after a ho-hum debut in Sunday’s preseason game.

“We got some power play goals, but five on five our line has to been better and we know that,” Doan said. “At the same time, we had opportunities and it was a step in the right direction. It just wasn’t a finished work by any means.”

Ice chips

Klesla, who suffered a concussion and whiplash from Nolan’s hit, was at Jobing.com Arena on Tuesday, but there’s still no timetable for his return.

“He looked alright,” Tippett said. “He was here at the arena. He said he still had some neck and head issues, but it was good to see him moving around. That’s one of those ones we’ll give it a few days and then go from there.”

Defenseman Zbynek Michalek played in the scrimmage with a full cage on his helmet. He took a puck to the mouth in Sunday’s game, requiring stitches.

Winger Philip Lane has left camp due to a family issue.

UP NEXT

Who: Coyotes at Sharks

Where: SAP Center, San Jose.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 09.19.2013