Devils’ Practice
A bright, but chilly morning in October outside the Richard
J Codey Arena (formerly the South Mountain Arena) in West Orange,
New Jersey. I’m here to watch the New Jersey Devils practice.
And to get some more information for my ice hockey series.
No
sooner have I arrived, than a black SUV pulls in beside me and
captain Patrick Elias gets out. He gives me a smile and heads
into the back of the arena. Not a bad start.
Once inside, I’m directed to the second ice surface -
clearly the practice rink. Equipment guys are already putting
out black buckets full of pucks. One of them brings out water
bottles and lines them up on the edge of the rink. Another slides
the goals into place. Practice jerseys are hung on the glass.
Towels are draped over the boards.
Sound echoes around the low-ceilinged rink. There are a few
other fans waiting, sitting on the metal bleachers. It’s
pretty cold; I’m glad I’ve got a fleece and my Devils
jersey.
A murmur goes through the waiting fans as a player in a red
practice jersey comes out and hit the ice. It’s Scott ‘Gomer’ Gomez,
who’s recovering from a groin injury. He skates rather
gingerly for a few minutes; definitely not ready to return to
the line-up. Interesting point to note for my research - the
noise his skates make on the ice isn’t the swishing sound
I expected, but more like a banging; as if he’s thumping
his skates on the ice.
Once Gomez leaves, two of our key players, John ‘Mad Dog’ Madden
and Jay ‘Pando’ Pandolfo, come out for some extra
practice with one of the coaches, Jacques ‘Lappy’ Lapierre.
Clad in grey practice jerseys, the two run through a series of
drills to help them perform more effectively as line-mates. They’re
already two of the most respected checkers in the game. Both
have been nominated for the Selke Trophy (for the best defensive
forward); Madden won it in 2001.
Equipment reps hang out by the locker room hoping to catch the
players and show them their wares. Members of the media chat
in small groups, discussing the latest information and debating
what they’ll learn from the morning’s practice.
Gradually, the rest of the players make their way out onto the
ice and start to warm up. They each bring several sticks with
them. You can tell the line combinations by the colour of the
practice jerseys; red, black, blue or white.
When the coaches come out, practice begins in earnest with the
team going through drill after drill. They work in their line
combinations on passing and shooting, defending and play-making.
Sometimes they work at one end against one of the two goalies.
Other times they are split into two groups, one at each end.
John Maclean and Jacques Laperierre run the drills as coach Claude
Julien looks on. Goalie coach Jacques Caron is on hand to advise
Marty Brodeur and Scott Clemenson.
Another murmur goes through the crowd as a familiar figure joins
the practice - former captain, Scott Stevens. As one of the greatest
defensemen of all time, it gives our D-men a boost to have him
out there, watching and advising.
As practice draws to a close, players gather at centre ice and
listen to some final words by the coach. Then one of the players,
in this case Cam Janssen, goes into the middle of the circle
of players and leads a stretch.
Some players then head to the locker room, while others remain
behind to work on shoot-out skills or another part of their game
that they feel is lacking.
For those of us watching, it’s a time to meet our favourite
players up close and personal. And, let me tell you, it’s
a real pleasure. They’re all so charming and friendly and
totally lacking in ego. They’re willing to chat with you
and sign autographs or have pictures taken. I was surprised by
how humble they are - surprised and thrilled by the interest
the fans show in them. You couldn’t meet a better group
of professional athletes!
In terms of research, the day was really useful; giving me the
sights and sounds of practice. As a fan, it was great fun to
meet the players. All in all, a worthwhile trip. So worthwhile,
I went back in February and I plan to do it again during the
upcoming season … new coach, new players, maybe even
new building … same goal. |
