Hockey season is drawing ever-nearer and the new-look Montreal Canadiens met for the first time on the eve of their 2009-2010 training camp.
Players gathered at Laval-sur-le-lac Golf Club for their annual charity golf event on Thursday.
The flurry of roster changes this past summer was unprecedented in team history, and the golf tournament was important just so that players could get to know each other.
The Canadiens 100th anniversary season was marred by scandals, injuries, the firing of coach Guy Carbonneau and a first-round sweep by the hated Boston Bruins.
But General Manager Bob Gainey's offseason facelift has brought a whole new energy to the most storied club in hockey.
"It's going to be exciting," said newly-acquired forward Scott Gomez, who is expected to be a top scorer.
"To play in the NHL is an honour but to play in a city like this ... you realize that you truly are in a hockey city."
Along with the addition of the high-flying Gomez, Gainey has signed seven other players, all of whom seem optimistic about the new-look Habs.
"It's the same for us as the fan," said centre Mike Cammalleri.
"There's a new start, a lot of new guys, a lot of unanswered questions ... we'll figure our way through."
Quality over quantity
Gainey said he aimed for quality, not quantity, when wheeling and dealing this summer. The goal was to sign young, durable and highly sought-after players to long-term contracts.
"It's our job, our responsibility, to turn them into a good team," he told reporters.
Price says it's right
While the forwards are all about speed, Gainey has beefed up the blue line, giving starting goaltender Carey Price plenty of support - which the young netminder appreciates.
"It's nice, you know," said the 22-year-old B.C. native, who will try to rebound from an up-and down season.
"That always helps a goaltender out when you know that you have big bodies, long reaches clearing away rebounds and breaking teeth."
Chemistry
The question that remains is how new head coach Jacques Martin and his staff will blend all of the fresh talent into a cohesive unit.
Training-camp physicals are on Saturday and the camp gets underway in Brossard on Monday with full coverage by CTV Montreal Sports.
- From a report by CTV's Andre Corbeil -
