Thoughts On Day One Of Main Camp

• I was impressed by the workman like approach Jamie Benn brought to the opening day of training camp. Benn could simply go through the motions with the assurance that he has already signed a pro contract and is earmarked for a spot in the Dallas Stars system. Maybe that's the sign of a mature player who isn't about to rest on his laurels?
• One defenceman that stood out on day one was rookie Antoine Corbin. Corbin was only smurfed by 6'8 veteran d-man Tyler Myers. If the Rockets were awarding roster spots on size alone, Corbin would be in the lineup opening night. Corbin was a 5th round pick in 2007.
  The best goalie mask at camp goes to 16 year-old Stephen Klein. Klein has a detailed painted mask that would make anyone jealous. If Klein ever makes the team, the mask will have to go. GM Bruce Hamilton prefers all of his goalies to have 'white' only masks.
• I am not sure how rookie forward Shane McColgan did in fitness testing Monday, but if he had less than favorable results, don't blame him. McColgan arrived late Sunday night after a 17 hour trip from Germany where he helped the U.S.A win a bronze medal at the Five Nations Tournament. McColgan was bagged physically, but still managed his fitness test under the watchful eye of athletic therapist Jeff Thorburn. Fortunately for McColgan his equipment was lost by the airline, so he was unable to participate in the opening day of camp. McColgan's misfortune of losing his gear may have been a blessing in disguise.
• I was asked by one observer taking in Rockets camp today on how many goals I could see McColgan scoring this season. My answer? Hopefully 20. Rory McDade and Kevin Korol hold the Rockets franchise record for goals scored by a 16 year-old, with 15 each during the 1997-98 season. Kyle McLeod had 12 in 1998-99 as a 16 year-old. To think Prince George Cougars forward Brett Connelly, at 16, had 30 goals on a bad team.
  
• Lost in the hype over McColgan is Zachery Franko. Franko is at main camp after being the Rockets second pick in the 2008 draft. Franko may feel like Spencer Main, who was a virtual unknown after being drafted behind the Rockets first pick in the 2007 draft, Luke Moffatt.
• Speaking of Moffatt, I had the pleasure of talking to his father Kennie the other day. Kennie Moffatt didn't want to go into detail on why his son isn't at training camp, but admitted that he continuely watches the successes that the Rockets have enjoyed over the years. Kennie tells me that his son Luke was one of the first friends to call Rockets defenceman Kyle Verdino following a horrible car accident this summer.
  
• I will be watching with interest when Colin Long attends Phoenix Coyotes camp in early September. Will Long make a big enough impression that the Coyotes offer him a contract, or do they send him back to junior for his 20 year-old season? I wouldn't hold my breath considering the Coyotes have been unable to pay prospects like former Rockets forward Justin Bernhardt signing bonus money.
  
• I noticed a significant jump in the level of play from rookie to main camp. The speed, passing, goaltending and overall finish around the net took a huge step forward. Had that not occurred, I'd be freaking out.