On Saturday, July 16, the Penguins conclude their 2011 prospect development camp with a team scrimmage open to the public at Consol Energy Center. One of the focal points for many fans in attendance will be blossoming young defenseman Simon Despres.
I had planned to discuss Despres before I left to attend the camp today, but this desire was increased by a link I saw over at letsgopens.com. From time to time, I enjoy lurking the boards over there, and to my pleasant surprise I saw a discussion about Despres.
At that link, there was reference to a TSN article where there are some great quotes about the expectations from both team and player sides.
In the TSN article, Despres said, "Winning the Memorial Cup finished off a very good junior career, and I think I'm ready to take on my pro career."
He continued, "I'm going into camp thinking I want to make the team and I want to work hard to do that, but if I have to go to Wilkes-Barre (of the AHL) I will work that much harder just to get to the NHL."
Those quotes leave nothing to the imagination. Simon Despres wants to make it to the NHL now.
Last preseason ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Ernest Hindman
Pittsburgh Penguins: Can Simon Despres Beat out Matt Niskanen and Make the Team?
July 16th, 2011 by Ernest Hindman Leave a reply »
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