Blackhawks hold informal practice
BY ADAM L. JAHNS Twitter: @AdamJahns September 17, 2012 12:26PM
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Updated: September 17, 2012 2:04PM
Jonathan Toews manned the dry-erase board, while Jamal Mayers handled the whistle.
Blackhawks players held an informal practice Monday during Day 2 of the NHL’s third lockout since 1994. During a lockout, players have to rent their own ice time and are forbidden to use team facilities.
Toews organized the skate for his teammates, which included Mayers, Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland, Steve Montador, Johnny Oduya, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Marcus Kruger and Sheldon Brookbank. Prospects Ben Smith,
Brandon Pirri, Adam Clendening and Jeremy Morin also practiced.
“It’s definitely a weird situation,” said Toews, who sent out an email to all his teammates about their ice times. “You’re not too sure what the future might hold. As players and athletes, you have to keep yourself ready and you just wait and see what happens.”
Former Hawks Troy Brouwer (Washington), Ben Eager (Edmonton) and Brian Campbell (Florida) also were in attendance.
The practice included typical drills and a scrimmage.
Bolland said there is some frustration to deal with as they wait for a new collective bargaining agreement. No formal talks were scheduled for Monday.
“You’re just out here skating and not knowing when things might happen,” Bolland said. “Right now, it’s just a waiting period. You’re just waiting around.”
