Phoenix
WITH FIVE different NHL stops the past five years, Eric Belanger has led something of a nomadic existence since the lockout, making it easy to forget he played five seasons in Los Angeles after being drafted by the Kings in 1996
While in L.A., Belanger crossed paths with Dave Tip – pett, who was an assistant on coach Andy Murrays Kings staff from 1999 to 2002 before moving on to coach the Dallas Stars and now the Phoenix Coyotes.

It was Tippetts presence at the Coyotes helm – and the sense the Desert Dogs wanted what he could bring – that eventually convinced Belanger to sign a one – year.bargain – basement contract for $750,000 just before the start of NHL training camps. The Coyotes made a pitch for Belanger early in the free agent game, but thought theyd struck out when it appeared the 32 – year – old center would rejoin the Capitals, the team that acquired him at last years deadline. But a tentative verbal agreement fell through, sparking a public spat between the two sides and a scramble for Belanger to land somewhere.

Effectively, Belanger will replace Matt Lombardi on the Coyotes depth chart. Belanger possesses many of the same skills as Lombardi – speed to burn and an ability to play at both ends of the ice.
Belanger has also shown glimmers of a scoring touch whenever hes received the chance to play a top – six role. He is coming off a career high 41 – point season, split between Minnesota and Washington (where he didnt. Coincidentally, Lombardi had never recorded more than 46 points in a season until last year when he managed 53 for the Coyotes.
Belanger asked friend and former Stars defenseman, Philippe Boucher, about the post – L.A. version of Tippett and received positive feedback. After a decade in the NHL, Belanger knows if you play for a coach with faith in your abilities, it can go a long way in remedying any contract disappointments.
- ERIC DUHATSCHEK

Anaheim
THE DUCKS have been known for their Disney origins and, more recently, being the first West Coast NHL team to win the Stanley Cup.
But the club can also boast having a world – famous architect as the designer of their practice rink: Frank Gehry, a Toronto – born, Los Angeles – based avid hockey fan.
Corrugated aluminum forms the exterior and covers a ceiling made of swaths of plywood panels supported by wooden braces. Opened in 1995, Anaheim Ice has the effect of an inverted ship inside. Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis and the Experience Music Project in Seattle.
- ERIC STEPHENS

Dallas
JOE NIEUWENDYK believes the Stars annual training camp trips to Colorado in the 1990s were key to the teams on – ice success, so hes bringing back the tradition.
Dallas spent four days in Charlottetown, P.E.I, to start camp this year and Nieu – wendyk said he felt perfectly reminiscent.
“Its great for bonding and its just a great signal that training camp is starting and the hockey season is starting,” the GM said. “Well definitely look into doing this again.”
Because of changes in training camp schedules, the Stars only had a short time in P.E.I., but Nieuwendyk would love to spend a week and possibly play a pre – season game there.
- MIKE HEIKA

Los Angeles
HIS TEAMMATES call him the Cluneinator. At 5 – foot – 10 and 199 pounds, Richard Clune is not the most imposing player on the ice. In fact, Clune once thought he was too small ever to make it in the NHL. But a trade to L.A. from Dallas in 2008 saw him recommit himself to his conditioning.
“The guy is in unbelievable shape,” said blueliner Drew Doughty. “He crushed the teams fitness tests.”
Before subscribing to his three – dinner – and – two – snack meal plan, you may want to check with your doctor. A steak, oatmeal and fruit for breakfast and a similar lunch and dinner can work for the elite athlete, but likely not so much for the Average Joe.
- JONATHAN DAVIS

San Jose
THE NHL sets up travel for teams crossing the Atlantic during pre – season, but things got a little iffy with the flight company the league initially approached. Thats when the Sharks went another way.
Last year, the team began chartering a Boeing 727 – decked out with a Sharks logo on the tail fin – so it decided on a Boeing 747 non – stop to both Germany and Sweden.
Limited runway space makes any 747 a rare sight at San Joses airport. In 2008, however, the plane drew much attention when the San Jose Ballet used it for a China tour and a much larger – than – life ballerina adorned the tail.

No, the ballerina isnt still there, nor is a hockey player.