Pittsburgh
YOU WOULDNT think a Stanley Cup – caliber team that just opened a brand new arena would be giving away bundles of free tickets, but thats what the Pittsburgh Penguins did.
In the second pre – season game at the Consol Energy Center the Penguins opened the doors to younger fans, particularly college kids. About 9,000 tickets were given to undergraduates who took an online survey. While hockey was the major attraction, another key aspect of the event was a job fair held.

“We worked with a group called the Allegheny Conference with the idea being to try and keep young people in Pittsburgh,” said Tom Mc – Millan, the Penguins vice – president, communications. “Its kind of a dual purpose to get some fun in a hockey game and see the new arena, but also make yourself aware of the different job opportunities in the city because we want you to stay.”Around the concourse, booths representing a wide variety of professions presented the undergrade with opportunities for their future. Businesses such as PNC Financial Services Group Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield, Enterprise Rent – A – Car and U.S. Steel
Corporation were all part of the venture.

“Obviously a lot more kids applied for the tickets than could get them, which we thought was going to happen, they just had a lottery system,” McMillan said.
But thats not all the event was about. The team wanted to create a young atmosphere, so while about half the tickets went to college kids, the other half went to minor hockey organizations, the Pens Kids Club and the Tickets for Kids Foundation, which gives ducats to needy youth.
Given the success of the event, you can bet it will be back in some form again.
“We want to make this game a yearly thing, we may do it in different formats every year, but we always want to have a kid or student game,” McMillan said. “Its fun to get these kids to a game, but also be a part of community service here.”
- RORV BOYLEN

New Jersey
IN HIS first press conference of training camp, rookie coach John MacLean said jokingly: “Im not a very good quote.”
Maybe he just needs practice. On orders from GM Lou Lamoriello, Devils assistant coaches are forbidden to speak with the media and MacLean spent six seasons in that role.
No one is exactly sure of the reason, but they cant even discuss non – team matters.
Only the head coach can talk. In fact, no one in the front office, aside from Lamoriello and owner Jeff Vanderbeek, are allowed to speak to the media. When Lamoriello was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, none of the teams long – time employees could be quoted saluting him.
- RICH CHERE

NY Islanders
GAME PLANNING has come a long way from dry – erase boards and light projectors.
Led by coach Scott Gordon, the Isles have embraced technology, coordinating and streamlining everything from practice drills to special – teams preparation to diagramming defensive systems.
“Scotts really tech savvy, said Islanders video coordinator Ryan Ward.
At the touch of a finger on a screen taking up most of a wall in Gordons office, he can call up scouting videos or “write” on the screen to diagram or break down plays in various digital – ink colors.
“It definitely keeps you sharp,” Ward said. “Youre always looking for any edge.”
- PETER BOTTE

NY Rangers
IS CAMP Tortorella softer this season? Tales of horror stories, vomit – inducing conditioning drills and barking by the coach are part of the training – camp lore by those who have been under the watchful eye of coach John Tortorella.
But this September, Tortorella has tweaked the days before training camp. Yes, there are two days of drills and conditioning without pucks. But instead of a timed three – mile run after practice, its down to two miles. The target: around 12 minutes.
“I wouldnt say its 180 degrees but its definitely a change,” said Derek Boogaard. “Im excited about still being here, alive, still breathing.”
- STEVE Zl PAY

Philadelphia
PETER LAVIOLETTE had the
Flyers in the Stanley Cup final even before he had them in a training camp, so everyone showed up in September wondering about changes.
The coach didnt disappoint. He overhauled the pre – camp/ in – camp fitness regimen, scrapping the distance run routine for a greater emphasis on power and acceleration.
To oversee the program. Flyers trainer Jim McCros – sin brought in exercise guru Francoise Whittom. Players now do a 40 – meter sprint that is videotaped and analyzed.
“What were trying to do, McCrossin said, “is extend that acceleration out of the gate and keep that sprint phase going a few seconds longer.”
- WAYNE FISH