Blueshirt beat is short and sweet today. The countdown continues with 35 days until puck drops and single game ticket plans announced.
The New York Rangers tweeted a photo today that features the new Adidas Practice Uniforms. It is only a practice jersey but it looks sharp to me. Nice logo to it as well.
The Rangers also posted a short video of the guys back on the ice, getting fans even more excited for Opening Night.
Big news for the fans as well, as individual game tickets will go on sale September 9 at 12 PM.
Traverse City Tourney Set To Begin
It’s about time for the annual Traverse City Tournament to begin. ESNY’s Frank Curto recently wrote up a preview that you should check out.
The roster looks pretty solid, as the Rangers have the luxury of having some “older” prospects on the team. Guys like Alexei Bereglazov, Vince Pedrie, Malte Stromwall, and Robin Kovacs have lots of experience under their belts.
Most teams will be sending a younger core of players. A big name (and body) to keep an eye out for is Tim Gettinger. The kid has literally played his way back on to the USA World Junior team after becoming quite the afterthought. He’s hard to miss at 6’5″ so he should be an imposing presence in front of the net.
Another name to watch is Ryan Gropp. Gropp has tournament experience and an extended look in last year’s Training Camp to build upon. He will be the one—I hope—who takes the largest step in this year’s tournament.
He needs to start creating his own offense and use his large frame to his advantage and not rely so much on more skilled playmakers like he did in juniors with New York Islanders prospect Mathew Barzal. Hopefully, first rounders Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil will deliver solid outings as well, something that could bode well for both. Andersson seems to have the most riding on the line, as he appears to be a candidate for an open center vacancy.