After an eventful offseason, we can finally start talking about some actual hockey games being played for the New York Rangers in the Traverse City Tournament.
You know hockey is right around the corner once Labor Day skates right past!
The Traverse City Tournament kicks off today in Michigan. For the 11th time, the New York Rangers and their prospects will take part in this exciting event. The Rangers’ top 23 prospects (with one exception) will play games against prospects from Carolina, Chicago and Detroit, among other teams.
Before we dive into the details, let’s go over some Traverse City injury news. The team announced yesterday that first-round pick Filip Chytil will not participate in the tournament due to an injury. He will be replaced by Nicolas Werbik.
Werbik took to the ice for practice, under the eye of Hartford Wolfpack coach Keith McCambridge, prior to his flight out to Michigan. Though it was too early for full line combinations, at one point Lias Andersson did skate between Ryan Gropp and Ty Ronning. I look forward to seeing the lines the coaching staff puts together for tonight’s game.
Andersson also spoke to the media after practice.
He said all the right things. I mean, you have to love his attitude.
Also on the ice was the team’s newly hired player development advisor, Hall of Fame defenseman Brian Leetch. It’s great to see him back on the ice skating with the prospects in practice. It has been long overdue.
The Rangers prospects will play Friday night vs. Chicago, Saturday, Sept. 9 vs. Carolina and Monday, Sept. 11 vs. Detroit.
All games will be streamed live on FoxSports.com. For the full streaming schedule of all games, click the link here.
The boys are loaded up and ready to fly out. It’s an exciting time of year as some future Rangers will hit the ice in this tournament which leads right into training camp next Thursday.