HabsWorld.net -- 

The upcoming 2006 Rookie Camp will see 25 keen prospects practice donning the blue blanc et rouge in preparation for potential call-ups this season.

Physical testing will begin on September 7, before an on-ice practice at the Pierrefonds Sportplex.

Soon afterwards, they will compete in the annual prospects tournament against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and the local York University.

Practices will be run by newly appointed assistant coach Kirk Muller and Hamilton Bulldogs assistant coach Ron Wilson who will see many of the players.

Of the 25 selected, 16 were drafted by the big club. Eight more were invited as tryouts, and one, goalie Cédrick Desjardins, is signed to an AHL contract.

Draft picks from the recent NHL draft will be present, including forwards Ben Maxwell (C) and Ryan White (RW), and defensemen Mathieu Carle and Cameron Cepek.

Interesting is the lack of the Carolina Hurricanes, who were part of the tournament last year. Guillaume Latendresse (LW) knocked out Cane’s prospect Brett Carlson in the 5-2 loss.

However, Latendresse will return this year, along with fellow rising superstars Carey Price (G) and Kyle Chipchura (C).

New faces expected to excite fans everywhere include Siarhei Kostitsyn (RW) brother of the well known Andrei, who will most likely play on a line with other prospect Mikhail Grabovski (LW), an older player also from Belarus.

Ryan O’Byrne (D), recently signed by the Canadiens, and will look to impress following his domination at the prospect camp in July. The 6’5 right-handed defenseman may turn a few heads, either through skill, or by force.

Keep checking back !