Audio (tons of it): Optimism as camp opens

posted by Dave Stubbs at 14h25 EST on Sep 19


saku.jpg

Canadiens captain Saku Koivu faces the media today during the first day of his team's training camp.
Dave Sidaway, Gazette

The Canadiens began their 2008-09 training camp today with medicals and a plethora of fitness tests, and Inside/Out's Dave Stubbs and Mike Boone burned out their mp3 batteries (seriously, Stubbs did) to bring you the audio bonanza that follows.

No need to describe in a nutshell what the players have to say. You'll no doubt listen to every word. But all are insightful and a little something to slake your thirst before the Habs hit the ice in Pierrefonds on Saturday morning.

Here's who we met near the dressing room today:

• Captain Saku Koivu. Clip runs 15:45
• Alex Kovalev. 16:44
• Christopher Higgins. 14:48
• Mike Komisarek. 16:33
• Carey Price. 6:49
• Alex Tanguay (French and English). 6:59
• Georges Laraque. French runs 8:20
• Laraque. English runs 3:26




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bigjames's picture
Submitted by bigjames on Sat, 09/20/2008 - 00:05.
georges says 'ecoute' as much as the english guys say 'ya know!'

Submitted by stephen on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 23:04.
Looking at that picture of Saku...There isn't another face in the league that would look as good in the sheen of the Cup overhead. He's got to win one. Doesn't make any hockey sense for him not to.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Sat, 09/20/2008 - 07:32.
You are so right! I said before all will be right in the world when #33 is hanging from the rafters. I was wrong....Saku Koivu needs a Stanley Cup. I, for one love the guy. Go Habs Go!! Habsrule

Submitted by Koivu12 on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 20:05.
Koivu sounds like he's staying for a few more years :D http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=250000&lid=sublink07&lpos=headlines_main Notable lines from the article. ''I was questioned a lot when I signed (my contract) two years ago about why I did it and why I stayed,'' Koivu said Friday as the Habs opened training camp with physicals and testing. ''I said that I've seen the ups in the mid-nineties when we had a good team, but the late nineties wasn't a lot of fun. ''The reason why I stayed was because I saw the potential and the fun that is possible here, and I want to be here if the team wins the Stanley Cup in the next couple of years.'' This is the best team in a long, long time that I think the Montreal Canadiens have had.'' Koivu said he spoke with Gainey about it beforehand and they both agreed it would be better for him and many of the other European players on the team to continue their preparation for training camp at home. "Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 22:58.
Anyone who questions Koivu's commitment to this team and this city are an embarrassment, but then again that pretty much sums up the French media.

24 Cups's picture
Submitted by 24 Cups on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 21:01.
K12 - Signing Komi and Koivu are the top priorities. After that, we can worry about the other four. The Original 24 Cups

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 22:07.
24- you are bang on!

Robert L's picture
Submitted by Robert L on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 17:36.
Don't Pitch A Tent Over Habs Camp Surprises http://wwwrealitycheckeyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/09/dont-pitch-ten...

Submitted by habsgod on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 17:14.
captaink4life can you please update us tommorrow on what the team looks like and some of the guys!i.e. tanguay ,price,kovalev,komisarek higgins,koivu! and the rookies such as max-pac,weber, valentenko,carle!

Corio's picture
Submitted by Corio on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 16:12.
In case you never saw these: http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=laraque+versus+chara&btnG=Google+Sea...

Mr.Hazard's picture
Submitted by Mr.Hazard on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 16:08.
Poor Saku. He has to watch himself cause of the French media hounds... Ex nihilo nihil fit

cautiousoptimist's picture
Submitted by cautiousoptimist on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 15:50.
Thanks Dave! 1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat 2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."

Corio's picture
Submitted by Corio on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 15:27.
Same questions asked to each player over and over and over and over and over and so on and so on and so on.. But thx for the audio.. :)

Reza's picture
Submitted by Reza on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 15:11.
Saku says Toronto is too much like Montreal, ouch ;)

Corio's picture
Submitted by Corio on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 15:54.
He probably meant in terms of the pressure on players from fans and media.

Reza's picture
Submitted by Reza on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 17:04.
I know :) I posted that in a joking way.

RetroMikey's picture
Submitted by RetroMikey on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 14:57.
Respect Dave! "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

captaink4life's picture
Submitted by captaink4life on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 14:39.
Can't wait to see the boys in action at the Sportplexe tomorrow and Sunday!! Very excited about this year's squad :) _____________________________ Koivu for Prime Minister :) Drive for 25!!