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Ottawa Senators’ rookie head coach, Craig Hartsburg, is counting down the days until the official start of training camp, which opens on Tuesday morning, when players report to Scotiabank Place for their physicals.
Hartsburg, who coached Canada to a gold medal victory in the World Juniors last year, will have his work cut out for him during his first Ottawa training camp. Known as being a strict coach, this Sault Ste Marie native, who enjoyed a solid NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars, has the huge task of developing chemistry among the team veterans, and all the new bodies that were signed over the summer.
“It’s a process,” said Hartsburg, about the team blending together. “The players have worked hard all summer to get their bodies in shape — to get ready for this training camp. The next step is that we’re going to learn about each other.”
Among the new faces coming to the Senators are defenceman Jason Smith, Brandon Bell, and Filip Kuba. At forward, the team added some grit and character, with Jarkko Ruutu and Brad Isbister, and young Alexandre Picard. Helping to improve the goalie position is Alex Auld, who was brought in to replace Ray Emery.
Hartsburg noted, in a recent press conference, how after starting the season 15-2-0, the Senators faded; before losing in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Reflecting on the upcoming season, he admitted that he is more concerned with what kind of finish the team has, as opposed to their start.
“At the end of the year it’s important that we’re playing our best hockey,” he said.
“Not to say that we don’t want to be great early. We’re going to play and coach to win every hockey game — because that’s what we’re here for.”
A favorite word that Hartsburg likes to use, when describing the team he wants, is accountability; which means playing for one another, as a cohesive team.
“We’ve got a coaching staff that wants to work together to make sure things are done right,” he said. “There is going to be some bumps in the road as we go, but if we focus in that area and on doing the right things — and being a team, we’ll be fine.”
Ottawa, who were a favorite to win the Stanley Cup a year ago, will start their grueling 82 games season on October 4, when they play the Penguins in Stockholm Sweden, as part of the NHL Premiere European series.
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