BODNARCHUK SKATES WITH THE MOOSEHEADS
A very familiar face strapped on the skates on Wednesday morning to skate with Team Green during the first day of on-ice sessions at Halifax Mooseheads training camp.
Former Mooseheads Captain Andrew Bodnarchuk has been back in his hometown this summer and training with some of the other professional hockey players around the city. He said by participating in Moose camp he’s able to start getting his legs under him.
“I thought it was a good chance to get out in a sort of practice situation and get the flow going more or less,” he said.
“At the same time it’s always nice to come back and be around the Mooseheads staff.”
Bodnarchuk spent three full seasons with Halifax from 2005-2008 and produced 123 points as a defenceman. The 27-year-old from Hammonds Plains has played in both the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings systems in the past seven seasons and has recently signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity with the Jackets. Last year was a huge year personally and for my team, we obviously won the Calder Cup (Manchester Monarchs) but Columbus has relayed a lot of good information towards as far as how I fit into their organization.”
Bodnarchuk has had a stellar AHL career by posting 30 goals and 105 assists for 135 points with 469 penalty minutes and a +63 plus/minus rating in 473 career games. He led the league in plus/minus in 2013-2014 with a rating of +43.
Fans will get a chance to catch another glimpse of Bodnarchuk before the end of the week.
“I leave for Columbus on Saturday but I think I’ll be back out here either tomorrow or on Friday. You’ll see me around over the next couple of days for sure.”
Two other former Mooseheads dropped in to watch the first battle between Team Red and Team Green on Wednesday as Ryan Falkenham and Nathan MacKinnon took a moment to pose for the camera.
Training camp continues throughout the week with Red vs Green Intrasquad games from 4-6pm at Cole Harbour Place. The event is open to the public free of charge.
Practices are held weekday mornings at 9am with Team Red on the ice before Team Green takes over at 10am.
The Mooseheads first Preseason game is Saturday night at 7pm at the Halifax Forum as the Herd battle the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. General admission tickets are on sale now for $9 (tax included) at the Ticket Atlantic Box Office at Scotiabank Centre, select Superstore Outlets, TicketAtlantic.com or charge by phone at 902-451-1221
