Pre-season thoughts

So, we have five pre-season games in the books so far. I'm liking what I'm seeing so far. Campbell, who I'm more excited about, acquistion wise, is looking good. I haven't seen Saad yet (his first game was today), but I have high hopes that he is going to do well. That kid has some potential.

Switching gears one of the prospects that stood out to me was Oleg Yevenko. He had a fight during the game on Tuesday evening, and he reminds me so much of Chara from the Bruins. Big, bruising, and ready to protect his teammates. I'm hoping that he finds his way back to the Blue Jackets. He is one player that I feel is ready for the big leagues. And, he moves well for a guy his size. Something to be said for that.

Sonny Milano has impressed as well. He's had more game time, due to Saad's injury (puck to the face). This has given him some valuable ice time, and I think it's raised his stock. He seems to fit well with the team and has developed some chemistry with the vets. Respect is big, and he seems to have it.

Joonas Korpisalo. After watching the first game against the Penguins, that name is going to be known. He played a lights out campaign (save for the shootout) that night. I'm hoping that he is the best kept secret of the CBJ, meaning that his name never gets out. In my mind, and many others I spoke with, he is the new #3 goaltender.

We have one more home pre-season game, against the Nashville KittyCats. It's going to be a fun one, for sure. Hoping to see some of you there.

A few things I wanna plug before I go. First off, the March of the Union Army. If you haven't signed up, I have one question. WHY? WHY NOT? Go to the Union Blue Soldiers Page on Facebook to sign up. There is no basic training required other than yelling and walking. Want to see what it entails? View this YouTube video from last years March. This will give you all you need to know.

Also, my buddies at Boone's Goons have their own YouTube Channel. When they are not fighting off the Content Police of YouTube, they post some Most Excellent videos and are planning on expanding their offerings. You can go here to visit their channel. I know these guys personally, and I can say they are funny and honest off camera as well.

Although I was unable to attend, it seems that Flockfest was a huge success. A huge shout-out to Foligno's Flock for putting together an awesome event for a great cause. I'm hoping to make it next year, as judging from the pictures, it looked amazing. Unless I have another grandchild at that time, I'll trek up that way.

Lastly, a more personal one for me. On October 11th, I will be participating in the Autism Speaks Walk for Autism. I am the captain of the team for where I work. But it is also a personal endeavor, as my son was diagnosed with Autism in 2006. Since the first walk in Columbus in 2008, I have been a part of the walk. My team name is Melissa's Missionaries, after my late wife who passed away in 2011 of cancer. If you can't make the walk, please consider donating to my page to help raise awareness and fund research for those affected by Autism. My personal page, complete with a goofy picture of my son and I in our Blue Jacket sweaters, is here.

Thanks for reading my blog. Probably be the only blog I ever compose from the great state of Washington. If you ever get a chance, visit this beautiful state. The views that I've seen here, both of the mountains and the coast, have been breathtaking. For now, can't wait to see you guys at the Cannon at first intermission.