Pellerin

Throughout Minnesota's inaugural training camp, Scott Pellerin will check in with the goings on with the Wild. Scott, a seven-year NHL veteran who might be the team's first captain, checks in today with Day 1 -- an early wake-up and (surprisingly) some nerves.

Today (Thursday) was the first day of training camp. There were 70 guys here brought in, and we all met for the first time today.

I only know a handful of the guys.

Our day started with a meeting at 7 a.m. I was awake and ready to go by 5:45, 15 minutes before my wake up call. I rushed to a hotel in downtown Minneapolis feeling nervous about finding it and making it on time. This was an early meeting! We walked in a room and were given a packet of information on camp. I found some guys I knew, sat down and waited for the meeting to start. I didn't notice anyone walk in late, so hopefully no one overslept and missed the meeting.

I was excited to be in the room for the first time together with everyone and looked around, wondering who a lot of the guys were and where they are from. I was anxious to hear what would be said at the Wild's first ever training camp meeting. The opening of camp, the opening of the Wild, what would they say? Then, the management, coaches, scouts and front office staff all walked in to the front of the room. General manager Doug Risebrough spoke and welcomed everyone and introduced everyone -- he talked a lot about expectations for camp and the excitement of the fans.

	“	For the physicals, they check your teeth, eyes, height, weight, body fat, EKG, blood pressure, knees, shoulders, back. You feel like a lab rat when you are done. When I was finished, everyone was talking about the two guys that passed out having blood drawn. I can't mention any names; they would be pretty embarrassed! ”
		— Pellerin on NHL physicals

We all had to stand up one by one and introduce ourselves. You could tell that everyone was trying to remember names. Some of the guys seemed nervous to stand up.

After the meeting we all went over for our physical exams. Pictures were first, and for the fist time, we all put on a Wild jersey. For the physicals, they check your teeth, eyes, height, weight, body fat, EKG, blood pressure, knees, shoulders, back. You feel like a lab rat when you are done. When I was finished, everyone was talking about the two guys that passed out having blood drawn. I can't mention any names; they would be pretty embarrassed!

I was surprised to be done so early. It reminded me of the first day of school. You get there and talk about what is going to happen that year, meet the teachers and students but you don't get started until the next day. Tomorrow, we start scrimmaging.

As for the rest of the day, I was able to spend some time with my family. My daughter, who has just started taking her first steps, got her first pair of walking shoes. I guess this day was full of firsts!

I'm excited for tomorrow to finally get on the ice. The hockey season has begun.

Talk to you soon.