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 with Day 2 -- stiff equipment and sore legs.

It was an early rise again this morning. I wanted to get to the rink in plenty of time to work on my sticks and equipment. I grabbed breakfast and a coffee at the hotel, and I was ready to go. Halfway there, I realized I was extremely low on gas. I prayed I had enough to just make it to the rink. I made a mental note to not let that happen again.

	“	It's amazing. I have been in my new equipment for over two weeks, breaking it in and feeling comfortable in it. Then I get on the ice today and it all feels like I'm in someone else's stuff. My skates hurt my feet; my pants felt bulky, and my sticks felt too short. This goes to show the mental effects camp can have on you. ”
		— Pellerin on how he felt hitting the ice for the first time.

Everyone at camp has been divided into four teams. We are playing a round-robin tournament. Each team has its own locker room. Our room was quiet. The guys were busy getting their stuff ready and you could tell that they were anxious to get going. I think we all had jitters, even the vets.

It's amazing. I have been in my new equipment for over two weeks, breaking it in and feeling comfortable in it. Then I get on the ice today and it all feels like I'm in someone else's stuff. My skates hurt my feet; my pants felt bulky, and my sticks felt too short. This goes to show the mental effects camp can have on you.

I have been skating most of the summer, but today we had to play HOCKEY. No more shinny (pick up). It was a big adjustment. Every decision you make on the ice counts -- you need concentration. I had to get ready for playing my game, my position and taking the body.

Our team did not have a good game. We lost 3-0. I was upset, and I wanted to keep playing. I will have to play better in the next game. I talked with my teammates, and they all felt the same way. We have to play better.

The media was out in full force today -- TV, radio and print. They were everywhere and interviewed guys throughout the morning. I had to do interviews for all three. They all wanted to get pictures of the first player to step on the ice. We tricked some rookie into having that honor. It's unbelievable the amount of excitement the Twin Cities has for this team.

This is a big hockey town.

I was able to have some downtime this afternoon. We went for a long walk with our dog and baby. It felt good to clear my mind, enjoy the nice day and honestly loosen up my tight legs.

Its time to recharge, gas up the truck and get ready for another early day.