Training Camp only a couple of months away

Things are probably going to change a lot here as the season approaches with possible trades and the players who actually end up making the team... but I'm going to start taking a look at how this team might look going into the start of the season and what line combinations Coach Rob Sumner might be looking at.

Let's start with the Goaltenders because that is an easy one.

Starting Goaltender - Jacob DeSerres, 18 yr old, 3rd season with the team, acquired: 3rd round bantam draft 2005.

Jake will be Goaltender #1 for the Tbirds this season. A 3rd round draft pick of the Flyers in the recent NHL draft DeSerres will finally be given the proverbial "ball" and asked to run with it in 2008-09. As a 16 year old he mostly watched behind veteran Derek Yeomans and last season as a 17 year old shared the top spot with Riku Helenius though was likely considered goalie "1B" in that rotation. Jake will now get the chance to prove he can shoulder the load of 50 or more games and carry a team into the playoffs.

Backup Goaltender - Calvin Pickard, 16 year old, 1st season with the team, acquired: 2nd round bantam draft 2007.

The backup spot is slightly less solid but appears to be Calvin Pickard's job to lose. Pickard was arguably the most impressive goaltender in training camp last year as a 15 year old and it appears the Tbirds are ready to let him play understudy to DeSerres in 08-09. Pickard will likely be chosen for the U-17's in the winter to play for Team Canada Western which could pose a problem for a team that only recently traded for a 3rd listed goaltender.

#3 Goaltender - Kyle Jahraus, 18 year old, 1st season with the team, acquired: via trade with Tri-City

Jahraus is a bit of a wild card in this whole situation. He played in 2 games in relief for the Americans last year as a 17 year old and clearly the Americans had no intention of him backing up Chet Pickard for the upcoming season. Quite honestly... I don't know anything about this kid but I'm guessing Seattle acquired him to push Pickard in training camp for the backup position.

Summary... Expect Seattle to make another minor move for another goaltender and/or re-list Harrison May if he is available as Seattle could have a problem if Pickard goes to U-17's and DeSerres is invited to camp for Team Canada.