When the Checkers take the ice in Iowa on Saturday, it will mark the next chapter of Derek Ryan’s career, one that has taken a unique course up to this point.
If you take a look at the Checkers’ current roster, you’d notice there are quite a few names left remaining. With just three days until the season opener, the Checkers are carrying eight defensemen and 15 forwards, giving them five more skaters than would dress for a game. That leaves head coach Mark Morris with some tough decisions ahead, though he doesn’t seem to be in a rush to make them.
Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya checks in each week with his 10 Thoughts - a series of observations about the team and the hockey world in general. This week: a series of preseason predictions about the Checkers and the NHL.
The Checkers reduced their training camp roster by two players on Tuesday by assigning defenseman Justin Agosta to their ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades, and releasing forward Jared Staal.