Wild Training Camp: A Preview at the Forwards

Zach Parise looks to continue winning the hearts of Wild fans with his hard work ethic and knack for being around the net. Parise led the Wild last season with 18 goals and looks to only improve on that this season. Playing top-line minutes, working heavy minutes on the power play where he scored seven of his 18 goals, and having a full training camp to learn and be comfortable with systems can only spell success in 2013-14 for Zach. He also led the team in shots-on-goal with 182 shots - outshooting Mikko Koivu second on the team with 127 SOG's.

By all accounts Justin Fontaine was more than worthy of a call up last season with solid play in Houston last year. He appeared in 73 games for the Aeros and netted 16 goals and 39 helpers. He was only a -3 on the season which indicates that the kid is a solid two-way winger. Fontaine also is a right-handed shot that the Wild covet. He will get a great look in training camp.

Raphael Bussieres had a good Traverse City tournament last week. The 2012 2^nd round pick of the Wild (46^th overall) scored two goals in the four game round-robin. He is 6'1" and 195 pounds. Bussieres scored 44 points (21 G, 23 A) for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL last season. The 19 year old has a nice future ahead of him but is a longshot to make the team.

David Steckel is the lone NHLer to have signed a pro tryout with the Wild this season. He is 31 years old, 6'6" and 215 pounds. Last season he split time between Toronto and Anaheim, playing just 34 games. He scored 1 goal and had 6 assists last season. According to Russo,

So there you have it. We here at Hockey Wilderness can't wait for hockey season to start. Big things are expected from the Wild this year. Coupled with a new division and new rivals, this should be an exciting year. Hope to see everyone on Saturday of Sunday for the practice/scrimmage.