It's always an awkward thing for a player: walking into a new locker room, meeting new teammates, settling in with a new team.
Many NHL players have experienced it, changing teams through a trade or free agency. Tom Kostopoulos and Andrew Alberts are experiencing it this week with the Canes, participating in the "Camp Brindy" informal workouts at the RecZone.
"Everyone here is pretty nice and showing me around, so it makes it a lot easier," said Kostopoulos, a forward who played for the Montreal Canadiens last season and signed a three-year, free-agent contract with the Canes.
Kostopoulos knew defensemen Tim Gleason and Joe Corvo from their days together with the L.A. Kings, saying it was "nice to see a couple of familiar faces." He also was greeted by Pete Friesen, the Canes' strength and conditioning director, who was ready to introduce one of his off-ice workouts.
"It's good to come in (early) and get to know the team and the staff, the trainers and to know Pete's workouts," he said, laughing. "He's great. He had a lot of intensity this morning."
Alberts made his first appearance Monday at the RZ. The defenseman was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Philadelphia Flyers early last season, and signed a two-year contract with the Canes in mid-July.
"I'm just trying to get my feet wet," said Alberts, who arrived late Saturday after a 20-hour drive from Minnesota. "It's always a little awkward feeling walking into a new locker room, new guys, meeting new people, finding your way around.
"I'm sure I'll work my way in this week and I'll be comfortable here pretty soon. Anytime you can come in early and spend some more time with the team before training camp, it always helps out. It makes it easier."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Big
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 23:04 — windyfostBig surprise~~~~~~~~~~
Buying a replica replica rolex could save you a big mount of money,and no one will find it you were wearing a fake
rolex by a glance.top quality free shipping world wide
~replica watches~buy replica watches online~cosplay costumes~StarCraft CD Key
also
Thu, 09/03/2009 - 11:33 — Hockeydogshows the character already on the team to welcome the "newbies" The Canes have a great room.
Just like
Tue, 09/01/2009 - 15:25 — esteban1949the first day at a new school...it can be a stressful time for some. But in the case of the newbies for the canes...they show a good sense of maturity by willingly come in a wee bit early...shows Character and that JR made good choices during the off season.. Thanks Chip !!
Go Canes !!