Four top prospects in town next week

Fans can get a look at four of the Hurricanes' blue-chip prospects during their annual conditioning camp, which starts next week and runs through July 12.

Brandon Sutter, the Hurricanes' first-round pick in 2007 and their expected fourth-line center this season, headlines a group that also includes Wisconsin defenseman Jamie McBain, 2008 first-round pick Zach Boychuk and 2008 second-round pick Zac Dalpe.

McBain and Dalpe, who is headed to Ohio State, are both paying their own way to retain their NCAA eligibility. And while there are no guarantees, don't be surprised to see Ron Francis take the ice with the kids. While trainer Pete Friesen started this camp a few years back to teach prospects how to work out like NHLers, Francis has really bought into the concept and taken an active role as well.

The on-ice sessions will be at the RecZone, with Michael Leighton participating as well, on four different days:

Wednesday, July 9, 5 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 5 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Friday, July 11, 3 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, July 12, 3 p.m. 4:45 p.m.

(changed, July 3)

Other players invited include goalie Mike Murphy (sixth round, 2008), defenseman Brett Bellemore (sixth round, 2007), and forwards Stefan Chaput (fifth round, 2006), Chris Terry (fifth round, 2007) and Samuel Morneau (seventh round, 2008) as well as defenseman Bryan Rodney, who played in Albany (AHL) last season.

Rodney, Bellemore and Chaput are all likely to be part of Jeff Daniels' team in Albany this season. Terry played one game for the Rats last season but has the option to return to Plymouth (OHL) for another season of junior hockey.