'Old man' Cole offers direction

Submitted by chipalexander on 08/25/2010 - 12:10

Erik Cole has been one of the take-charge guys the last few days in the Canes' informal workouts at the RecZone. But don't try calling it "Camp Cole," he said today.

"It will always be 'Camp Brind'Amour,'" Cole said, smiling. "It would be a disgrace to Roddy if we took over the title. Let's just call it informal workouts."

For the past few years, Rod Brind'Amour has been the man in charge at the RZ. But with Brind'Amour now retired, and working with the players off the ice, others have had to step forward and run things on the ice, including Chad LaRose.

"Rosie has been vocal about things, showing his leadership skills," Cole said. "For me, it's the matter of being one of the older guys in the room. We've got a lot of young guys here right now. Some spent some time with us last year and aren't exactly young guys, but they are still trying to establish themselves,

"It's easy for us to explain some drills and know what we're going to do. We're working hard and having fun and pushing each other. Given the bigger group we have, it definitely helps to push a little higher intensity in the on-ice stuff."

A year ago, the Canes went into the season as one of oldest teams in the league. Look at 'em now. Joe Corvo, 33, and Cole, Sergei Samsonov and Tom Kostopoulos, all 31, now find themselves both the elder statesmen of the group and the only thirtysomethings.

"Last summer the decision was made to go with some older guys and it didn't work," Cole said. "What's the next step? We all kind of saw it toward the end of the season with the trades that were made and the young guys who came up and were given opportunities to get some NHL experience and get a taste for what to expect.

"I think it was pretty obvious what direction we were headed. As tough as last year was, there were some positive aspects of it in the sense of getting a grasp of where some of our young guys are. I think guys came in and played very well. Then it was up to them and have a good summer and get here early and to be a part of these things.

"They have to be physically and mentally ready for how tough this season is going to be. And it's going to be an intense training camp, with a lot of jobs up for grabs."

Comments

This reminds me of the

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 20:54 — ctill

This reminds me of the thread a month ago about who will be alternate captains in 2010-2011. I said I thought Cole would be, and I still might be right. (Or wrong!)

Alternate Captains

Thu, 08/26/2010 - 15:52 — ammy144

I voted for Gleason and Cole so I will be in that boat with you.....win, lose or draw!

Cole & 2010-2011 Season

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:53 — abramsdoug

I think it is a cross-roads season for Cole. He still has great speed and is very strong. If Cole can bring his best game to the Hurricanes this season, it will take a huge hitting load off of Ruutu. I thought after Cole returned from his fractured leg, he was at his best when playing with some of the young prospects.

I think a Boychuk/ Dalpe or Nash/Cole third line could be very difficult for other teams to defend. My best guess is that if Cole can play something like 75 games or so and can score 20 or more goals, the Hurricanes will be in the playoffs. He is a key part of the dynamic for the Hurricanes success in 2010-2011. By all accounts physically and mentally he seems ready to have a breakout season.

agreed

Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:52 — Hockeydog

I think he knows if this season is a mirror image of the last 2 seasons he'll not be offered another contract here. But I have the same gut feeleings about Cole having a much better year, IF he can stay healthy. Playing with some speedy young guys would take the load of "hauling the mail" off Eric, and having other skilled players on the ice with him would shift focus away from him. Point about Cole's performance and making the playoffs well taken. As much as it seems the team is getting younger, we still have a majority of experianced NHL players here. If we can get solid seasons out of them, there is no reason not to think about a playoff spot. My gut also tells me at least one young buck in the organization will really shine. Cole and Ruutu's health can go along way towards determining the Canes fate next April. It's going to be a very interesting camp!