(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, October 07, 2012 ) San Francisco, CA- The Penguins have, and will continue to, gather nearly every weekday for on-ice routines that cannot change due to the current climate of the lockout.
There have been around a dozen of them, and they put forth the same energy as if the season were underway.
The team has continued this method since mid-september. Players show up for informal workouts, in hopes it will keep their mind and body focused on a possible return in the season. Warm-ups, drills, and scrimmages are scheduled throughout the workouts.
What has been different about these workouts is that they are not in the high-quality quarters that NHL players are used to utilizing. Ever since the NHL lockout, the players are forced to utilize cramped, rustic looking locker rooms and rinks utilized for high school and youth teams.
The informal attire has also been striking, as players can choose to wear NHL material or not, as there are no members of the equipment staff to handle washing and drying the clothing after practice.
While players may be working through the same drills in practices, Conditioning Coach Mike Kadar has not been supervising them. Coaches, trainers, and players are forbidden to interact during the lockout.
The Penguins have not, as of yet, laid off staff or reduced salaries, even though it is obvious such changes could be necessary as the situation drags on.
Now, with the first two weeks of games canceled, it is even more likely some will be feeling the hurt of the stunted new season. That is, if any season is had at all.
