Traverse City Update: Team Leaders, an Injury and a Replacement

For those who may have forgotten or haven’t heard… the Traverse City Prospects Tournament kicks off tonight. The Blues are taking on the New York Rangers. The game will be on NHL Network thanks to MSG allowing them to simulcast their feed. Gametime is 6:00 PM CST.

Besides the logistical FYI’s there are a few updates to pass on.

Stefan Della Rovere

- According to Peoria Rivermen play by play voice and Director of Communications, Brendan Burke, Stefan Della Rovere has been named captain of the squad. Phil McRae and Brett Ponich will wear “A”s. He also noted that the Rivermen coaching staff will be behind the bench. An excellent opportunity has been awarded to the likes of Ponich, Dave Shields, Cade Fairchild to make a critical first impression as all three will be first year pros battling for ice time in Peoria. Surely Ponich’s experiece as captain of the Portland Winterhawks weighed in to the leadership group decision making process.

* As a side note another “first year pro” has an a chance to standout. Former RPI scoring sensation forward Chase Polacek is on the roster and a solid performance could keep him in the conversation for minutes when the crew gets back to Peoria. If not he runs the risk of falling out behind the plethora of AHL scoring threats the Rivs have. Polacek registered 47 goals and 100 points in 77 games his last two seasons in the ECAC. It should be noted that Polacek is not considered property of the Blues, but of the Rivermen.

Mark Cundari

- The Blues reported this afternoon via their official website that defenseman Mark Cundari will be joining the team in Traverse City due to an injury to 2011 draft pick Joel Edmundson. The Moose Jaw Warriors gritty defender injured his right ankle during practice.

- Stay tuned to BNZ for post game reaction and recap. May be a late post because I’ll be down at the Cards game, but they’ll be one.