With the development camps in full swing for the Montreal Canadiens and Atlanta Thrashers, it is an intense time for Lewiston players Mathieu Aubin & Chad Denny. The term “camp” is almost a joke considering the on-ice and off-ice workload that the players are under.

Most days include one or two on-ice sessions, from as long as one and a half or two hours at a session. The time on the ice is rigorous, involving power skating, breakout, passing and puck movement drills, along containment versus pressure drills with one on one, one on two, two on one, two on two, two on three, three on two and three on three matchups in various situations.

Once off the ice, players take a short break and then hit the gym for fitness evaluations and testing. Players are measured on their weight, body fat index, and perform various cardio and plyometric testing. Dryland training is also apart of the regimen, including running, wind sprints, lifting, dexterity and endurance drills.

“It’s probably one the best camps I’ve ever experienced,” said MAINEiacs defenseman Chad Denny from Thrashers camp. “The training and testing is pretty intense,” said Lewiston forward Mathieu Aubin from Montreal.

In my discussions with both players, “It’s a long day” appears to be the catch phrase. Due to the intense nature of the camps, once the players are done for the day, their main focus is on rest and recouperation ahead of the next day of workouts.

Aubin’s experience in Montreal has been an eye opener. “To be on the ice with Guy Carbonneau, Kirk Muller and Mike Ribiero is really cool. Bob Gainey has been around to watch us, too.” said the forward from Sorel, Quebec. “Today we all watched a movie on (Maurice) Rocket Richard, and about the history the Canadiens. It’s really an honor to be a part of the franchise.” For Aubin’s case, it is a childhood dream come true, “I grew up a fan of the Canadiens and to have a chance to play for them is really special.”

As intense as these camps are, both have a much better idea now what is expected of them and what they need to do to become NHL players. “It takes a lot of hard work. It’s not easy to get to the next level,” said Denny.

More on Aubin: Late last night I had a chance to catch up with Mathieu Aubin to discuss his signing with the Habs. Aubin signed a two way (NHL-AHL) contract with Montreal, but also includes provisions and clauses in the case the Canadiens brass decides to send him to a lower level, including Lewiston. Aubin hopes to play for Hamilton, and with the Bulldogs ending the dual-affiliation with Edmonton, that will open up roster slots that were previously taken. Odds are very good that he will likely earn one of them, unless he has a disapponting camp or Montreal simply decides to send him to a lower level for further development. At this point, it would be wise to turn the page and look forward to the 2006-07 season in Lewiston without Aubin on the roster. Watching messageboard chatter on various sites Canadiens related has Aubin making good impressions with several Habs fans on hand to watch the camp, which increases the likelihood that he will land in Hamilton.

As always, news, notes, rumours, questions and comments appreciated by emailing me at psmaineiac@yahoo.com