Friday night during the preseason game between Moncton and Lewiston, Jonathan Bernier, Marc-Andre Cliche and Chad Denny watched the action from the stands in section 25. All three will be departing Lewiston on September 6^th to head for NHL rookie camp for their respective clubs, and hopefully from there be invited to the main NHL camp.

Bernier, who is currently featured in a NHL.com poll of which of the top four goaltenders taken in the 2006 draft in Vancouver would likely make “the show” first, takes it all in stride. “I don’t really think about it. I just go with the present. I don’t know if LA (Kings) wants me this year or in two years or in five years. I am just going to go and give it my best.”

Bernier also mentioned that he has met LA Assistant GM Ron Hextall, he grins, “He’s a good guy.” When I asked him if Hextall might teach him his patented two handed slash to an opposing player in front of the net, he laughs, “No, he’s not the goalie coach, he’s the assistant (general) manager.” Bernier’s goalie coach in LA is former Maine Mariner, Boston Bruin & Edmonton Oiler Bill Ranford.

Marc-Andre Cliche and Chad Denny are heading to Traverse City, Michigan to play in a eight team rookie tournament, featuring teams from Detroit, St. Louis, Columbus, Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Dallas along with the New York Rangers and Atlanta

“I had a good strength and conditioning development camp back in July. I just have to continue that in the rookie tournament and get invited to the main camp.” said Denny on the prospects of him reaching the Thrashers camp.

Cliche may also earn an invite to the Rangers main camp.”Hopefully, it depends on how well I do in the rookie tournament.” he said. Cliche adds that the Rangers have been great to work with. “They have been treating everybody really, really well. It’s a great organization.”

All three are looking ahead to the season in Lewiston, under the likely possibility that the three will return for the year. All three have similar thoughts on the season ahead.

“We’re going to be a fast team, and young defensively, but I think we can be a pretty good club.” said Bernier. “I think we have a good team. We have good experience, three good lines, young defense, but good potential.”

Cliche concurs on the speed. “We expect to go further than the first round of the playoffs. We have a deeper team than we used to have. We have good kids and a we have good skating team.”

Denny likes the outlook of the club also. “I think we going to have a real good team this year, go far into the playoffs and hopefully make it to the Memorial Cup. That is our goal.”

All three seem to think that the addition of Simon Courcelles may just put the MAINEiacs over the top.

“Courcelles has some playoff experience, won the Memorial Cup last year with Quebec, hopefully he continues on with his leadership to the team and help us go as far as we can.” said Denny.

Cliche agrees. “Courcelles won the Memorial Cup last year and that helps us a lot with his experience and his knowledge.” he mentions of the MAINEiacs new player.

Bernier thinks the acquisition could be instrumental to the club’s success.”He’s going to be huge. He knows the game. He brings a lot to the team and can help us win the cup.” added Bernier.

Monday Morning Power Play may be a day late… don’t fret if that is the case!

As always, news, rumours. comments, and questions appreciated. psmaineiac@yahoo.com