By Rabita, Photojournalist, All Habs Hockey Magazine

HAMILTON,ON. — It was cold, very cold as I walked through the blowing snow on the way into Copps Coliseum for morning practice. Funny thing is that it didn’t get any warmer inside the arena as the drills began.

Gone was the light-hearted banter, replaced by the coaches being more stern and barking their commands. Yes they definitely were yelling a lot more.  Rink-side, there was a chilly mood indeed.

There was a new arrival, Jordan Owens, who had been signed to a professional try out contract earlier in the week. The coaches spent more time on individual instruction, including with Owen, who was wearing number 26.  But with the Bulldogs playing  a game later in the day, the skate was kept shorter than usual.

Attending the game, it was incredible to see the boys put the effort and hard work from practice into the game against the Toronto Marlies.  It was also interesting to see players show the same characteristics that I had witnessed at the practices.  It was weird at first to see such a full stadium — I’m used to just empty seats.  But I was happy to see such a good turn out!

Enjoy the photos!