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September 17th, 2007, 4:13:07 PM
(I had tickets, but gave them to one of the kids on my street who hasn't been to an NHL game yet.)
The Atlanta Thrashers took to the ice this morning in preparation for tonight’s Hockeyville game versus the New York Islanders. Although some big names like Marian Hossa and Kari Lehtonen are back in Atlanta, fans will get a chance to see one of the NHL’s top forwards in Ilya Kovalchuck. However one of the stars of the game tonight will be former North Bay Centennial Chris Thorburn. As he stepped off the ice after practice Thorburn was beaming in anticipation for the game.
“It’s crazy,” said Thorburn in regards to being back at Memorial Gardens.
“I stepped in the room and I took a moment to take it all in. I have amazing memories of this city and the fans here are great. I really appreciated that they gave me my old stall back, it was great.”
When Thorburn found out that he would be coming back to the city, he knew he wanted to be part of the game.
“I wanted to play in this game. I want to play in front of the fans; they were so good to me. I’ve wanted to come back and see the city, I wanted a chance to see the fans again.”
Thorburn is trying to crack a Thrashers lineup that only has two open spots at the forward position. Having played in Pittsburgh last season along side Sidney Crosby, and now being in Atlanta with Kovalchuck, Thorburn is grateful for the chance he has been given.
“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” said Thorburn regarding playing with the great young forwards.
“I’m playing with the greats, and the guys carry themselves well.”
Thorburn was also reminded of the fact that his younger brother Mark was in town with the Aurora Tigers two weeks ago and netted a goal. Although he did not predict a goal for himself, Thorburn did say his brother talked about his experience.
“He called me about coming here, saying that he would be playing. He said the fans here are still great, he has great skill.”
Although Thorburn may be a star locally, it is quite obvious that the biggest international star on the ice Monday night will be Ilya Kovalchuck. This is going to be the first exhibition game of the year for Kovalchuck and he is excited to get on the ice and get into the game.
“It’s my first game of the season. I’m really excited to get out there, to play in front of fans that love the game of hockey.”
Kovalchuck also added that he enjoys opportunities like these, to play in games for kids that do not always get to see NHL players.
“It’s always great,” said Kovalchuck regarding playing in front of the young kids.
http://www.baytoday.ca/content/sports/details.asp?c=21764
The Atlanta Thrashers took to the ice this morning in preparation for tonight’s Hockeyville game versus the New York Islanders. Although some big names like Marian Hossa and Kari Lehtonen are back in Atlanta, fans will get a chance to see one of the NHL’s top forwards in Ilya Kovalchuck. However one of the stars of the game tonight will be former North Bay Centennial Chris Thorburn. As he stepped off the ice after practice Thorburn was beaming in anticipation for the game.
“It’s crazy,” said Thorburn in regards to being back at Memorial Gardens.
“I stepped in the room and I took a moment to take it all in. I have amazing memories of this city and the fans here are great. I really appreciated that they gave me my old stall back, it was great.”
When Thorburn found out that he would be coming back to the city, he knew he wanted to be part of the game.
“I wanted to play in this game. I want to play in front of the fans; they were so good to me. I’ve wanted to come back and see the city, I wanted a chance to see the fans again.”
Thorburn is trying to crack a Thrashers lineup that only has two open spots at the forward position. Having played in Pittsburgh last season along side Sidney Crosby, and now being in Atlanta with Kovalchuck, Thorburn is grateful for the chance he has been given.
“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” said Thorburn regarding playing with the great young forwards.
“I’m playing with the greats, and the guys carry themselves well.”
Thorburn was also reminded of the fact that his younger brother Mark was in town with the Aurora Tigers two weeks ago and netted a goal. Although he did not predict a goal for himself, Thorburn did say his brother talked about his experience.
“He called me about coming here, saying that he would be playing. He said the fans here are still great, he has great skill.”
Although Thorburn may be a star locally, it is quite obvious that the biggest international star on the ice Monday night will be Ilya Kovalchuck. This is going to be the first exhibition game of the year for Kovalchuck and he is excited to get on the ice and get into the game.
“It’s my first game of the season. I’m really excited to get out there, to play in front of fans that love the game of hockey.”
Kovalchuck also added that he enjoys opportunities like these, to play in games for kids that do not always get to see NHL players.
“It’s always great,” said Kovalchuck regarding playing in front of the young kids.
http://www.baytoday.ca/content/sports/details.asp?c=21764