Training camp is just a few days away in the Ontario Hockey League.
The Plymouth Whalers report to Compuware Arena on Aug. 31 for off-ice testing and medical exams.
The Whalers will hit the ice in scrimmages from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 1-2. The scrimmages are free and open to the public and media. Rosters will be provided the days of the scrimmages.
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National Hockey League drafts J.T. Miller (first round, New York Rangers, 2011), Stefan Noesen (first round, Ottawa, 2011), Rickard Rakell (first round, Anaheim), Scott Wedgewood (3rd round, New Jersey, 2010), Austin Levi (3rd round, Carolina, 2010), Garrett Meurs (5th round, Colorado, 2011) and Matt Mahalak (6th round, Carolina, 2011) will all be participating in the scrimmages.
In addition, Whaler fans will also get their first look at over-age center Andy Bathgate (over from Belleville in a trade) and get reacquainted with rookies Mitchell Dempsey, Danny Vanderwiel, Matt Mistele, Jake Patterson, Chris Lindner and Michael Bunn.
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Fans coming to Compuware Arena for the scrimmages should be aware of construction on the CSX railroad crossing on Beck Road just south of the arena. Northbound and southbound Beck will be closed at the tracks during the project. The construction runs from Aug. 29 to Sept.1.
A potential alternative route is taking Sheldon Road north to Five Mile. Turn west (left) on Five Mile to Beck. Turn south (left) on Beck to Compuware Arena.
Plymouth's first preseason game in Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. against Windsor at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena in the "Faceoff in Farmington." The game is sponsored by Art Moran Buick-GMC-Mitsubishi, with proceeds going to the Farmington Hills Hockey Association.
Before the game, fans can participate in a pre-game skate from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Whalers mascot Shooter for $2. After the game, the Whalers will be participating in a meet-and-greet and autograph session.
The Farmington Hills Ice Arena is located at 35500 Eight Mile Road.
Fans interested in purchasing tickets from the Farmington Hills Hockey Association can contact Marjann Lawson at secretary@fghhahockey.org. Tickets also are available at the Whalers Box Office by calling (734) 453-8400.
The "Faceoff in Farmington" marks the third straight year Plymouth has played on a neutral site to start the pre-season. On Aug. 29, 2009, the Whalers defeated Saginaw, 7-2, in the "Battle of Brighton". Last season (Aug. 7, 2010), Plymouth and Windsor played to a 2-2 tie in Chelsea, MI, in the "Clash at the Coliseum."
Plymouth continues the preseason by playing in Windsor on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. in Windsor; and will complete the preseason on Sept. 9 in London and Sept. 10 against London in St. Thomas, Ontario, at Timken Arena.
The Whalers open the regular season Sept. 21 in Owen Sound against the OHL champion Attack, with the home opener Sept. 24 at 7:05 p.m. against Erie. Tickets for all Plymouth games are available by contacting the Compuware Arena box office at (734) 453-8400.
