View from above:

Some random thoughts on players from Tuesday's game:

Olivier Labelle: Reviews seem to be mixed on Labelle's first showing. I, personally, thought he looked great. Battles every shift, finishes his checks and plays much bigger than he is. Also, loved the way he stepped right in to challenge Kaleta, forcing him to turtle for the second time. Originally I questioned his 185 pim's last season as more of a fluke. Not the case. He also showed why he scored 50 goals last season. Didn't dominate, but showed me something late in the game when he corralled a pass in the slot. Didn't rush his shot, showed patience, made a move and fired one on net. Can't see him not starting the year with the Crunch.

Wes Rypien: Boy would it be fun to have Rypien hang around for the season. Think he will probably fall victim to a numbers game, but great for depth. Sort of a poor man's Darcy Verot with a real mean streak. Every shift he seems pissed off and looks to hit something. Showed a little offensively too. His line along with Peter Pohl and vet Kris Vernarsky was probably the most consistent all game long.

Petr Pohl: Pohl looked pretty good too. Definite offensive upside. Dangled more than once and didn't seem to shy away from contact.

Trevor Hendrikx: He looked o.k. Laid out a couple of big hits. Didn't really show anything that would lead one to believe he could quarterback the power play this season. If any rookie will see time in that spot it will probably be Kyle Wharton.

Tim Konsorada: Seems to be maturing physical. Stronger on his skates and finished his checks.

Kris Vernarsky: One of Don MacAdam's big signs for Dayton. Didn't stand out, but you could tell he was a vet. Did a lot of little things. Will probably start year with the Bombers, but could be a nice spot fill-in. Kind of reminded me of a Scott Cameron.

Paul Kelly: He played pretty well. Caught my eye right away when I saw that he played at SUNY-Plattsburgh in the SUNYAC. He put up 26 points in 42 games at Dayton last season and could improve on that.