Rookie shines as Avalanche returns to the ice

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Sep 17, 2005 | by JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE

DENVER - On Friday night at the University of Denver's Magness Arena, the Colorado Avalanche held its Burgundy-White Scrimmage, with the Burgundy team winning 3-2.

The score took a back seat to the excitement of professional hockey returning to Denver, a glimpse at the NHL's new shootout procedure and a pair of noteworthy debuts, as controversial free agent addition Brad May and rookie Wojtek Wolski both made their first appearances in Avalanche sweaters with dramatically different results.

While May, who was booed each time he touched the puck, played just one period before leaving with a pulled groin, Wolski displayed the promise that turned heads during Colorado's three days of training camp.

The 19-year-old left wing, who was Colorado's first pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, looked like he belonged, scoring the game- winning goal for the Burgundy team as time expired, setting up Andrew Brunette's assist of Dan Hinote's goal in the first period and deftly assisting on another goal that was disallowed. Wolski also was the only player out of six to score in the shootout held after the scrimmage. Team officials planned to hold the shootout, a new addition to the NHL, no matter how the game ended.

"He wants the puck and he can make plays," first-year Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said. "He protects (the puck) well, and he's got some good acceleration when he just gets it. And you like his size. Right now you look at him, and all areas are impressive."

Quenneville said the roster would be cut to about 30 players today, but it is hard to imagine Wolski not making the team.

"I'm not sure if I had any (expectations), I just wanted to stay here as long as I could," Wolski said. "Right now I'm just trying to have fun and just trying to have as much ice time as I can."

May, meanwhile, was frustrated that his night was cut short. The former Vancouver Canucks forward earned infamy by claiming there was a "bounty" on the head of Avalanche center Steve Moore shortly before Moore was attacked by Todd Bertuzzi, May's Vancouver teammate, in 2004. His signing was met with anger by many Avalanche fans, some of whom expressed their displeasure Friday.

May said he had no comments on the boos, but Quenneville said he hoped fans would give May a chance. Tickets: Singlegame regularson tickets go on sale today.