Blackhawks defenseman Bob McGill will sit out at least some of the preseason. He fractured a foot while skating Thursday near his Toronto-area home.
Although McGill would seem to be on the bubble in the defensive competition at camp, coach Mike Keenan noted being a strong leader and good example in the clubhouse makes him more valuable than it might seem on the surface.
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Goulet adjusts: Winger Michel Goulet came over last March to the Hawks along with Greg Millen from Quebec. A prolific goal-scorer, Goulet never hit a rhythm for long with the Hawks. So he will be an interesting factor in his first camp in Chicago.
”He didn`t expect the types of demands I put on him,” Keenan said. ”He didn`t understand what I expect from all players.”
Great expectations: Some Hawks have considered those expectations and demands out of line, including ex-Hawk Denis Savard, but other Hawks say Keenan has pushed them to perform at their peak.
”Ask Keith Brown,” Keenan said. ”He just had his best year ever.”
Keenan said he has asked his coaching staff whether he has gone beyond the limits in his demands on players and been told `no.` It seems he would be better advised to ask all of his players and let them answer honestly. That could improve lines of communication.
Roenick ready?: Even more pressure will be brought to bear on young center Jeremy Roenick with Savard out of the picture. ”Jeremy`s ready for it and wants it,” Keenan said. ”He`s proven he rises to the occasion in pressure situations. Jeremy has great mental skills.”