Jarome Iginla(notes) isn't one to bury his head in the sand.
He hears things. He checks things.
He likes being in the loop. Or, at the very least, peeking at the loop.
In which case, the Calgary Flames captain would be aware that The Hockey News, in advance of the 2010-11 National Hockey League campaign, has his squad pegged for eighth spot in the Western Conference.
No matter.
"I think we'll be a real nice surprise this year," Iginla was saying after Wednesday's informal noon-hour session at the Westside Recreation Centre. "Some people, you know, are hard on us … as far as the end of the year and not being happy at how things went. It's a fun time of year. You read all the different things - what some people like or are excited for. Some people pick certain teams to win. But none of that really matters. It's all proving it on the ice. Other years, we've been picked to do this and that.
"That's part of the fun at this time of the year, but I can't wait to get back playing."
And, he insists, producing.
Oh, should hockey-pool keeners take note of No. 12?
"I'm feeling good, I'm feeling good," said Iginla, chuckling. "Team-wise, I think we'll be a much-improved team this year. I'm very excited about it."
Last season, particularly down the stretch, Iginla had his struggles, finishing with 69 points on a 10th-place team. That, after winters of 94, 98, 89 points.
"Personally, last year was an off year," said Iginla. "I think I can still be a high producer for the team in all different ways. I'm looking forward to it. I really am."
After spending the summer at their B.C. home, Iginla and his family returned to Calgary on Tuesday with a busy week ahead of them.
Daughter Jade, 6, starts Grade 1 this morning.
And Iginla was eager to reacquaint himself with his chums Wednesday.
"It's nice to get back into town," he said. "It's September. It's definitely hockey month. Good to get back at it."
Olli Jokinen(notes) had been first on the ice, and Iginla was next. This won't be the last time the two gentlemen will be mentioned in the same sentence. Throwing Alex Tanguay(notes) into that first-line mix gives the Flames three forwards desperate for bountiful winters.
"We're all going to have bounce-back years," said Iginla. "As a team, we need to have a bounce-back season. And I think we're totally capable of that. We've all worked hard in the off-season. We're all excited to be back and get an opportunity to play here in Calgary, to play with this team and with each other. We'll go, we'll work on it. Chemistry's important. They've all been huge producers in the league. We want to get back to that."
One Oiler in midst
Calgary kid Devan Dubnyk(notes) says there are no mixed emotions about fellow goalie and Edmonton Oilers teammate Nikolai Khabibulin(notes) being sentenced to 30 days in jail.
It's all bad. No silver linings. Even on the depth charts.
"As soon as you start thinking, 'Well, maybe he won't be there and there'll be an easier job opening,' then you're not prepared," said Dubnyk, the lone Oilers representative in a sea of Flames practice jerseys Wednesday afternoon. "I don't think it should make a difference for myself going into camp. I need to go there and do what I need to do. It shouldn't really matter."
Khabibulin's status is up in the air. After being convicted for drunk driving in Arizona, he's now appealing.
"It's a terrible situation, certainly one that nobody wants to be in … you don't want a teammate to be in, you don't want a friend to be in," said Dubnyk, who, along with Jeff Deslauriers(notes), is seeking everyday work in Edmonton.
"It's just something you never wish upon anybody."
C-NOTES: C Daymond Langkow(notes) (neck) skated lightly Tuesday … The Flames' annual golf tournament is slated for Sept. 9. The team's prospects skate here Sept. 11 and 12 in advance of the rookie tourney in Penticton, B.C.
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