Taylor Ellington

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>I was just saying how good the fans were back in Everett, then I figured out people were posting messages at the bottom of this blog (don’t ask me why it took me this long to poke around this page). So what’s the first thing I see? A bunch of posts from Silvertips fans. See, I wasn’t making that up. Best fans in the league by a mile. That’s a hockey town. Thanks for covering my back guys. If you haven’t read any of the posts yet, skip this part. So, you’re probably wondering who “dootsy babes” is. Sounds lurid, but it’s just my buddy Jacques Dutoit (I think that’s how you spell it, but sorry if I screw that up <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp09_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp09_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=right></a>Doots). He and Graham Livingstone came up this morning. They’re both buddies that I played hockey with growing up. We go way back. And no, they haven’t been hitting me up for gear – at least they haven’t yet. Rex was asking about Shaun Heshka because he’s an ex-Silvertip. Yeah, he really helped me out a lot in rookie camp, but we’re playing on different pairings now so I’m getting most of my advice from Willie. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp14_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp14_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=left></a>We haven’t had a chance to hang out too much since I’ve got lots of friends and family close by. Last night for instance, I went out to dinner with a friend and my agent. My buddy and I actually stopped by the room afterwards and Willie was back from fishing – at least I think he was fishing again – anyway, he treated my friend just as good as he treated me. He’s an awesome guy. We talked a bit of hockey, but I hit the sheets early again. I knew I had one more day to make an impression before the intra-squad game and I wanted to be rested. Tonight I’ll probably do the same thing, though I’m shaving this beard off before I do. It’s getting shaggy and I’m not exactly looking forward to it. I use an electric, and that makes it a bit easier, but this is thick. So the beard will be gone. Clearly I’m not superstitious, because the game is tomorrow. I don’t know if they’re going to cut down or what, but it would be an experience. I’m having nap. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>It's day two already and I’m tired. The pace is waaay faster here than back in junior. It’s hard to keep up. I know my coach back in Everett is reading this, so let me say that I don't think your practices are easier, it's just that everything here is faster. Are we good?!? Anyway, I don’t know how these guys do it all the time. After practice I’m dying. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp17_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp17_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=right></a> They’ve got me drinking protein shakes as soon as I'm off the ice. It’s just powder and water, and I drink it back home too, but they have this chocolate kind that’s not too bad for what it is. I can’t remember the name of it right now… I’ll plug it in my next blog. Yesterday Willie and a couple of other guys went fishing after the morning session. Seriously, all I want to do is go have a nap, but they got packed up and tried to get out to Sooke. I guess it was too foggy so they just ended up right at Victoria. Didn’t get anything – not that I know of anyway. I guess Willie’s a big fisher. Growing up on the Island, I should be more a fisherman – and I don’t mind lakes – but I’m not a big ocean guy. It’s kind of tough when you don’t have a boat… which I didn’t. A few guys have been asking me what question I get the most. Hands down, it’s got to be: “What’s it like to be out with the guys who you used to watch growing up?” I can kind of see how the whole media thing would grind on you after awhile, but honestly, I don’t mind at all. I really appreciate this whole experience. Even the autographs are a good time. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp20_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1407_camp20_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=left></a>It’s crazy back in Everett – I really think we’ve got the best fans in the WHL, but it’s nothing like this. I signed a purse the other day. I don’t think even 10 per cent of these people know who I am, but I don’t mind. I got asked today what my oldest piece of equipment is. Don’t know why. Anyway, it’s my shinpads. They’re these Jofas I’ve had since peewee. No reason other than they feel comfortable. Speaking of equipment, obviously we get all decked out in Canucks gear. I doubt we’re allowed to take it with us, but I’m kind of surprised that none of my buddies have been hitting me up for stuff. That’s not an invite! I’m just saying. Everyone’s been really good about that. I know I just opened a can of worms here. A few of the guys back with the ‘Tips have been reading the blog, so let me just say up front: I’m not taking orders. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>Okay, so right off the top, I’m on my third roommate of training camp – which is good since it means I’m advancing. Last night I had Willie Mitchell, he’s such a good guy. I don’t know why, but rooming with him really calmed me down. I guess it’s because he’s easy-going and really friendly. And he’s an Island guy so we have that in common. For whatever reason there’s only one bed in our room. I didn’t even ask. I just pulled out the cot. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp14_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp14_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=right></a>But you know, that was the best sleep I’ve had since I got here. Don’t ask me why. I hit the sheets early around 10:30 and I was out. It’s not like I should be tired. I know Mason mentioned it in his blog, so I should probably come right out and say I missed our tee-time Tuesday. Cory Schneider set up a golf game with Chad Brownlee and Raymond. Those guys got up at like 7 am. I slept till noon. You have to take the day off to the fullest, right?!?! I feel kind of bad though. Bear Mountain looks like a great course. I have to get out and play it. One of the guys asked me about my “welcome to the NHL moment” after practice today. I know I should have some funny quote about getting slashed by Linden or something, but I can’t say I really had one today (I need a media advisor or a speech writer or something). The one-liners don’t flow for me when I need them. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp13_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1307_camp13_t.jpg border=0 hspace=4 vspace=1 align=left></a>The whole day was just one long slow-motion shot. Willie gave me one piece of advice – well, two actually: he told me to enjoy myself, and he told me to watch the other defenceman and try to learn from what they do. It’s not like I was just standing around studying everyone else, but I tried to follow a few of the older guys and see what they were doing, and man are they good with their sticks. And the one thing that really blew me away was the way they anticipate the play. I know it looks different from the stands, but when you get down on the ice and guys are flying around, it’s unreal how those guys are able to read the play. I’d say that’s the biggest difference. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.</td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4> I don’t quite know how to describe this feeling. I’m exhausted and elated. I knew I had a good day today, but I really didn’t know what the coaches were seeing. I got the word I was moving on to main camp as soon as we finished dryland training. What can I say about that? I know it’s a cliché, but it truly is a dream come true. Pretty much everybody started out sort of slow, but my goal was to do a bit better every day. It really is hard to get adjusted. It’s a step up, and it’s going to be another step up Thursday. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1007_camp14_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1007_camp14_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a> Cory Schneider was saying the biggest difference for him, was the overall skill level. In junior, and I guess back in college, you play against good players, but only three or four on every team really stand out and are dangerous on every shift. Up here, every single guy can make you look bad on every shift. I don’t even want to think too much about the next stage. I mean I’m excited to see everyone, and it’ll be neat because everyone looks up to guys like Trevor Linden and Markus Naslund - and being an island boy, I have to say Willie Mitchell – but it’ll be good to get a day off tomorrow. Schneider wants to go golfing with Chad Brownlee and myself. Unlike other hockey players, I’m not a great golfer. Cory looks like he’s pretty good. I’m not too worried though, it’ll be good to just going to go and enjoy the weather at Bear Mountain and not sit in the hotel all day. Dan Gendur might join, but it kind of depends on his schedule. It’s kind of bittersweet for me. Dan is great guy and such a good player. I seriously think he has a shot at making the AHL this year, and if not, he’ll be back in Everett and do really well. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1007_camp03_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep1007_camp03_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I noticed I had a couple of questions. Who is the hardest to defend against one-on-one? That’s tough. Raymond is so good when he’s coming in at top speed, but Hansen is super strong on the puck and he’s really shifty. I’m going to say it’s a toss up. It all depends on the situation. Someone else asked me what jersey I had growing up. It was actually Pavel Bure’s #10. And, why #52 at this camp? I don’t know. I wear #3 back in Everett. Wish I had a good story to tell, but I was the youngest guy and #3 was the last number there. I’ve got today free so I’m going out to celebrate with my family now. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4> When I agreed to write a blog for prospects camp, I had no idea it was going to be this hard. I’ve been trying to brew up a topic for the past hour and I’m still drawing a blank. Of course NFL Sunday and the final game of the Summit Series isn’t helping my focus much. I guess I should start off by talking about the scrimmage today, it was the first time we went five-on-five. I thought Shaun Heshka really stood out. He helped me a lot out there. And again Jannik Hansen was great. And I thought Ash Goldie was good too. I don't know too much about him, but he scored a nice goal and was all over the ice today. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie22_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie21_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a>One of the reporters was asking me about my hit on Raymond – it wasn’t so much a hit, I just kind of took him down by the boards there. That’s the only way you can really stop him. He’s knows what he’s doing with the puck and he’s extremely fast. He’s a GOOD hockey player. It’s getting harder out there every day. The competition level keeps rising every day. I know every one of those guys really wants to make this team. We don’t talk about it with one another – like how you think everyone else is doing – but you can feel the tension starting to really jack up. I think everyone pretty much leaves the competition on the ice and just tries to relax at night, but it’s definitely there. We don’t get the Vancouver papers out at the hotel on Bear Mountain, just the Globe. One of the guys outside the rink after practice told me there was a story about my brother and me in yesterday’s Sun. Obviously I didn’t read it, but that’s kind of cool I guess. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie07_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie06_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I took a break from hotel food last night and went home to Saanich for dinner with my mom and dad and my brother. That’s one of the perks being local. Somebody also asked me about rooms. I’ve never understood what’s so fascinating about that, but I guess it’s kind of a pecking order thing in the NHL: veterans get the bed by the window and full control of the thermostat and rookies have to order room service and wait to use the shower. I don’t know about that. Coulombe and I just walked in there and threw our bags on the bed. I mean, I’m easy. It’s just whatever. I don’t have too many problems sleeping, so it’s not a big deal for me. Speaking of which… I've spent the past three months preparing for tomorrow, so I’m packing it in. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>Let me clear something up right off the top: I see I’ve been taking some heat for my traffic jam comment. I’ll admit, I completely forgot about the Colwood Crawl, but I’m from Saanich and I never have to deal with that. I went to Claremont, so it was just straight back-and-forth to Saanich for me. Easy drive. With that cleared up… A couple of reporters were asking me about the intensity on the ice today. They all said it looked like it was cranked up a notch from yesterday. I didn’t really think so. To me it’s all the same. It's just as intense as yesterday, but maybe it looks different from the stands. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington01_09082007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington01_09082007_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I mean all camps are competitive and everyone plays their heart out to get a spot right from day one – and this one is no different. There are only a few spaces open for main camp (I think they’re taking 12), so competition is tight. And then you’ve got guys like Alexander Elder and Luc Bourdon flying around out there – they both always make the right breakout plays and they’re really poised. With guys like that on the ice, it’s hard to figure out where you stand. Usually you have a pretty good idea of who you have to beat out to make it, you just kind of pick a guy with a similar style and odds are it’s him. But I don’t really know the way these guys play, and everyone is so good at this level. It’s a lot different than the WHL and I’m still trying to adjust. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington02_09082007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington02_09082007_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I’d recap the day, but the camp was almost identical to yesterday: Catch the shuttle down to the rink, stretch, do drills for all the first on-ice session. Take a break, come out for scrimmage, then do a conditioning skate. Then it’s dryland training, media, and back to the hotel. Not much happens after that. Guys usually get together in a group to go to dinner. I’ve been hanging out with Evan Fuller, Dylan Yeo and those guys. It’s not like there are specific groups you hang out with – but you tend to fall in with guys who have similar routines. Mostly it’s just dinner and then bed. We’ve been going to that place up on Bear Mountain, I can’t remember the name right now. I want to say Copper Grill… Anyway, a few of us drove down to the Macaroni Grill by Mayfair Mall last night. Honestly, it was pretty quiet. Everyone’s focused on the morning. Which I should probably do as well. There are only two days left and I want to rested for tomorrow. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>I’m not going to lie, the first day on the ice was intimidating. I set the alarm for 7:05, but it was one of those nights where you’re rolling around because you’re worried about sleeping through it. I think I finally rolled out about 7:15. It was fairly quiet at breakfast this morning. Everyone was on the shuttle by 7:50 and we were at the rink and in the room just a little after 8:00. The jersey was staring me right in the face as soon as I walked in. That was really neat to see. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/rookiecamp3_09072007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/rookiecamp3_09072007_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I settled down, taped my stick and we all went through some stretching. I think everyone pretty much calmed down once we got into the routine. To be honest, I’m not sure what time we finally got on the ice, but that was an eye opener. They’re men out there, and it was pretty intense. I think I held my own pretty good. Man, you really get an idea of how good some of these guys are when you’re out there one-on-one. Jannik Hansen was really fast and strong. Talk about a good pick, where did he go? Like 280th or something? Nope, 287th, I just checked. But yeah, the skill level is a lot different than junior. I mean everyone’s really, really good. Big difference in coaching too. I’m still getting used to it. In Everett I had a coach who yells a lot. All the guys today (Barry Smith, Scott Arniel, Mike Kelly, Ian Clark) were really friendly. If you made a mistake, they come up and tell you and try to help you out. I liked that a lot. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington1_09072007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington1_09072007_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>It’s weird, I haven’t dealt with the media too much all of the sudden there’s a big crowd of reporters waiting to talk to you. It’s pretty neat actually. Most of it’s pretty good – asking about my family and friend (yes, my parents and my brother were at the rink today, and yes, that was a big boost). I think my family was probably more nervous than I was – I know my dad was. But yeah, the whole media thing is kind of strange. The roommates got switched now that we’re in Victoria and Martin and I were split up. Now I’m with Patrick Coulombe. That’s cool. He’s a great guy, and it’s good to have a partner around who has played in the show. Just good too see what he does and how he handles things. Don’t know what we’re up to this afternoon. I’ll probably just head back to the hotel and have a nap or something. Get rested up for tomorrow. That's going to be a big day. Warm-up is officially over. </td></tr></table>

<table width=90%><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington3_09062007_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>So, I’m about to check a couple of "firsts" off my list today: my first NHL training camp and my first ever blog. My approach is pretty much the same for both - I don’t have a whole lot of expectations, I just want work as hard as I can… well, maybe not as much on the blog as on the ice, but I’m prepared to give it my best shot. I was a little nervous last night (who wouldn’t be?). I met my roommate for the first time – Martin Thibeault. He’s a really good kid. He’s from Val-d’Or. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington4_09062007_b.jpgg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington4_09062007_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a>I don’t think he’s ever been to Victoria, but then again, I don’t think too many guys have, except for Dan Gendur and some of the guys who played for the Salmon Kings. I don’t know how many of you know this, but I grew up there. Actually, Dan and I both grew up on the Island. I guess pretty much everyone likes the place they grew up, and I’m the same. I love Victoria. I left here when I was 16 to go play junior hockey in Everett for the Silvertips. I move back to Victoria every summer to train, and I try to get out to Sooke as much as I can to do a little fishing on the lakes out there. We won’t have time to do anything like that – it’s going to be an intense week – but if we get a few hours, and anyone wants a tour, I’ll take a few guys down to the inner harbour. It’s amazing down there. Now, I'm not saying that I don’t like Vancouver, it’s just that I haven’t seen a traffic jam in Victoria ever… well, you just don’t have them. It's slower there. I just like that I suppose. <a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington5_09062007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/ellington5_09062007_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>It’s going to be neat having my first pro camp there. For sure I’ll see family and friends, and be able to see my parents once more before I head down to Everett. It’ll be nice, and I’ll have a lot of support there I think. Short term, I just wanted to get the first day over with and get through the testing. After that? I just want to get into camp and perform. I definitely feel pressure, but that motivates me. I had a hard summer of working out, and I think that’ll help. My plan is to just go out there and get noticed. I still have to shake my head every once in awhile: the Canucks, the NHL… It’s still not quite sinking in. </td></tr></table>