Not only were there no defensemen missing for Bridgeport this morning, there was an extra body up front: Chris Langkow took the full practice for the first time since October. He said he felt good. Timing and conditioning are still to come, and it’s not like he’s playing this weekend, but it’s a step forward.
Barry Goers, with No. 40 on his helmet, practiced with the team for the first time. It’s probably not often that a guy gets to go bowling with his teammates before he skates with them, but hey. He appeared to be with Steve Oleksy on the first run-throughs (having Mark Katic available for some drills mixed things up sometimes); Brent Thompson remembered Goers playing the left for Las Vegas even though he’s a righty. Still a couple of days before they play.
The NHL’s going to the Big House for next year’s Winter Classic. Grand Rapids plans to piggyback on the downtown Detroit part of the event and play the Marlies at Comerica in December. (I’d say they missed a marketing opportunity by not bringing Bridgeport, but then again, it’s not Tiger Stadium.)
And belatedly noted, RIP, Ian Abercrombie.