New attitude for Condors' Ianiero
| Saturday, Oct 03 2009 12:05 AM
Last Updated Saturday, Oct 03 2009 12:08 AM
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Andrew Ianiero unloads a shot for the Condors in the second period Saturday night against Utah at Rabobank Arena.
For the past few seasons, Andrew Ianiero has strolled into training camp knowing he'd have a job with the Condors when the regular season got underway.
Friday, Ianiero found himself in a different situation as training camp got under way on the familiar ice at Bakersfield Ice Sports Center -- trying to prove to coach Marty Raymond that he deserves a spot as a forward on totally revamped team.
Raymond did not offer contracts to any players from last season but did invite Ianiero to camp on a tryout basis.
"It's a little different situation than I've been in in a long time, but it's good," Ianiero, 28, said. "It makes me feel young again and gives me a new outlook on things.
"I'm coming in with a new attitude. I'm looking forward to having a good camp and we'll see what happens."
Ianiero already looks better physically than he did at the end of last season when he was slowed by a nagging groin injury that turned into a torn muscle and left him dragging his left leg in the playoffs.
"I tore a muscle in the left groin and it bothered me in the last few playoff games," said the veteran left winger. "I could barely skate there in Game 7 and had surgery in late June. I've been working to rehab and get back in shape all summer. It feels pretty good right now. We'll see what happens and take it day by day."
While Raymond is interested in how Ianiero's body holds up, he's more interested in Ianiero's desire to play the game and his attitude.
"He's decided he wants to play hockey and there are certain parameters that he has to do," Raymond said. "It has to do with sometimes you get ingrained in a certain way of doing things and sometimes you have to change and get out of your comfort zone to be a better player, a better coach, a better person.
"He's got a family now and maybe he realizes he has to do a little more than just get his 60 points. The way this league is designed there are so many young guys that will do that so you need to bring something to the table other than just 60 points and it's attitude and enthusiasm. It's such a great job and guys have to realize that. They're lucky to be here."
Ianiero said he's up to the challenge Raymond has presented.
"I'm not here for a skate to see if my groin's healed. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could help the team," he said. "And I don't think Marty would have brought me in if he didn't think I had something to offer."
Slap shots
Raymond was pleased with what he was in Friday's 90-minute practice session (followed two hours later by a scrimmage). "I'll say it was 1,000 times better than the first practice last year," he said. "Maybe because so many guys have been in (other training camps). The first three drills passes were rocketing, guys were catching passes and stopping in front of the net. It's a big difference. There are good young guys that want to be here and it shows."
Rookie goaltender Timo Pielmeier, assigned to the Condors by the Ducks, looked sharp after having played in rookie games as well as preseason NHL and AHL games. When asked about Pielmeier, Raymond broke into a broad smile and said he thought the Condors would be the first step along a path to the NHL for the 20-year old.
The Condors are holding their annual open house today from 2-5p.m. at the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center. Fans can watch the team scrimmage then take to the ice to skate with the players afterward. Admission is free with the donation of two non-perishable food items.
