Video: "Official, official, official"

by Donny Rivette on Jul 15, 2011 10:53 PM EDT

Panthers GM Dale Tallon announces signing of 2010 3rd-overall selection Erik Gudbranson following the close of Development Camp from Saveology Iceplex in Coral Springs, Florida. If you were in the building when word trickled out, the response was electric.

Video courtesy of the club.

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its a done deal but which number will he wear?? 6 or 44??

by Joel Masson on Jul 15, 2011 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

Great question, Joel.

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by Donny Rivette on Jul 15, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Man he looks different since the Draft…hardly recognized him.

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I miss you already Olesz. What we had was tight. Still pulling for those 85 goals you were going to score under Dineen. Chicago will appreciate them, I'm sure.
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by Chris S Roberts on Jul 15, 2011 11:03 PM EDT reply actions

How am I older than him?

by Alexander Calloway on Jul 15, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Ha!

Its weird seeing kids my age get drafted…makes me wonder where I could have gone if I hadn’t been such a sucky player (but I won faceoffs like a madman, that counts for something…right?)

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 15, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

absolutely, quite a few nhl’ers made a living cuz of their faceoff ability…

by alterego6487 on Jul 17, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Yay! I was somewhat useful!

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 17, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

There is indeed something indefinable about his on-camera approach that differs from a year ago. The smiles are a bit muted, the hunger is more evident. Refinement. And drive.

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by Donny Rivette on Jul 15, 2011 11:31 PM EDT reply actions

Future captain!!!

Could the kid be any more well spoken?! I look forward to training camp :)

by CLG_74 on Jul 16, 2011 12:57 AM EDT reply actions

He has great composure. This is just leading to Florida no longer having a negative connotation in the hockey world.

Fish, Heatles, Cats, Fins, Noles

by National Mario on Jul 16, 2011 1:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

leading to Florida no longer having a negative connotation in the hockey world

Hate to be pessimistic but I don’t think that will ever be the case in certain circles. Too many people out there will always find southern hockey to be “wrong”. Just have to do our thing and not worry about it.

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by Donny Rivette on Jul 16, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

So. Florida hockey may never sit with the fans, but if players want to play in Sunrise I couldn’t care less what people think of sunbelt hockey.

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 16, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Indeed.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 16, 2011 1:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yes that’s more of what I meant. Fans and media think whatever they want but it’s all moot if those in the NHL proper see Florida as a great franchise to play and work for.

Fish, Heatles, Cats, Fins, Noles

by National Mario on Jul 16, 2011 2:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

And it seems the players are shaking the negative connotation in a big way, I’m ready for the Cats to big in some big fish next year!

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 16, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. Think of Edmonton. Among certain fan/media circles it’s a great “traditional” hockey market and anywhere in Florida is not, but in general players would prefer to play in Tampa Bay than Edmonton. Except Ryan Smyth.

"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury

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by John Beatty on Jul 16, 2011 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly, there’s a group of people in the Great White North who have serious issues with hockey in places other than the north. We just keep on going, drafting well and players will notice and come here.

“If you build it, they will come.”

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by coasterg on Jul 16, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

If they don't want us in their league. . .

then I don’t want them and their old, speedo wearing asses on our beaches.

by milhouse on Jul 16, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s my attitude. When my town isn’t full of Quebecois for five months of the year, then I’ll be willing to discuss my hockey team’s possible move to Quebec.

And not a second before.

"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury

Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.

by John Beatty on Jul 16, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions