2010 Florida Panthers Rookie Camp - Day One in pictures

Ever consider hiring Salvador Dali's apprentice to shoot frames for your blog? The rather existential result above. For the record, you're looking at Jacob Markstrom and the disembodied melon of Erik Gudbranson, captured by my 10-cent camera which is an obvious fan of the original Tron.

And on the subject of Markstrom, check this out for a thorough overview of his South Florida premiere.

Had a fantastic time at Saveology IcePlex during the first day of the Panthers' Rookie Camp in Coral Springs. A good time with good folks, the large crowd onhand welcomed a barrage of newbs to the organization. And make no mistake: GM Dale Tallon was not joking when claiming the collective lack of size within the franchise would be addressed. Mission accomplished; these guys are - as a group - ridiculously large people.

It appeared most all of the club heavies were in attendance; from managing partner Cliff Viner to Tallon to scoutmaster Scott Luce and on down the ranks to possibly every member of the sales team. Conspicuously absent from the public areas: COO/President Michael Yormak, assistant general manager Mike Santos (gimme a shout if I'm in error), and - somehow - Stanley C. Panther. On a day which featured bouncehouses and party vans seemingly at every turn, an AWOL mascot is simply perplexing. Otherwise a grand entrance to the pre-preseason.

The Cats did impress mightily by making each player available for autographs; an extremely classy touch. A cornucopia of photos after the jump...

The future face of a franchise.