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Spokane Chiefs

Hobson Returns to Spokane

September 21, 2006 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Chief forward Adam Hobson has returned to Spokane after spending a week at the Chicago Blackhawks pro-camp. The four-year veteran will be in Spokane's line-up this Saturday night when the Chiefs open the regular season in Cranbrook, BC versus the Kootenay Ice.

Hobson was the Blackhawks seventh round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and was attending the camp for the second year in a row. "It is nice to see the caliber of players," Hobson said. "They are the best of the best and you get to see how close you are, but at the same time see how much work you have to put in to get there."

One of the players that is already "there" is former Chief Matt Keith, who Hobson roomed with at camp. "Nice to stay with him, he showed me around a little," Hobson said.

Keith, who has played in 22 games in the NHL the past two full seasons, will try to stick with the Blackhawks this season, his fourth in pro- hockey. "There's always going to be a battle for positions," Hobson said about Keith's status. "He realizes that but I think he has a good chance."

Through camp Hobson also had the chance to see first hand the new standards on hooking and holding that the NHL and American Hockey League have used the past year. "When you're there, you get to see and know exactly what the rules are and learn the techniques and how to play it."

With a different definition on how a defensive player can use their stick, the game should open up for the likes of Hobson. "In the corners it is going to be easier for me to take the puck to the net without the hooking and holding," he said.

Hobson also recognizes how it will open the game for his roommate and the Vancouver Canuck's first round selection, Michael Grabner, "With is speed, it will help a lot."

During his stay in Chicago Hobson had the chance to communicate with Spokane's leading goal scorer from a year ago while Grabner was in Vancouver, "I have talked to him a little bit and sounds like he is doing well. He scored a couple of goals in main camp and is rooming with their captain, Markus Naslund, and excited about that."

With Hobson's return, just Grabner and Sean Zimmerman (New Jersey) remain at pro-camps.

Mike Boyle will go on the air on KJRB 790 the Fan on Saturday night at 5:30 with the play-by-play beginning at 6:00.

The Chiefs will begin the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 7th versus the Tri- City Americans. Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Chiefs office at (509) 535- PUCK or TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT.

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