Jason Chimera aside from being the joker in the Blue Jackets locker room is started to show that he is much more than a checking line forward. In an exhibition game last week he had a goal 2 assists and 2 fights. A Gordie Howe hat trick plus some. (Gordie Howe hat trick is a goal a fight and an assist). When speaking to a reporter about it he said:
Reporter: "Do you prefer Gordon or Gordie?"
Chimera: "Mr. Howe would be fine."
How can you not love that guy? Chimera is such an important part of the Blue Jackets. When Hitchcock took over last season he sat all the players down and gave them specific rolls. Hitch told Chimera...that everyone has to check and everyone has to score. Also, when Hitchcock got here Chimera's all around performance improved.
Chimera had two goals, four assists and a minus-5 rating in 20 games before Hitchcock was hired last season. In 62 games under Hitchcock, he had 13 goals, 17 assists and a plus-7 rating.
Pretty impressive. During training camp Chimera has been on a line with Jakub Voracek and Derick Brasard. Hitch wants him used to scoring goals.
"Jason has always been an elite skater," Hitchcock said. "If not the best skater in the league, he's one of the top two or three. He'd get going so fast that it was hard to make plays. Well, his mind has now caught up with his legs, and he's able to think on the ice."
Also, on the camp front after reading Portzline's blog apparently Shelley is taking on a leadership role (which I have talked about before) telling one of the younger campers to get his act together.
Camper of the day: Jody Shelley. I won't tell you who, but Shelley strongly, professionally and bluntly corrected a young player for leaving the ice too early after Wednesday's practice. Big No. 45 said his peace and moved on. No hard feelings, no discussion needed. That, friends, is leadership. This, friends, is a new era.
Jody Shelley according to Portzline at least would be the captain of the Blue Jackets if he wasn't a fourth line winger.
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