Dun Embraces Opportunity of a Lifetime

BEIJING - Derek Dun, admittedly, did not take the most conventional path to the National Hockey League. And while his time at hockey's highest level may be short-lived, the 24-year-old is making sure to embrace his experience this week as the Bruins' third goaltender here at the O.R.G. NHL China Games.
A native of British Columbia, Dun is of Chinese descent and last season played for Beijing-based HC Kunlun Red Star of the KHL - a team owned by O.R.G. Packaging Chairman Zhou Yunjie.

The Bruins' visit here provided the perfect opportunity for the team to further embrace the Chinese hockey culture, leading general manager Don Sweeney to ink Dun to a professional tryout agreement for the week.
Dun was Boston's third goalie for Monday's practice at O.R.G. AZ Rink - as he will be again on Tuesday - and will serve as the team's emergency backup goalie for Wednesday's exhibition game against the Calgary Flames.
"It was about a month ago and one of our managers on the team came up to me and said, 'I think you're gonna go practice with the Bruins,'" said Dun. "It's unbelievable. I never really thought of this happening before, it's pretty surreal."

The lefthanded netminder, who joined the team for its trip to The Great Wall of China on Sunday, was presented with his No. 1 Bruins sweater by team president Cam Neely and held court with a large contingent of Chinese media prior to practice.
"It is a dream come true," said Dun, "a surreal moment to step out on the ice and practice with some of the best players of the world."
Prior to his stint in the KHL, the 5-foot-11, 171-pound goaltender appeared in 16 games for the University of British Columbia, compiling a 7-4-1 record with a 2.87 goals against average and .910 save percentage. In 2014-15, Dun made four appearances for Northern Michigan University, posting a 1-0-0 record with a 2.40 goals against average and .918 save percentage.
With the likes of Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Charlie McAvoy peperring him with shots during Monday's practice session, Dun quickly noticed how much the speed and intensity ratchets up at the NHL level.
"It was fast, quick," said Dun. "It's pretty much everything you would expect, some of the best players in the world out there. Got to keep sharp and be on my toes…the hockey IQ out there, the release of the shots. If you give them anything they're gonna take it. That was the biggest difference. They know where they're shooting every single time."

During his time playing in China, Dun has seen firsthand how much hockey has grown in this part of the world. He believes the continued presence of the Bruins and the NHL here will be a significant boon to the sport's progression across the country.
"I think it's awesome," said Dun. "It's an untapped potential, just so many people out here. You never know, there could be a [Sidney] Crosby or a [Connor] McDavid -there could be a superstar out here but they just never know what hockey was or hockey is.
"Getting the sport out here and showing [off] the best league in the world, [it] shows them what hockey is and what's out there."

Switching It Up

Cassidy made a couple of tweaks to his lines for Monday's practice, flipping young pivots Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson and Jack Studnicka, both of whom are battling for Boston's third-line center position. Forsbacka Karlsson manned the middle between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak on Boston's top trio, while Studnicka slid in between Jake DeBrusk and Ryan Donato.
Studnicka, who was held off the scoresheet on Saturday, was tasked with top-line duty during the Bruins' first exhibition game against Calgary, while Forsbacka Karlsson picked up two assists while centering the second line.
"We switched it up today," said Cassidy. "I think it's intimidating to play with March and Pasta. So part of me says maybe [we'll give Jack] another go now that you've had a trial run, might be the best way to go. But we can switch back to that tomorrow. Wanted to see JFK [up there] as well.
"There might be the need to move up, so we'll see which guys have the ability to do that. Not saying that others guys don't that aren't here, but they're not here….I like [Trent Frederic] with [David Backes], bigger line. [Joakim] Nordstrom there today with a little bit of speed. We'll tinker with that."

Practice Plans

With sightseeing and travel issues interfering with the schedule, the Bruins had practiced on the ice just once before Monday's session. But with another practice scheduled for Tuesday, it's finally beginning to feel a bit more like a traditional training camp.
"I think tomorrow will [feel more normal] because now you're getting back at it again," said Cassidy. "Let's hope all the hiccups are behind us…then we have a game [on Wednesday] and you feel like you're back to work. That will all end and we'll be back home and try to get re-adjusted.
"Even checking in today - we beat Washington [in Boston on Sunday], so now you feel like you're back, getting input from Joe Sacco and [Don Sweeney on some of the other guys [at home]."

Fashion Statement

Cassidy arrived at his post-practice media availability donning a bright red traditional Chinese suit jacket, courtesy of Mr. Zhou.
"It's got the dragon on it," Cassidy said with a smile. "It grabs your eye doesn't it?"
Boston's bench boss had several colors to choose from, but opted for the red. When one reporter informed him that red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, Cassidy said, "Lucky?...stick with it then."

Negotiating Power

The Bruins visited Beijing's famed Silk Market on Monday before practice, prompting most of the traveling party to leave with bags full of goodies to bring back home. Part of the market's charm is the bartering that goes on during purchases, though Cassidy admitted that was not his strong suit.
"My haggling game was OK today. OK at best," quipped Cassidy. "Better than Brandon Carlo, I heard that he got hosed. Interesting because I'm not a haggler at all. I don't like to buy cars that way. I've got a buddy in the business and I get him to do it because he knows the deal. It's fun, it's part of the experience."
Cassidy picked up some gifts for his wife and two children and said that the Lionel Messi soccer uniform he bought for his son, Cole, led to the toughest negotiation.

Monday's Practice Lineup

Brad Marchand - Jakob Forsback Karlsson - David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk/Martin Bakos - Jack Studnicka - Ryan Donato
Joakim Nordstrom/Peter Cehlarik - Trent Frederic - David Backes
Chris Wagner - Colby Cave - Jordan Szwarz
Urho Vaakanainen/Jakub Zboril - Charlie McAvoy
John Moore - Kevan Miller
Matt Grzelcyk - Brandon Carlo
Tuukka Rask
Jaroslav Halak
Derek Dun