After a year of hardships that saw Oilers Benoit Pouliot's season come to an abrupt end, the forward said he is feeling better and looking forward to the NHL club's inaugural season at Rogers Place.
"I feel good," he said. "The power's there, I feel fast, maybe the execution and timing isn't there, but that's going to come, that's fine, practices have been hard, they've been high-tempo, fast, up and down. Summer hockey, you don't want to get into bad habits with those practices so it's nice to be back."
Sustaining a shoulder injury on February 28 against the New York Islanders, his Farewell season was suddenly cut short as he was placed on the Injury Reserve list for the rest of the year.
"Right now, the first few days of camp, I think the legs are there, everything's there, I just can't let go from that and just keep going on the right note," said Pouliot. "The guys are - everyone's looking good - everyone's in great shape, we're ready to go."
Pouliot ready for new season
© Ryan Hrycun
