The 2009-2010 hockey season didn't go exactly how Kyle Turris wanted it to. While his former Badger teammates were playing for an NCAA championship, the young Canadian who would have been a junior at UW last year spent the entire season in the American Hockey League with the San Antonio Rampage instead of with his NHL club, the Phoenix Coyotes.The talented young forward was dead set on making his way back to the NHL this season. Not only was Turris determined to make it back to the show, he needs to make an impression during training camp and during the exhibition season that he's ready to contribute offensively on a scoring line.
Turris wasted little time making an impression in his first pre-season game of the 2010 hockey season. On a power play in the second period Turris won a faceoff against Ducks center Ryan Carter, and scored on a wicked wrister that was assisted by David Schlemko. Turris finished the night with the goal, a +1 rating and 3 SOG. He was named the third star in a 4-1 Phoenix win.
With Turris battling Wellwood and Ebbett for playing time this season, he's going to need to continue to put up performances like this all fall.
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Turris wasn't the only former Badger in action on the opener of the NHL exhibition season. Calgary's Rene Bourque had a big night notching a goal and an assist for the Flames in 3-1 win over Vancouver.
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