Sabres return to the ice

Buffalo, N.Y. (WIVB.com) - The NHL has finally moved from a conference room back to the ice. Today the Sabres hit the ice at the First Niagara Center for the first day of training camp. Players received physicals and then practiced for the remainder of the day. Next Sunday the Sabres will open their season at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, giving them just a week to prepare for their first game. However, the players are not concerned about the shortened training camp.

"I think having condensed numbers helps and having a lot of guys returning from last year helps," explained Sabres center Cody Hodgson. "Most of us know the systems and how we need to play so I think that is an advantage over some teams that have a lot of new roster sports. I think we work well as a team and we are ready to go."

Also, today the Sabres officially inked a new one-year one-million-dollar deal with Jochen Hecht. The nine-year veteran, played only 22 games last season as he battled several concussions throughout the year. However, throughout the lockout he played in Germany with Jason Pominville and showed promise in his performance there.

The Sabres will be back on the ice tomorrow for day two of training camp. The camp will include a scrimmage that will be open to the public without charge.