The vets were trickling into Skate Zone on Saturday for physicals.

Mike Richards is back from a hometown event in Kenora, Ont., and was in great sprits. He got a kick - as did we - watching the Flyers' Ice Babes tryouts.

Some of the things they made these girls do was a bit odd given all they have to do on the ice is clean up spray chips, and skate backwards.

No one has seen Richards since he had his a double shoulder surgery over the summer.

Anyway, Richards said a couple of times he has been told he'll be fine taking a hit once camp opens but he repeated himself and I got the distinct impression he's going to nervous on Sunday when the full camp opens and he takes a hit.

Richards talked very candidly about Chris Ponger and how the latter will take some of the load of responsibility off his shoulders in terms of being the captain. Pronger has a great deal to offer to Richards and I was curious as to whether Richards was going to welcome his voice in the room.

He will and he said so.

GM Paul Holmgren was asked about Pronger's role in helping out Richards, as well.

“I don’t know that Chris has to do anything other than just play his game," Holmgren replied. "He’s smart enough to realize he’s come into a new team. He’s going to kind of just play and see how it plays out.

"I’ve known Chris since he was 18 years old. He’s always been a guy that speaks up when he sees something that’s not right. I don’t think that will change coming to a new team and I think he’s going to fit in just fine.”

For more on Mike Richards and his take on camp, the newcomers, the captaincy, etc., check out my story on CSNPhilly.com:


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