"The veterans need to lead by example," Morrell says. "Leading must be done through actions. Words don't get anybody very far."

Morrell would like to impress upon the team's young defensemen the need for an aggressive and physical style of play, which can control the Crimson zone and start an offensive rush by quickly moving the puck up to the forwards.

"The defense needs to start by controlling our zone," Morrell says. "We need to take pride in winning all of the battles along the boards and in front of the net, get the puck out of the zone when we're in trouble, and get the breakout set up. I think the defense will jump into the offensive rush when they get the chance this year."

Morrell, though a year removed from competition, knows his teammates well and has developed a comfort level with them both on and off the ice. He thinks this year's team has really come together, and is looking forward to playing under Mazzoleni for the first time.

"I feel really comfortable with my teammates," Morrell says. "Most of my best friends are on the team . . .the team chemistry is a lot better this year."

Despite not having played a single real game since the end of the 1998-99 season, Morrell isn't worried about his conditioning. He was back on the ice nine months after his first operation, and has been running track and lifting weights since the spring. The only thing Morrell feels he needs to improve on before the season gets underway is his timing, something that is hard to accurately gauge outside of game settings.

"If I can stay healthy then everything else will fall into place," Morrell says. "I haven't been able to play the way I've wanted to in the past because of injuries, but I look forward to staying healthy this year and being able to help out more offensively."