Travis Clayton and Jason Duda will, of course, play on the same line to start the season. Who joins the veteran duo is always an intriguing question, and that's the case again this year.
The answer? We're not sure yet.
As of Tuesday afternoon, coach Mark French was uncertain who would fill out the line, although Tyler Liebel, who would bring a physical presence, seems like a logical choice. Liebel was on the Duda-Clayton line during practice on Tuesday morning.
"Obviously, we're counting on Liebel as one of our top six forwards," French said, "but we're still trying to figure out where he'll end up and what's the best fit for everyone."
Newcomers Bruce Richardson and Alex Goupil are also expected to play together.
French hadn't decided on defensive pairings.
On the air -- The new voice of the Thunder is Steve Schuster, a Michigan graduate with degrees in psychology and political science.
Schuster, who will also handle broadcasting duties for the new independent baseball team, called hockey in college.
"I coined the phrase 'hometown objectivity,' " he said. "I wouldn't call myself a homer, but I'm not the type of person to go out of my way to criticize someone for no good reason."
KGSO, 1410-AM, will broadcast 28 games -- split between home and road, Schuster said. Schuster plans a 20-minute pregame show and a clubhouse report, which will include an interview with a Thunder player or opposing coach.
Etc. --The status of defenseman Dominic D'Amour, a 6-foot-4 newcomer expected to be a big contributor, is uncertain for Saturday's opener. The team is awaiting his immigration paperwork.... Duda didn't play in the exhibition games to give his shoulder injury, which required offseason surgery, more time to heal. He should be ready for Saturday, French said.
