(Training) Camp Color Wars!

Do you remember "color war" at summer camp? You and your camp buddies face off against a rival camp - or rival bunk - or something like that - in a contest of some sort of athletic competition. And when it was all over you'd celebrate or commiserate over a paper cup filled with bug-juice or whatever brightly colored beverage it was they served up at camp what-cha-ma-call-it.

Well, Ranger Draft Picks also go to camp. But for them it is the Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp. And instead of color wars - they face off against each other by country in playoff-style series.

And up in the Lake Placid Olympic Center - it is Team USA versus Team Russia. And - do you believe in miracles? - the USA is up 2 games to nothing in the series. And we won big - by scores of 8-1 and 6-1.

And what does this have to do with your New York Rangers? Plenty - because a couple of our draft picks are playing for the USA.

Chris Kreider - our first rounder just out of high school - a fast skating forward has played in both games - was held scoreless both nights - but has not looked overmatched in playing with the older kids.

Ryan Bourque - our third rounder - fared much better - notching two goals and an assist. And our friends at Prospect Park report that he has been ferocious on the forecheck (Mr. Tortorella - please take note). The Rangers look very smart so far for nabbing this guy in round three.

Derek Stepan has also come to the party with a big four assists in the two games.