Blueline
Dropping the Gloves with Kris Letang

Kris Letang, the Penguins third round draft choice in 2005, was considered a long-shot to make the team last season, but a strong training camp earned him a spot. He only played seven games with the Pens before being returned to his junior team at Val d'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He did not look out of place in the NHL, however, and joined with teammates Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby to be the first trio of teenagers in 24 years to score a goal in the same game.

Letang captained Canada to a second straight gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships, where he served as Canada's captain. Letang is expected to secure a spot on the Pens blue line this season. PSR's Joe Sager caught up with Letang on the eve of training camp.

Q: How was your summer? Did you do anything fun?

A: I spent it training and working hard. I was on the ice maybe four days a week. I was pretty busy, but had a good summer.

Q: Did you go anywhere on vacation?

A: I went to Punta Cana. It was a nice trip. I went there with my girlfriend. It was nice to get some rest.

Q: You won your second gold medal with Canada at the World Junior Championship, how special was that?

A: For sure, it's a great to win it as team captain. But just to win it, it's a great experience. This one was in Europe, so it was a little different from 2006 when it was in Vancouver. But, it was really a pleasure to play in the tournament twice.

Q: You spent some time with the Penguins last year and played pretty well - how has that prepared you for this season?

A: Last year, I didn't know if I was going to have a chance to play and I didn't have anything to lose. Right now, I know I can play at this level and I know what it takes. You have to work hard all the time. There are too many good players that you can't take a night off - you have to play hard every game and every practice.

Q: What was your favorite moment when you made the Penguins out of training camp last year?

A: Just being here with the team was my favorite moment. I think it was great. No one thing really stands out, just making the team was great.

Q: Is it nice to be on this team with all these young guys - it sort of takes the pressure off you and allows you to fly under the radar?

A: I think it's easier to play on this team because there are so many young superstars. You just make your way and do your job.

Q: Last year, I saw you dyed your hair blonde during the QMJHL playoffs. What's with that?

A: It was the playoffs, so my team all went with bleached-blonde hair, so it was a playoff thrill for us.

Q: I see you didn't decide to keep that look going?

A: No. (Laughs). My hair was long and blonde, but now it's short and brown.