Goaltender Manny Legace grateful for training camp opportunity

 For goaltender Manny Legace, the goal was simple:

"I just wanted to come to camp," the 37-year-old netminder said upon his arrival to Long Island after accepting a professional tryout with the Islanders. "I've been practicing by myself, so this is an excellent chance for me to face some NHL-level shots and play in an exhibition game or two. Teams want to see that rather than see you just sitting at home.

Legace, who was 10-8-0 in 30 games for Carolina last season, has been given the green light from GM Garth Snow to leave if he receives interest from other teams interested in bolstering their back-up goaltending. Legace said he's just grateful he'll have a chance to stay sharp in case  such a situation presents itself.

"Garth was gracious enough to bring me in and I'm really thankful for that opportunity," he said.

****Interesting story about the pads Legace will be wearing tonight. While waiting to get his own pads approved by the league last week, he was given a loaner set from his equipment company that had similar specs to the ones he was waiting on. Whose were they? Rick DiPietro. Funny coincidence since he signed with the Islanders days later.