BOISE, Idaho -- Jim Montgomery finally saw Julius Honka flash a smile on Saturday afternoon.
Honka, the much-debated 22-year-old defenseman, has a new chance and a fresh start under the first-year coach Montgomery. Last season playing for Ken Hitchcock, Honka shuffled in and out of the lineup, up and down from AHL affiliate Texas.
So when Honka smiled on the ice during the second day of Montgomery's training camp, it stood out -- especially why he was grinning.
"I think he said to [assistant coach] Rick Bowness that he likes the way we're going to play," Montgomery said.