Phaneuf vs. Fraser.

[RebelsHockey]

Of all the players Dion Phaneuf and Colin Fraser had to choose from, they picked each other as dance partners Thursday at Father David Bauer Arena.

The Red Deer Rebel teammates, on opposite sides during the final intrasquad game of the Canadian junior national hockey team summer development camp, dropped their gloves late in the second period and were subsequently tossed from the contest.

The outbreak was sparked when Team White's Phaneuf got tangled up with phenom Sydney Crosby in front of the Team Red bench, where Fraser was positioned.

Within seconds, Fraser was on the ice exchanging punches with his Rebel teammate.

"I wasn't trying to come off the bench. I got pulled or pushed or whatever you want to call it," said Fraser. "I wouldn't do that in any league because of the suspension that would follow, but this was just a camp.

"He (Phaneuf) went after our guy Crosby right in front of the bench and one thing led to another. Was I planning to fight? No, but sometimes that's just the way it goes. One thing led to another, the gloves were off and that was it."

While both players landed solid shots, there was no harm done.

"That's not the first time we've fought," Fraser said with a chuckle. "He's a good friend of mine, we've played together for three years. Whatever happened tonight will stay on the ice and we've laughed about it already, so it's not a big deal at all."
Phaneuf agreed.

"In a game like this the emotions are flying. There's a lot on the line at these camps," he said.

"We know there's no fighting in international hockey but on the other hand when emotions get out of check some things tend to happen.

"Fraz and I kind of went after each other. We both play with a lot of spirit and things can happen."

Rebels head coach Brent Sutter, who holds the same position with the national squad, looked on with a mix of amusement and annoyance. At the same time, he was hardly shocked.

"There's no fighting in international hockey," said Sutter. "But with this being a pretty competitive camp like it has been all week, I'm not surprised this happened, especially the way those two guys play.

"But they're smart players. They know when they get to the (world junior championship) at Christmas that there's no fighting."

Phaneuf will certainly be with the Canadian squad for the WJC Dec. 25-Jan. 4 in North Dakota and Minnesota, unless he signs a deal with the Calgary Flames and - if an NHL work stoppage is avoided - subsequently earns a regular berth with the team.

Phaneuf's agent, Don Meehan, is currently talking contract with Flames GM/coach Darryl Sutter.

Unlike Phaneuf, the 2003-04 WHL defenceman of the year and an all-star at the '04 WJC, Fraser came into the national junior summer camp as a darkhorse, but promptly earned kudos from Sutter and his coaching staff.

"They've both played very well here," Sutter said of the Rebel veterans. "Fraz's line, with (Dustin) Boyd and (Stephen) Dixon ... as a unit they've been the best line on the ice the last two days.

"Fraz has been very good and so has Dion. Dion's shown what we expected of him."

"I think I've played pretty well against some top players," said Fraser. "I felt I was up and down during the week but for the most part I thought I played pretty well."

The 19-year-old realizes that he won't earn a berth with the national team based solely on his offensive skills.

"My mindset coming into camp was that I'm not going to make it as a goal scorer. I have to grind it out, finish checks, play the body and play good defensive hockey. That's where I'll fit into the team if I happen to make it," said Fraser.

Phaneuf, a favourite to be named captain of the national team, was a dominant physical presence during the three intrasquad games.

"That's my game, being a tough guy to play against," he said. "It doesn't change when you come to these kinds of camps. That's what got me here and I have to continue with that style."

The 43 players attending the camp played with a passion that surprised - and delighted - the near capacity crowds.

"I'm not surprised. I think everyone knows how Brent Sutter coaches and I think that from Day 1 everyone knew how intense this camp would be," said Phaneuf. "It was run well and everyone got the most out of it."

"We've tried to run a pro-style camp and I think the kids have enjoyed it," said Sutter. "We've focused on the on-ice workouts and these games, similar to what you'd see through playoffs. The kids adjusted to it quickly and I've been happy for the most part.

"It's been like any camp. There are guys who surprise you and there are guys who you expect more of who disappoint you to some degree."

While this year's Canadian team will be veteran-laden - 12 returning players were at the summer camp - goaltending is expected to be a question mark.

Sutter, however, was more than impressed with Prince Albert Raiders stopper Rejean Beauchemin.

"Beauchemin has played very well. He's certainly been the best (netminder) in camp," said the national team boss.

"It's something we'll keep an eye on over the next three months but the way he's looked here it certainly looks like he'll be one of our goalies. Where we're at with the second one has yet to be determined."

Brandon Wheat Kings forward Eric Fehr scored twice to lead Team White to a 6-1 win Thursday. Team White defeated Team Red in two of the three games.

[Atticuss]

lol I love Phaneuf... speaking of him, does any one have his hit on Olesz, at last years world juniors, Id love to see it again! thanks

[Maakala]

Just goes to show you that everything is put aside on the ice. Doesn't matter if your teammates somewhere else when you are opponents on the ice you do what you have to do.

[old man]

I saw that clip and JUST LOVED IT!! Like Maakala said, once you're on the ice, all's fair as they say. I'll tell you this: I'd love to have Phaneuf in TO. He's a monster.