TRAVERSE CITY -- Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky isn't the only site for international golf this weekend.
With professional golfers playing for the Ryder Cup outside of Louisville, four Detroit Red Wings are vying for bragging rights in a Europe-U.S. match in Traverse City.
"It's only period one, we've got two more to go," Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said Friday. "They've got the lead, that's why we're continuing."
They would be the American team of Chris Chelios and Brian Rafalski while Lidstrom and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom are representing Europe.
"He's got the lead now, but that's when nerves start kicking in too," Lidstrom said of Chelios' golf game.
As for Holmstrom, his partner compared his golf game to his style on the ice.
"He's a grinder at golf," Lidstrom said.
The competition began Thursday when the team arrived in camp, but had to be put on hold Friday when the entire Red Wings played in a different golf outing. However, Lidstrom was sure there would be plenty of time to get in more golf.
"Ryder Cup runs through Sunday, doesn't it?" he asked.
KOPECKY SKATES: Tomas Kopecky, who tore his ACL in early April last season and missed the remainder of the season, is practicing and taking part in all the drills.
"It's (knee) good," he said. "I feel fine, ready to go. I'm anxious, excited. I talked to Kenny (Wings GM Ken Holland), the trainers, and they said if it starts bothering me I might let off a little bit. But I've been skating the last month and I haven't had any setbacks -- and I was skating pretty hard. I'll do everything all the other guys are doing."
Holland said barring a setback Kopecky should play in some pre-season games.
"He's been cleared," Holland said. "He's been skating, but he really hasn't played hockey since (his injury).
"He's slowly getting better every year," Holland added. "We like what he brings. He's a big body. He likes to play physical. He has some skill. He's got a real good shot.
"I find with players the longer they're around the NHL, the better they get. They get confidence. They practice at a high level every day and they improve. I think he's done that."
CHELIOS BACK: Chris Chelios, 46, is starting his 25th season in professional hockey. Although he's the oldest player in the league, he said retirement can wait.
"I thought to myself when I was driving in to catch the bus (in Detroit) two days, 'What am I doing?' But then when I get here I understand why because there's nothing like being with the team. I don't know what else I would do if I didn't play hockey right now."
Chelios gave Traverse City high marks for its hospitality.
"The city comes alive (during camp)," he said. "They treat us well. It's a great five days here."
HULL AS A GM: Holland was asked if he thought Brett Hull, during his days in Detroit, would eventually be a GM.
"Probably not," Holland responded. "But he's obviously taken to the role. He and Les Jackson (co-general managers) have built a relationship. They made a couple of great moves, (Brad) Richards at the trade deadline and Sean Avery (in the off-season). He's done a good job. He was a great player. He knows the game. I'm happy for him. It's good for our league."
BATTLE IN GOAL: Dominik Hasek's retirement leaves Chris Osgood the undisputed starter in goal. The Wings signed veteran Ty Conklin to be Osgood's backup, but 24-year-old Jimmy Howard is challenging him for a roster spot.
"It's good for the organization. It breeds competition and that's what makes players better," Howard said.
Conklin called Howard "a great kid."
"He's a good goalie and he wants to play in the NHL, too," Conklin added.
Holland, however, made it clear that the job was Conklin's to lose because sending him to the minors would leave him exposed to waivers.
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