Ben Bishop Helps Out At Chaminade Camp, Looks Ahead to Ottawa Future

What a difference a year makes. Last summer, former goalie Ben Bishophelping the community there recover from tornado devastation, ahead of a training camp duel with Brian Elliot for a goaltender's roster spot for 2011-2012.

As we know now, Elliot won the spot and along with Jaroslav Halak, helped guide the Blues into the playoffs. Bishop, in a contract year, and was dealt to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline.

Flash forward to the present. Bishop was a counselor at Chaminade's Youth Hockey Camp this week at the Hardees Iceplex in Chesterfield.

Check out our Facebook photo gallery from the camp

He's signed to a 1-way NHL contact in Ottawa, which he said is exciting and nice for the sake of security after spending the last few seasons split between St. Louis and Peoria.

He's expected to be a backup to Craig Anderson in Ottawa

Unlike past years when he's been preparing for the season as a member of his hometown team, he's had to find his own training options. And just like the rest of the league, he's working under the hope that there is an NHL season come fall, as the and the Players's Association work on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Bishop told Patch he's hopeful of a deal getting worked out in time for the start of camp September 20, but will still have reason to celebrate beforehand. His sister is getting married September 8.