Originally Posted by
Trav
Figured I'd start the training camp thread...
I know it's only Day 1 and these guys still got a few more days to go before camp is technically over but I've been impressed with what I see so far...
Starting with the 96's. Hickmott and Graham I noticed quite a bit up front and at the backend I was pretty impressed with Saskatoon local Connor Swystun who is only 5'8 but was all over the ice. It'lll be interesting to see if the Blades list him and keep an eye on him during the season, hopefully he'll grow a bit or at least get a bit stronger.
Going to the 95's, the 95's I noticed a lot were d-men. Brett Lernout is 6'4 and reminds me of Dietz. Good skater and has a good shot. Brad Reichardt is another guy I noticed, didn't look to out of place and could have a shot. Pichonsky I didn't notice to much on the ice but then again I wasn't really looking for him either, I'll try and watch him more closely tomorrow. I'd imagine those three though will be fighting for spots on the blueline.
The rookie forwards that I was impressed were with 17 yr old Kyle Haas, he was all over the ice and scored a goal. 18 yr old Damien Kulynych scored a nice break away shot just went top corner on Morrison. He skates well and had a pretty good year in the AJHL last year. I'd be surprised if he doesn't make the team.
Among the veterans. All were flying, Benson I believe it was took a shot in the foot / ankle and was in pain, hopefully nothing to serious. Sutter and Siemens were going at it a bit, Sutter was also flying around the ice, he needs to have a big year this year. Sure hope we get Dziurzynski back. They need him and Trask to lead the scoring, Stransky I think could score 20+ goals this year.
Speaking of Stransky, Makarov the Russian goaltender did well and got a shutout in his half of the game, looking forward to seeing him in pre-season and see if he can handle being the starting goaltender.
Dunno if they just listed this guy or invited him but Patrick Johnson from the Contacts is at camp, he's 18 and I was quite impressed with him, he to got a shut out in his half of the game, he looked good even in warm ups, he looked like he was quite focused. It'll be interesting to see how he does in the pre-season. Rite now he'd a guy I'd take in to the pre-season. The other goaltenders, Miner needs a season of midget AAA, Moodie should play a year of midget aaa as well. I think it'll be Johnson or Todd for that 3rd goaltender spot, Todd wasn't to bad though he let in a couple goals.
I'll post some more comments tomorrow if I get a chance to go to the scrimmages.