Training Camp: Day 4 Wrap

August 26th, 2009 · No Comments

With the training camp roster whittled down to 39 players today (there were five players - 16 & 17 years of age - snipped last night) competition found another peak in scrimmage. Physicality and pace were noticeably higher than Monday’s opening ice time.

This afternoon’s skate marked the final intersquad game of training camp, and the third of three consecutive days with two games (ice bag, anyone?).

NOTES

* Teams Orange and White each played with 12 forwards and 6 D-men, while the trio of goalies played two periods each.

* In the morning skate injuries were the storyline, as a stick to the throat, and a few heavy hits sidelined players temporarily.

* Ben Sexton is looking more and more lethal with each passing game. I can’t say enough about his finishing skills.

* Sean Bonar had his best day of camp emulating a brick wall in both scrimmages. Aspiring Vees Faust and Rumpel also looked strong, and will likely both get a start in Trail.

* Denver Manderson was uncharacteristically 0 for 2 on penalty shots (the team chose them rather than man advantages).

* The team made cuts tonight and practice tomorrow will have 30 bodies (nine fewer than the games today).

* The team bus leaves for Trail early Friday morning. On Friday the team plays Powell River at 4PM, Saturday it’s Brooks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League at 4PM, and Sunday the squad will face Trail at 2PM before heading back to the Okanagan. [All times PST for you long distance fans]

* Expect a minimal number of vets on the ice in the Kootenays this weekend as game action will likely determine the next round of cuts for the Vees. Also, kids looking for college scholarships will be on display, as Cominco Arena in Trail will be swimming with scouts. Again, I’ll be live blogging all Vees games in Trail right here at the Vees Blog.

PHOTOS ->