vees:blog

Vees Head Coach Fred Harbinson following Monday’s practice.

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Friday afternoon saw the Vees last scrimmage of training camp, the Vees Blog was there to catch up with the Vees staff and scout some of the new recruits.

In order of appearance we talk with…

Murray Maxwell, Equipment Manager

David Small, Asistant Coach

Alana Dyrland, Athletic Therapist

Fred Harbinson, Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operation

Tom Hengen, Lower Mainland Scout (father of Michael Hengen)

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After four scrimmages in 48 hours, the tone in Vees Training Camp has become more competitive, and physical. After a opening scrimmage that felt more like an All-Star Game than a Playoff Game, the Coaching staff placed an emphasis on intensity, and have liked the response they’ve seen from their troops.

Forwards

The only scrap of camp thus far featured returning forward Anthony Perdicaro and newcomer Brent Vandenberg (also a forward). Vandenberg played in the OPJHL (Ontario Jr. ‘A’) last season and has designs on making what should be a grittier roster in 08-09.

Goaltenders

The coaching staff has been pleased with all four goalies present in Training Camp. While Bonar and Borelli could be considered favorites to crack the squad, the coaching staff has iterated the competition to make the team is still wide open.

Defence

Matt Paltridge’s play on the back end has been one of the highlights of Vees Camp. Paltridge played in Tecomseh, ON last year at the Jr. ‘B’ level, and has impressed with his mobility and decision making. Also raising eyebrows has been ‘Mr. Versatility’ Eli Grossmann. The Alaskan tough-guy spent the majority of 07-08 up front but has been very sound on the blue-line, earning praise from the Vees brass.

Training Camp’s final scrimmage runs 4-6 this afternoon in Osoyoos.

On a dark and wet Wednesday in the Okanagan, the Penticton Vees hit the ice for day one of the 2008-2009 Training Camp in normally desert-like Osoyoos, BC (home to Canada’s hottest climate).

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The 43 players vying for a roster spot are divided into two teams (black and white) who will scrimmage once today, twice Thursday and twice Friday (among other on and off-ice activities) before returning back to Penticton on Saturday and heading into the Mountains for team building on Sunday (bear hunting?!).

The Vees open their four game exhibition schedule Tuesday in Merritt, and open the regular season on September 5th in Westside.

The Vees playing roster must be widdled down from 43 to 23 by the beginning of the regular season.

David Andreassen, the newest addition to the Vees roster, has arrived in Penticton. The Camrose product talks about his change of address came to be and his lasting memories of the 2008 Doyle Cup.

I wonder if David’s cousin Alexander is composing a new song?????

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The Vees Blog is back for the 2008/2009 season. The Blog will be even bigger and better this season as we watch the Vees defend the club’s first BCHL Championship in 22 years.

We open the blogging season with an interview with Fred Harbinson the Coach of the Fred Page Cup Champions heading into his sophomore season.

Coach talks about the offseason changes, two players lost to Major Junior this offseason (breaking news alert!), and what kind of team we may see come September 5th.

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