Canes' Camp Underway

The Lethbridge Hurricanes opened their 2010 training camp Thursday afternoon at the Adams Ice Centre on the northside.

About 70 players filed through the doors to register, pick up an information package, and get their pictures taken. After that each player was assigned to one of four training camp teams that will be competing throughout the four day camp.

Members of the local media, including myself had a chance to talk to the coaches and some of the players for the first time in a while, some for the first time period. We spoke with Michael Sofillas, who is one of a number of newcomers trying to make this year's team. Sofillas lit up the Manitoba Major Midget League last season and caught the attention of the Hurricanes right away. Sofillas: "A lot of guys had a taste of camp last year. I'm looking for a competitive camp. There are a tonne of guys here, I think 70 and all of them can play. I'm kind of hoping that the few games I played last year with the Hurricanes will give me a little bit of an edge. I've got a bit of experience (in the WHL), but not much! I plan to work my butt off at camp and hopefully it'll work out."

Returning defenceman Brennan Yadlowski was one of the first veterans to stop by the registration desk on his way in to Adams Ice Centre. He says he's looking for a fresh start this season. Yadlowski: "This will be a whole new look this year. We probably have one of the more veteran defensive corps in the WHL this season. We had one of the youngest last year. High expectations for us I think. It's going to come down to the little things. We have seven returning d-men and we have to put up some goals. The scoring needs to start from our back end out. We were near the bottom of the league in goals last season."

Head Coach and G.M. Rich Preston was a busy guy, as were the rest of the coaches and Assistant G.M. Brad Robson. Preston took some time to chat about this camp as well. Preston: "Everyone is excited. Some of these young guys feel they can really make this team this year. That's a good thing to see them compete against the veterans. The coaching staff has seen our vets the past few days on the ice getting ready for camp. They look real good. For the older guys, the exhibition season will tell the tale for those guys. Our young players from last year and those not going to pro camps will play a lot in pre-season. We will soon see who's ready to go".

I'm still waiting for an official training camp roster, which has yet to be released by the hockey club. I was told one will be sent out once the registration is complete and they know just who made it to town. I will post that once it comes available. The Hurricanes Import pick from the CHL draft at the end of May is expected to be at camp this weekend as well. Alex Kuvaev I was told, is flying in from Moscow, Russia and should be arriving in Lethbridge sometime Friday if things go as planned.

I can say this, the Hurricanes are certainly going to be a bigger team, in terms of size this season. Some of the players look a lot stronger and bigger than the last time I crossed paths with them a few months ago. Funny how a lot can change in nearly six months! There also seems to be a fair bit of size in some of the younger guys. It should be a fun camp! Enjoy.

Thanks,
Pat

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