Leafs host Prospects Camp at NDCC Arena
By The Nelson Daily Sports
When the Kimberley Dynamiters took to the ice to celebrate winning the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League championship last month in Kamloops the race for the 2016 title began.
The Nelson Leafs hope to get a jump on the upcoming campaign when the Heritage City franchise hosts a Prospects Camp beginning Friday at the NDCC Arena.
“The purpose of this weekend is to show your ability to play at the Junior Level, while getting an opportunity to learn more about the Nelson Leafs, meet the coaching staff, tour our facilities and enjoy the City of Nelson,” coach and GM Dave McLellan said on the Leafs’ website.
The camp is close to full with only a few spots available for forwards.
Players arrive Friday afternoon for the Camp Orientation at 4:30 p.m. before taking to the ice at 6 p.m.
The first scrimmage game is Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Game action continues Sunday morning followed by the All Star Game at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Nelson Leafs finished last season fourth in the Murdoch Division with a 23-17-2-4 record.
Beaver Valley Nitehawks eliminated the Leafs in the first round of the KIJHL playoffs.
The season was not a total bust for Nelson as the Leafs Robson Cramer was selected top defenceman in the KIJHL and Neil Murdoch Division.
Cramer, along with teammate Darnel St. Pierre, signed a letter to play next season for Simon Fraser of the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League.
Leaf captain Aaron Dunlap will also play in the BCIHL with the Eastern Washington Eagles in Spokane.
