Training camp 2011 opens Wednesday for Leafs at NDCC Arena
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Let the tryouts begin.
More than 30 players were at the NDCC Arena Wednesday as the Nelson Leafs held training camp for the 2011-12 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League campaign.
Prospects were put through off-ice fitness testing that included a grueling beep test and exercises, before taking to the ice under the watchful eye of team evaluators.
Wednesday was the first day of the five-day camp.
The players return to the ice Thursday for two on-ice sessions.
Friday has a morning ice time scheduled before the team departs for Fruitvale to compete in a five-team exhibition tournament with against host Beaver Valley, Grand Forks, Spokane and Creston.
Teams play a round robin with only 15 skaters on each team.
There’s a 15-minute warm up before the teams skate for a 60-minute game.
The camp is the first as head coach for new skipper Frank Maida.
The former Leaf assistant is joined by Stuart Linnen to form the Nelson staff.
Returning players in camp for Nelson include defencemen Tyler Parfeniuk and Blake Arcuri and forwards Colton Malmsten and Dallon Stoddart.
Leaf goalie Andrew Walton, who was traded to Nelson from Fernie for Braeden Hikichi, is also at camp.
Nelson’s exhibition season consists of a home-and-home series against Castlegar Rebels. The teams open September 7 in Nelson at 7 p.m. The return contest is Thursday in the Sunflower City at 7:30 p.m.
CAMP NOTES: In the heart-racing beep test, sophomore forward Dallon Stoddart finished with 12.5 while Zac Searby finished with 12. . . . Beaver Valley Nitehawks held its training camp last weekend. . . .Former Leaf Adam Wheeldon is one of 25 players remaining in camp with the Trail Smokies of the BCHL. Wheeldon was to attend camp with the Westside Warriors, but decided to remain in the West Kootenay following a successful showing in Trail last weekend. Wheeldon was traded to Kelowna of the KIJHL during the off season.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
