Dynamiter's Main Camp Observations

This weekend has been the Nitro's main camp, and finishes off on Sunday. I was able to observe the scrimmages on Saturday. There is nothing like going into an ice cold arena to remind that HOCKEY SEASON IS COMING!

For me there were questions heading into camp particularly around the back end, we lost three defensemen this off season: Martin, Perpelitz and Miller. And Garcia (I'll miss that bow-tie) who was a physical force during the playoff's doesn't appear to be returning.

In brief conversations with GM Dave Smith and team President Chad Koran, they said that while there are returning players from last year, and they have obtained the playing rights to other players, all positions are fair game, pending on performance during the camp. And that competition was noticeable on ice, as the players were challenging each other to be able to get a roster spot on opening night.

The participants were divided into three teams:

I brought my advocate for Alzheimer famous mom to the camp, and for her it brought back her many memories of watching her brother's play hockey as she sat in the stands with her mom and a cup of hot chocolate every weekend while growing up. She had two players that she enjoyed watching #5 from Team Red, Ralph Thrall; and #9 from Team Grey, Eric Buckley. She wasn't impressed with some of the defensemen as they passed too frequently in front of the goalie.

The recently signed local talent: Wallace, Barzilay and Van Steinburg, all played well. The recently acquired Lucero has a sniper of a shot, and looks like he can be a consistent offensive threat. Dagostin (who's beauty is noticed by team mates) seems ready to log more ice-time as he was playing on two teams.

I personally like an up-tempo game, so I was impressed by #14 from Team Grey, Jacob Bromley. But I can also appreciate an immovable force in front of the net, so #3 from Team Red, Chet Thunderchief, stood out.

I am so grateful I don't have to make team roster decisions. The coach, GM, and president have some very difficult decisions to make before finalizing the roster.

You can catch the morphing team in action as they have four exhibition games coming up:

• Wednesday, September 3 vs Columbia Valley, 7pm at the Civic Centre.
• Friday, September 5 at Fernie, 7pm.
• Saturday, September 6 vs Fernie, 7pm at the Civic Centre.
• Monday, September 8, at Columbia Valley, 7pm.