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.

Past Nitro's: Corey Allen

Corey last suited up for the Nitro's in 2009-10. He played 48 games that season, scoring 26 goals and adding 30 assists. He also racked up 186 penalty minutes.

This season Corey played for the University of Central Oklahoma. He played in 26 games scoring three goals and six assists. He also served as the captain this year.

Past Nitro's: Rylan Duley

Rylan played for the Nitro's a couple of seasons ago, in 2011-12. That year he was dynamite (yes, pun intended), he scored 46 goals and 44 assists in 50 games. He also added 9 goals and 8 assists in 13 playoff games.

This year, Rylan played for the University of Central Oklahoma. He played in 38 games, scoring 22 goals with 17 assists.

Past Nitro's: Braeden Ostepchuk

Braeden last played for the Nitro's in 2011-12. That year Braeden played in 30 games, winning 21 of them, and posted five shutouts. He also had a .909 save percentage with 2.58 GAA. He won KIJHL Top Goaltender that year.

This year Braeden played for the Selkirk Steelers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He played in 46 games this season, winning 37. He posted a 2.00 GAA and .932 save percentage. He also won the MJHL Top Goaltender Award.

Past Nitro's: Isaac Schacher

Isaac last skated for the Dynamiters in 2012-13. He played in 46 games scoring 15 goals and 24 assists. That season he also played in over a dozen games for the Victoria Royals.

This past season, Isaac started the season with the Victoria Royals, but was traded prior to the trade deadline to the Regina Pats. Between the two teams, he played in 60 games, scoring one goal and eight assists. Isaac used his large 6'4" frame to deliver some big hits, which also resulted in some fights.

Past Nitro's: Owen Solecki

Owen is a defenseman that played for the Nitro's in 2011-12. He played in 47 games that season scoring 21 helpers and one goal. He also added two helpers in 13 playoff games.

This year Owen played for the La Ronge Ice Wolves. He played in 53 games, scoring one goal and four assists. The season prior he won the most improved player for the team in 2012-13.

Past Nitro's: Tyson Valette

Tyson played for the Dynamiters during the 2011-12 season. He played in 49 games, scoring 27 goals and 48 assists. He continued at a point per game in the playoffs scoring nine goals and three assists in 12 games.

This season Tyson played for the La Ronge Ice Wolves in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He scored 14 goals and 25 assists in 56 games.

Past Nitro's: Drayson Bowman

Drayson played one season for the Nitro's in 2004-05. That year in 47 games he scored 29 goals and 30 assists, with 108 PIM.

This year Drayson played for the Carolina Hurricanes, his first full season in the NHL. He played in 70 games scoring 4 goals and 12 points. Presently Drayson is an unrestricted free agent, so we will see where he ends up next season! Hockey Future's ranks him as a 6.5/10 as a prospect (second or third line potential) and a B grading for succeeding in that role.

Past Nitro's: Sam Mellor

Sam played for the Nitro's in 2008-09. He played in 51 games that year, scoring 19 goals and 40 points. He also played in 10 playoff games, scoring one goal and 10 points.

This past season, Sam played for the Western Michigan University Broncho's. He played in 25 games and had five assists. There was an article at the start of the season about Sam's enthusiasm about playing his past team.

This is also a post-game interview with Sam near the end of the season.