Huskies get set to drop puck on yearly I.D. camp

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — With the hockey season quickly approaching, the Fort St. John Huskies are looking to evaluate potential new recruits this week.

The team’s annual I.D. evaluation camp takes place starting on August 22nd, with ice time, scrimmages and conditioning stints in the itinerary during the three-day session.

Huskies general manager Jeremy Clothier told Energeticcity.ca the team will welcome as many as 40 players made up of possible new recruits, veterans and six potential goaltenders.

Clothier thinks off-season signings such as Kooper Volk will fit into the team’s style of play.

“There are obviously still some holes to fill,” said Clothier. “We are always looking to make our roster better throughout the whole season.

“Not only this weekend, but throughout the course of the next couple of months, there will be some players we make decisions on [going forward].”

As many as 15 players will return to this year’s squad, including captain Grayden Alexander and veteran defenceman Jordan LaGreca.

Head coach Todd Alexander described the camp as a “blend of everything,” with younger players, veterans and players coming to try-out giving the weekend a mid-season feel.

“I anticipate it being competitive every year,” said Alexander. “We have done a good job of developing, especially some of the players around here. Our affiliate players [at the end of the season] come in and practice with us while we’re in the playoffs. [So] they can see our culture and see my style of coaching.”

Last season, the Huskies captured their fifth Strike Group North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL)  title in six seasons and finished fourth at the Hockey Alberta Junior B Provincial Championships.

While a successful league campaign, the final showing was a placing Alexander says some veterans felt “left a trophy on the table.”

Registration for the hopefuls is available up until Friday, August 22nd at a price of $250.  Sessions, including scrimmages, will commence at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening at the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

Saturday will feature dry land conditioning and a goaltender session, while Sunday will also feature more practice sessions on the ice.

For further details about the camp and to register, contact Clothier by phone at (250) 793-0978 or email at gmfsjhuskies@gmail.com.