Training Camp: Day 1

Assistant Head Coach, Adam Maglio with players

     Today kicked off the beginning of training camp for the Prince George Spruce kings. With summer coming to a close, 41 boys waited in the lobby of the Coliseum to sign in, and kick off a week of try-outs. After weighing in, and having their height measured, the group broke into two groups to begin practice, with one team taking the early practice, and the other taking the late night shift.

     The first group had the majority of returning Spruce Kings players, while the second had the three Cariboo Cougar players attempting to crack the line-up. Night one consisted of just drills, so it was tough to get a good read on players, but it was a good opportunity for them to gel together, and prepare for the games amongst themselves that will be going on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

     I read an article a while back about Connor McDavid, and it said that while in exhibition games he would score on his first few shifts, and then focus on passing it off to team mates from there on in. Now I'm not saying Cole Todd is Connor McDavid, but that's the kind of performance I saw tonight. The first two shots I saw him take went in, and  from there on while he tried to score, his priority seemed to shift to being a play maker. Being one of the 20 year olds on the team this year, that is exactly the type of leadership that the Spruce Kings are expecting from their returning core.

     For the rest of training camp, Tuesday will consist of fitness testing, and the first intra-squad game, Wednesday will have a "Royal Run" up near UNBC followed by a game at night, and finally Thursday will have rock climbing in the morning followed by the final intra-squad game. All games begin at 7pm, and will be held at the Coliseum.