On Wednesday morning, the Soo Greyhounds officially opened their 2004 training camp as 53 players are set to compete for roster spots in the 2004-05 season.
The Greyhounds have 20 players coming into camp this season with Ontario Hockey League experience, including 19 players back from last season's team that narrowly missed qualifying for the playoffs, missing the postseason by just one point.
The Hounds have tinkered with their lineup somewhat from last season. Gone are veterans Scott Dobben, Jeff Doyle and Travis Chapman, who all graduated, as well as overage goaltender Kevin Druce, who is currently on the trade block.
The veteran goaltender was the odd man out when the Greyhounds acquired overage forward, and local product, Blair Jarrett, from Mississauga in mid-August.
The other two overage spots the Greyhounds have are currently being held by forward Reg Thomas, acquired from Sarnia last season in the deal that brought in Chapman and sent Colt King and Matt Manias to Sarnia, as well as defenceman Brad Staubitz.
Among the newcomers to camp will be 2004 first round pick Ryan McInerney, who spent last season with the Milton Ice Hawks of the Provincial Jr. A league.
Goaltender Kyle Gajewski will be another name that fans will be keeping an eye on as the young goaltender is expected to be this year's backup as Jakub Cech, who spent much of last season backing up Druce, will take over the starter's role this season.
Gajewski has received some favourable reviews from scouts and has impressed many with his athleticism.
Training camp will also feature nine invites including a number of local players who have been brought in to camp. Among the local invites are goaltenders Mike Maulucci and Dan McWhinney, as well as defenceman Tyler Lannigan, who also attended last year's camp.
Two local forwards have also been invited to camp as Mike McMillan and Mark Thorburn will also take part.
Camp officially opens on Wednesday morning as players will complete registration and participate in fitness training exercises.
On-ice workouts begin on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. as Team Red and Team White square off while Team Red and Team Black will face-off at 4:30.
On Friday morning, Team White and Team Black will scrimmage at 9 a.m. while at 3:30 p.m. the 1987 and 1988 birthdates will compete in a rookie game. On Saturday, Team Red and Team White will compete in the only scrimmage of the day at 3 p.m.
Sunday night will be the annual Red-White Intra Squad game beginning at 7 p.m.
The Hounds open their exhibition schedule at home on September 10 when the Sudbury Wolves are in town.
The Hounds open up the regular season at home on September 24 when the Erie Otters make their lone appearance of the season at Memorial Gardens in a 7:30 p.m. start time.
*** SEASON TICKETS:
Soo Greyhounds season ticket holders are reminded that their tickets will be available for pick-up at Memorial Gardens beginning Thursday, September 2nd during regular business hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The box office will also be open for season ticket pick up Saturday September 4th and Sunday September 5th from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
*** TRAINING CAMP ROSTERS:
The following are the rosters that will be used for the scrimmages taking place during camp:
V = Veteran D = Draft and year of selection I = Invite L = Local player
TEAM RED
1. Jakub Cech - V 30. Louie George - D-03
2. Martin Tuma - V 3. David Jarram - V 4. Tyler McKinley - D-03 5. Felice Turano - I 6. Ryan Ramage - D-04 7. Jason Pitton - V 8. Jeff Carter - V 9. Blair Jarrett - V (L) 10. Sean Smith - D-03 11. Ryan Oliver - D-04 12. Aaron Lewicki - V 13. Brandon Coccimiglio - D-03 14. Neil Ruffini - D-04 15. Jeff Manryk - D-04 16. Jonathan Bacon - D-04
Coach: Garrett Littlejohn (Chatham Jr. B)
TEAM WHITE:
30. Kyle Gajewski - D-03 33. Tyler Gordon - I
2. Jordan Smith - V (L) 3. Brad Good - V 5. Tyler Cuthbert - D-03 6. Dan McIntyre - I 7. Andrew Campbell - D-04 8. Matt Kristufek - I 9. Reg Thomas - V 11. Tyler Kennedy - V (L) 12. Jeff Larsh - V 14. Jake Lalonde - D-04 15. Brandon McLean - D-03 16. Brent Connoly - V 17. Patrick Tiesling - D-04 18. Adam Kneale - D-03 19. Sean Bassingthwaite - D-03 20. Mark Thorburn - I (L)
Coach: Zoltan Kovacs (Soo Thunderbirds)
TEAM BLACK:
1. Matt Hache - D-04 30. Michael Maulucci - I (L) 33. Dan McWhinney - I (L)
2. Brad Staubitz - V 3. Joshua Day - D-04 4. Darren Miller - D-04 5. Tyler Lannigan - I (L) 6. Mike Looby - V 7. Andrew Desjardins - V 8. Chris Lawrence - V 9. Jacob King - V (L) 10. Matt Puntureri - V 11. Ryan McInerney - D-04 12. Matt Leszczynski - V 13. Kyle Verbeek - D-04 14. Kraig Wright - D-04 15. Jeff Hogan - D-04 16. Mike McMillan - I (L)
Coach: Mike Flammia (St. Mary's College high school)