The 2015/2016 season officially begins today as just under 40 players hit the ice at the Hap Parker Arena for 2015 Main Camp. The camp orientation last night at the Hap outlined the instructions for camp, which were simple: work hard, show you want to be here, and you’ll be rewarded. There was also a word of warning to players feeling comfortable…that this is a team that will take the best 22 into the season, not the 22 that might be signed or might have been here last year.
Two ice sessions are going this morning, followed by game 1 of a 3-game series between Green and White starts tonight at 7:00pm at the Hap Parker Arena (entrance by donation). The full schedule is available here. As part of camp, we’ll be releasing daily interviews with players as they look to make the 22-man squad that will suit up against the Clippers on September 12th. Today, a pair of returnees who are looking to take the next step in their Junior careers.
First, Nick Halagian. Nick joined the club in December of 2014 from Major Junior in Ontario and Quebec and immediately made an impact on and off the ice. I spoke with Nick about the move last season, his adjustment to Powell River, his off-season training and what he’s looking for this season.
Next, defenceman Colton Sandberg. Coming off a rookie campaign where he developed and got better with each passing game, the big blueliner is looking for more minutes and more responsibility this year. He speaks on what he did in the off-season and how he’s approaching camp one year older and one year more experienced. He also touches on “that goal” and if it could lead to more offense this season.
There will be no broadcast of the scrimmage, but I’ll be live-tweeting the game here. You can click that link and follow along, regardless of whether or not you have a Twitter account. I’ll also have a video recap of the contest after as well.
