The 麻豆社国产Wolfpack kicked off their 2010-11 season with two days of practices on Monday (Aug. 23) and Tuesday (Aug. 24), followed by an intra-squad game on Wednesday (Aug. 25).
Around 40 fans watched the intra-squad game when the 29 players divided into two teams, with one side wearing dark jerseys and the other wearing orange.
It was a fast-paced affair, more intense than the previous scrimmages, with a number of bone-crushing hits as players went all out trying to secure a spot with the team.
In the end, the team in dark jerseys emerged with a victorious 6-4 after a last second empty net goal.
Head coach Matt Samson said the coaching staff evaluated players Monday (Aug. 23) and Tuesday (Aug. 24) to make sure the teams were even for the intra-squad game.
Samson said the first three days of camp helped set the tone for what he hopes will be a successful season.
"We wanted guys to up their competition level and I think we saw that so far, especially in the intra-squad game," he said.
Burnaby native Victor Denis, who attended tryouts at Brennan Park on Monday, described the drills in the morning and afternoon scrimmage as intense.
"I felt really good out there, tired but good," he said. "It was a pretty good skate in the morning, and it's always nice to have some fun with a scrimmage in the afternoon."
Defenceman, 16-year-old Valik Chichkin, was tentative over the practice experience upon leaving.
"I'm feeling OK. Earlier on we were working on a lot of twos on ones and a number of other drills, but the scrimmage at the end is fun."
Samson said a number of players have impressed him thus far. Kalen Marsolias from Peace River showed up the day before camp and Samson said he's made an impact.
"He's got a lot of energy and he's a really scrappy player out there," he said.
Samson also mentioned Krisshan Singh, Matt Bonnen and 麻豆社国产born goalie Johan Peterson as other players who caught his eye.
But not everyone can make the team. Five cuts were made following the game and with Junior A cutting their rosters, Samson said there will be a lot of shuffling of players to come.
The Wolfpack take on the Grandview Steelers in back-to-back games Saturday (Aug. 28) at the North Shore Winter Club and Sunday (Aug. 29) at the Burnaby Winter Club.
For more information, visit www.squamishwolfpack.com.
