Storm Training Camp - Day 1 Notes

Training camp kicked off this morning with fitness testing, and then a team bonding exercise (in the rain) at Saskatoon Lake.  Some observations.....

All the veterans have come to camp in great shape and ready to go.  In particular, defenceman Caylen Walls (Lyalta, AB) has put on about 15-20 pounds of muscle over the summer.  He was a physical force last season as a rookie.  Imagine what he will be like this year.  However, looked like he might have injured his back during testing this morning.  We'll have to see how that affects him when on-ice sessions start tomorrow.

Third year vet Darren Kramer (Peace River, AB) was here for physical testing, but told me he has not yet decided if he will be on the ice here tomorrow, or in Edmonton when the WHL's Oil Kings open up their training camp.  Kramer was a 10th round pick of the Oil Kings in the 2009 WHL Draft.  Personally, I think he will be here.  Darren has the chance to be a big part of this team this year, both offensively and as a leader on this club.  Do you risk that for what would like be a 4th line position (if even that) in the WHL? 

Fellow veteran Tyson Ness (Grande Prairie) is not here this weekend, as he is attending Red Deer Rebels WHL camp.  Meanwhile, fellow vet Josh Juell (Bonanza, AB), is also not on the ice this weekend.  He had more surgical work on his shoulders over the summer, and is expected to be off the ice until October or November at the earliest.  Here's to a speedy recovery, Josh.

A total of 40 players will be in camp, including 7 goaltenders.  Could be interesting to see how they work that during the scrimmages on Friday and Saturday night. 

Saw defenceman Ben Woodley for the first time today.  Simply put, he is BIG!  (6 foot 7 big to be exact!)