Kamloops iced a noticeably young roster in 2018-2019. The Blazers had six rookies on full-time duty — seven if you include Logan Stankoven’s 14 combined games as a 15-year-old. All signs are pointing toward another young group this upcoming season, but a strong contingent of returnees means heavy competition for only a few available spots. Here is a list of players we expect to make some noise in training camp:
GOALTENDING
Rayce Ramsay
If there is one player that we can essentially lock into a roster spot this fall, it’s Ramsay. The Saskatoon native was listed by the Blazers in 2016 and spent this past season with the Humboldt Broncos. The 18-year-old posted a 16-7-1-1 record with a tidy .923 SAV% and 2.73 GAA. With Dylan Ferguson’s graduation from the WHL now official, this is Ramsay’s opportunity to stick at the next level.
DEFENSE
Ethan Brandwood
The Victoria native served as captain for the South Island Royals in the BC Major Midget League and led his team in points by defensemen in 2018-2019. Brandwood will be looking to use his four games of WHL experience last season as an edge heading into training camp.
Trevor Thurston
Thurston is another defenseman from the 2017 draft who will be looking for a spot with the Blazers. Aside from his lone appearance with Kamloops in January, Thurston was busy putting up over a point per game with the Delta Hockey Academy. Both Thurston and Brandwood will be strong contenders for a spot on the bottom pairing this fall.
Inaki Baragano
Like most other import selections, the jury is still out. Exactly where Baragano slides into the roster will be determined in the fall, but his right shot could be a big boost to a powerplay that struggled last season. Until then, being the youngest member added to Switzerland’s U20 roster is a promising sign.
FORWARD
Reese Belton
The 2017 selection finished 4th in points in the Manitoba Midget ‘AAA’ Hockey League last season with the Winnipeg Wild. Belton’s combination of size and goal-scoring could make him a serviceable player up and down the Blazers lineup.
Riley Ginnell
Like Belton, Ginnell may have an advantage with his size in a relatively small group of forwards. Head coach Shaun Clouston will prioritize speed and skill above all else, but Ginnell should be a noticeable player at camp this fall.
Daylan Kuefler
Kuefler was a late-round pick in 2017 after suiting up for the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in Arizona. The Stettler, Alta., native then returned to his home province where he led the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs in even-strength goals last season. Kuefler would be one of the youngest players on the Blazers roster, but his talent may be too difficult to ignore.
Caeden Bankier
Bankier is one of the few 2003-born players who could seriously push for a spot. The 3rd round selection in 2018 led his Burnaby Winter Club team in goals and points this past season. If the Blazers are comfortable with another 16-year-old joining Logan Stankoven on the roster, Bankier will plead his case.
*Note: Blazers training camp runs from August 21-25 at the Sandman Centre. The first preseason game takes place on August 31 against the visiting Victoria Royals.
