Hockey is back in Kamloops and here is your full recap of training camp.
Before we discuss any players or games, it’s worth mentioning that the Sandman Centre is sporting a different look this season, courtesy of a million-dollar upgrade to the boards and glass. The new-look brings Kamloops in line with a mandate set by the Canadian Hockey League to promote player safety.
With the new boards and glass installed, the 87 players attending camp used the four-day stretch to (figuratively and literally) make their mark on the Sandman Centre.
Here are the overall standings with the rosters attached:
1st place: Team Holland
2nd place: Team Domenichelli
3rd place: Team Huska
4th place: Team Baumgartner
For boxscores, here are the recaps from each day, Thursday to Sunday:
https://blazerhockey.com/article/day-1-training-camp-summary
https://blazerhockey.com/article/day-2-training-camp-summary
https://blazerhockey.com/article/training-camp-day-3-summary-2
https://blazerhockey.com/article/team-holland-wins-blazers-cup-5-4-in-ot
Players who made their mark at camp:
1999s:
Four 20-year olds were listed on the training camp roster: Kobe Mohr, Zane Franklin, Alec Zawatsky and Jackson Caller. Caller was unable to suit up for Team Baumgartner, and while Kobe Mohr skated with Team Domenichelli, he is reportedly dealing with a lower-body injury. Franklin looks poised for another strong season in Kamloops after leading the team in points last year, and while he came close, the Marwayne native did not fight any cousins in camp.
2000s:
While not a very large group, the Blazers have a strong group of 19-year-olds returning this season and Montana Onyebuchi leads the way. After the first two days of training camp, Onyebuchi’s goal for the season was simple: “I want to have a leadership role, be a steady defenseman, be a top-two guy, someone you can rely on.” After being passed in the 2018 and 2019 drafts, Onyebuchi was invited to the Calgary Flames development camp this summer. “It was seven days long. I went home, trained really hard, worked on the stuff they told me to work on and came to Calgary and felt pretty good out there.” Onyebuchi’s work in the offseason transferred to the ice where he stirred the drink for Team Domenichelli.
2001s:
Similar to the 00 age group, the 01s had a small contingent with just four players at camp. Quinn Schmiemann stabilized the blueline on Team Baumgartner, while Kyrell Sopotyk stood out for Team Huska on the left-wing. Inaki (In-ee-ah-NACK-ee) Baragano, a right-handed defenseman from Switzerland displayed his skill on the championship-winning backhand for Team Holland on Sunday. Similar to Schmiemann, Baragano has the combination of size, vision, and patience to step right into the WHL.
2002s:
Dylan Garand and Josh Pillar are the only two returning players from this age group and a few more are chomping at the bit. Ethan Brandwood and Trevor Thruston are both fighting for a spot on the blue-line and each one has made their case. 17-year-old Daylan Kuefler may have been the surprise of the camp after lighting the lamp nine times, including tying up the championship game with 4.7 seconds left in regulation time. “I just came into camp and I want to do everything I can to make this team so I’m just working as hard as I can.” Asked about his experience with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in 2016-2017, Kuefler raved about his time with the Doan family: “I learned a lot living with Shane, learning about what it takes to be a pro and the commitment. . .” If training camp is any indication, Shane Doan’s determination may very well have rubbed off on Kuefler.
2003s:
There is a lot to like from this group. Andy Vlaha, listed by the Blazers in 2018, stood tall and gave Team Holland a chance in the first half of the championship game. While nothing is set in stone, Logan Bairos is either knocking on the door or pounding on it depending on who you speak to. The second-round pick from 2018 has the skating, vision, and drive to make an impact at the next level. At forward, 2018 third-rounder Caeden Bankier was a standout on Team Baumgartner. Bankier’s nose for the net earned him a spot on the top line with Josh Pillar and Brodi Stuart, who dominated puck possession together. Last but not least, Logan Stankoven. Let’s just say the new glass and boards have been broken in.
2004s:
Rated as one of the best skaters in the entire 04 draft, Mats Lindgren’s skill was on full display. The seventh-overall selection was paired with veteran Montana Onyebuchi for Team Domenichelli in all situations and looked more comfortable with each shift. Connor Levis, Tye Spencer, Fraser Minten, and Cameron Johnson all looked solid for their respective teams, and Dylan Ernst was a rock in goal for Team Domenichelli.
What’s on tap:
Preseason begins on Saturday, August 31st when the Victoria Royals come to town. You can find the rest of the full seven-game schedule running from August 31st – September 14th at https://blazerhockey.com/
