The Battlefords AAA Stars spring evaluation camp took place this weekend, with players from around the province bidding for an opportunity to play for the prestigious franchise.
Seventy players from Saskatchewan made their way over to the Don Ross Centre to scrimmage in front of coaches, scouts and general managers. Skaters came as far north as La Ronge, from Estevan and Weyburn in the south. Also, a large number that were in attendance came from both the Battlefords and zone seven.
The camp was invitational, so the coaches had already been able to narrow down some of the talent.
High octane, competitive scrimmages were played throughout the weekend as the participants were divided into four teams. Players held nothing back. Tremendous physicality was evident throughout the weekend as skaters looked to impress the coaches surrounding the rink.
“By this time of year, every player should arrive in peak physical condition,” Manager Shawn Robinson said of why they include scrimmages instead of drills. “We want to see them in a game situation, with a slightly higher tempo than they’re used to.”
As far as what the coaching staff is looking for, Robinson says it’s not just the talent level they are interested in.
“The coaching staff are looking for the best players on the ice at their position, but personality will definitely come into the equation,” Robinson continues, “You want to be sure you have good team chemistry. It doesn’t matter to us whether they’re a first year or a third year Midget [player]. There is no building for the future philosophy. The elite players usually won’t be with us for a full three years.”
Once the team is selected, there will be several offseason workouts followed by four to six exhibition games in early September.
When talking about expectations, Robinson isn’t shy to point out where he wants the team to be at the end of the upcoming year.
“Our expectation every year is to qualify for the Macs International Tournament in Calgary over the Christmas holidays,” Robinson said.
There were 18 1999 aged skaters in attendance, 19 2000 born players, 33 players born in the year of 2001 and two who were born in 2002.
The AAA Stars look to build on an excellent season where they finished in eighth place with a record of 20-20-0-4.
The 2015-16 season awards banquet also took place over the weekend. Here is the full list of award winners.
MVP: Owen Lamb
Top Scorer: Owen Lamb
Plus/Minus Award: Owen Lamb
Coaches Award: Keelan Saworski
Rookie of the Year: Lance Alm and Luke Reid
Bruce Yockey Award for top Defenceman: Dawson Bacon
Most Underrated: Tyson Meyers
Most Improved Player: Jordan Mish
Brian Wallin Memorial Award for Most Dedicated Player: Keegan McBride
Alan Welykochy Memorial Achievement Award for in Recognition of Hockey, Education and Citizenship: Donavon Beatty
