The future of the Humboldt Broncos showcased their talents over the weekend as the Broncos hosted their annual spring camp.
The camp saw approximately 120 players broken up into seven different teams, with teams spending time on the ice scrimmaging and practicing.
Overall one of the biggest takeaway’s from the camp for Broncos head coach and general manager, Darcy Haugan, was the level of improvement of the players, saying the improvements for most of the players from the fall camp or from the last time they saw them play was very obvious.
“We were able to identify the players that we want to see in a Bronco jersey.”
A big area of focus for Haugan and the Broncos staff leading into the camp was the local flavour and Haugan says they did not disappoint.
“They really set the pace and set the tone and a lot of the area kids did very well.”
One of the biggest things Haugan noted in all the players at the camp was that they needed to improve their skating if they want to play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“The ability to play at a faster pace is so critical if you want to separate yourself from the group. Skating is so important… if they want to be an elite player they really have to become an elite skater.”
In addition to a number of junior aged players the camp also featured bantam aged players who are draft eligible either this season or next.
Haugan noted the Broncos were able to gather a lot of information about most of the players.
The most important piece of information Haugan and his staff was looking for was character, says Haugan.
“One way you get to see that character is you get to know these players but you get to learn how they handle adversity, how they handle disappointment and that’s so critical for anybody in life.”
Being resilient is the key to success, says Haugan and he wants to see that in his new players.
The camp wrapped up with a top 40 prospects game, with team green taking home the Elgar Petersen Cup after a 6-3 win.
The game featured a lot of physical play and some competitive edge, which was great to see, says Haugan.
“We saw what’s required and it’s nice to see and obviously I felt it was a better camp than what we had last spring so it’s encouraging.”
“It was a more intense camp, which is nice, which is promising so all-in-all it was good. We were very pleased.”
Looking back at the whole of camp Haugan was very pleased with how it went, saying they were able to identify some guys as possible Broncos.
“It really helps us map out the rest of our summer and our offseason as we move forward trying to build a championship hockey team.”
