The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins coaching staff had their hands full evaluating roughly 75 players during their annual spring prospect camp on May 1 to 3.
Five teams played four scrimmage games to show off skills for the Bruins' coaching staff.
Bruins GM and coach Chris Lewgood said the number of athletes at the camp was slightly more than they expected but was in the range of the number that usually attends the camp.
Overall, Lewgood was pleased with the outcome of the three days.
“It went well, we were happy with the turnout, as far as numbers, and pleased with the level of play as well,” he said.
The camp is meant to evaluate the club’s protected list of players, and Lewgood was impressed with the talent on the ice. And there were some players that “made some noise and looked real good,” Lewgood said.
“We really liked Zach Goberis out of Colorado, players like Nolan Gallagher out of British Columbia, Jake Fletcher out of British Columbia, those are all good players that showed up and did exactly what we expected them to,” Lewgood said.
Along with the numerous prospects at the camp, there were several returning players who participated in the activities.
“You can tell the veterans were out there, they all played well and led by example,” Lewgood said.
He also mentioned not all the veterans were at the camp, but the ones who did attend gave the coaching staff a gauge to judge the young players, so they can have an idea of what they want to do with the team going into fall camp and next season.
Some of the players who attended spring camp will be invited for further evaluation in the fall.
“There’ll be a select group of players, most of our list players and then some of the non-list players, will come back at fall camp for a chance to make the team,” he said.
The Bruins hope next season is the turning point for the club, with the organization hosting the Western Canada Cup and the spring camp, along with the fall camp, is an important stepping stone toward further success.
