While the start of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season remains an unknown, the local Yorkton Terriers are at camp this weekend, albeit with smaller numbers than usual.
Terrier head coach and general manager Mat Hehr said the camp, which officially started today, and will run through the weekend, has 38 in camp.
鈥淲e can only have a maximum of 30 on the ice at one time,鈥� he added, so the smaller number works well. 鈥淲e鈥檝e split the 38 into three small teams.鈥�
With fewer players, and more ice time, coaches will be able to evaluate each hopeful more closely.
鈥淭hey鈥檒l definitely be tired after the games this weekend,鈥� said Hehr, but adding 鈥渢hey鈥檒l definitely have the opportunity to showcase what they have.鈥�
The most interesting decisions may be on the blueline with two veterans opting not to return. Callum MacDonald has decided to stay in British Columbia and Jordan Mis will be pursuing further education, said Hehr, leaving only seven defencemen in camp. He added that is a position he is likely to be looking to add to moving forward.
In goal, the Terriers look set.
Philippe Bond returns as an expected number one, although Jacob Herman out of Swift Current should push as the number two.
鈥淏oth are really good,鈥� offered Hehr.
Local netminder Kael DePape will get a look, but is signed to play AAA Midget in Moose Jaw this season.
鈥滺e should be in a Terrier uniform next year,鈥� said Hehr.
Up front the Terriers should be led by a veteran set of twins; Keenan and Kaeden Taphorn.
Hehr said they鈥檝e taken charge of the team in the lead-up to this weekend鈥檚 camp and appear 鈥渞eady to pick up right where they left off last year.鈥�
They are expected to be reunited with Steven Norum to create the team鈥檚 top line.
Hehr also expects big things from 16-year-old Vaughn Watterodt who had a cup of coffee with the Terriers in the spring appearing in four playoff games. The Terrier coach said a lot of people are going to be surprised by how good the young forward is.
Once camp wraps up Sunday, Hehr said they鈥檒l prepare as best they can without preseason games yet on the schedule.
鈥淲e鈥檒l just continue business as usual with practices and a lot of teaching,鈥� said Hehr, adding they鈥檒l mix in some intersquad games 鈥渢o keep in game mode.鈥�
As for the outlook for the Terriers, Hehr is optimistic.
鈥淚 think realistically we have a team to make another run this season ... The ultimate goal is to win a championship,鈥� he said.
As to when the league might start, Hehr said that is in the hands of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association. He said the Terriers, along with all other SJ teams have 鈥渟ubmitted a return to play document鈥� detailing their plans for player and crowd safety based on their own rink designs.
Hehr added they are also expecting a video meeting to discuss plans further with provincial authorities.
