The Yorkton Terriers may be readying to attend the Western Canada Cup next week, but this past weekend they paused to look toward seasons ahead hosting their spring identification camp.
Terrier head coach Trent Cassan said about 70-players took part in the three-day camp, the youngest born in 1998, and the oldest 1995, or players graduating midget.
Cassan said it was a big camp for those leaving midget, as this fall junior is the natural progression for their hockey.
"At that age, 1995s, they need to stand out," said the Terrier coach, noting they are the oldest players at the camp. " For them to make the team in the fall, the '94s and '95s have to stand out."
Cassan said some older players did just that, adding "some didn't so much Some showed well and if they have an interest to play here next year they will get that opportunity."
While the Terriers are still playing, and Cassan said that makes looking ahead seem somehow premature, the team will graduate five forwards and two defencemen.
While not naming names, Cassan said he saw talent on the weekend which appeared poised to fill holes.
"It was encouraging in that regard. We had some good forwards at camp who showed well," he said.
That said Cassan said he doesn't make many promises in June, noting he likes competition at the fall camp with guys earning a spot on the roster, as Patrick Martens did last fall, and Jeremy Johnson before that.
"They came to camp and earned their spots," he said.
The younger players are looking to be signed to a player card, with Hockey Canada player cards for next season arriving in June.
In the 15-16 age group, Cassan said he liked what he saw.
"Bantams teams around the area had good seasons," he said.
Cassan said the player list is something where a team must have balance. He said you don't want "14 players of one age and only one of another," adding that can get a team into trouble.
"You try and have that right number of each age category."
