Bobcats Final Try-out Camp This Weekend
July 31, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
With the summer's end fast approaching and the beginning of fall right around the corner, it means only one thing; hockey season. The Bismarck Bobcats have had their gears turning all summer with tryout camps and they will be having their fourth and final camp this weekend in Bismarck.
Over the course of the summer the Bobcats have held three open tryout camps from which they have invited players back to Bismarck for the main camp which is this weekend, August 3-5, at the VFW Sports Center. Eighty players, including veterans, tenders, draft picks and invited players from the three prior tryouts will be entertaining head coach Dane Litke and the Bobcats scouting staff for the twenty-nine roster spots.
When asked which players impressed Litke the most from the three previous tryout camps, Litke responded, "From the Colorado camp - Mike Greene (F), Keith Smith (F), Dylan Woodring (G) and Drew Allen (F). From the Minneapolis camp - Trenton Kreuger (F), Landon Snider (G), Sam Foley (G) and Ryan Faragher (G). "These players all had great camps and could possibly make our team," stated Litke.
Litke is looking for the veteran leaders to step up and play well when it comes to the final tryout camp. Returning to camp from last year's team are: Aaron Jakubic, Mark Merek, Ryan Kayfes, Alex Olson, Vince Unklesbay, Will Aide and Joel Whited. (Colin Hoey and Kyle Maggard are unable to make the camp due to conflicts). "I hope they are in good shape and are ready to go," Litke said of his veterans.
Coming into the final camp with eighty players, knowing you have to cut the group to twenty-nine isn't easy but Litke and his scouts will have to make some tough decisions. "We look for the best player, whether it is a vet or a first year guy. It is not easy; it's actually the toughest part of the job." Litke said.
The camp is open to the public with the first session starting Friday night from 7:45pm - 10:30pm, resuming Saturday from 10:00am-12:45pm and 4:00pm-6:45pm and concluding Sunday from 9:00am-11:45am. All sessions will be held in rink two at the VFW Sports Center. Also open to the public is a press conference scheduled for 3:00pm Saturday in rink two - during the press conference the Bobcats new assistant coach will be introduced and Bobcats Scout Nick Pollos and Head Coach Litke will be available for comments and questions on the camp and upcoming season.
Litke, the former captain of the 1997 NCAA National Champion UND Fighting Sioux, knows what it takes to win titles and thinks his 'Cats need to be better defensively and maintain a more consistent level of play to be a contender for the NAHL title. The Bobcats 10th anniversary season and the journey to the NAHL title begins this weekend in Bismarck.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2007
- Bobcats Final Try-out Camp This Weekend - Bismarck Bobcats
- Outlaws Add to Staff - North Iowa Outlaws
- North Stars training camp to culminate with roster, BBQ - Traverse City North Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
