Boyer Opens up Manatees First Training Camp
October 30, 2003 - World Hockey Association-2 (WHA2)
Miami Manatees News Release
Head Coach Zac Boyer opened up the Manatees training camp in preparation for the upcoming inaugural season in the WHA2, and he was satisfied with the results after the first day.
"I think the tempo of the practices have been great. The speed of the players brought in were awesome considering the ice conditions. I am really happy with some of the college kids that came down, and it was pleasant to see the players I recruited come in and show what they are made of." Boyer said.
"I think there are a definitely few kids that I have been surprised by. Josh Liebenow has great speed, Eric Perricone has great speed and I am glad I was able to get him in here. I was also surprised with Oak Hewer's size and his ability to move out there. He looks like he can be a great power forward out there. "
On-ice sessions start at ten in the morning, with a second session taking place later in the afternoon. The on-ice sessions are usually followed by intense three-on-three scrimmages, designed to highlight individual skills and get the player's competitive juices flowing as they fight for roster spots.
"You can tell Zac is already very serious about this upcoming season. Not too many guys came in out of shape, but this camp was kind of a wake up call because Zac started out pretty intense." Goaltender Mark Scally said.
As training camp continues, Boyer feels confident that there are players who, in making enough noise to get noticed, might make a case for pushing out players that Boyer had in mind for certain positions.
"There are jobs to be had, that is for sure. From the goaltending on out, jobs can be lost and won over the next few days." Boyer said.
With more than 25 players in camp, the competition for one of the 16 open spots will get more intense as the days pass. Scally took notice that there were four goaltenders competing for two spots.
"It only makes you better. You try not to think about the situation you are in and who is placed where. All I think about is the competition to make myself better." Scally said.
Training camp will continue at the Miami Arena, and all sessions are open to the public. It is recommended to call the Manatees to ensure there are no changes to the schedule. The times for training camp on-ice sessions are listed on miamimanatees.com
The Manatees will host the Lakeland Loggerheads in a pre-season game at Kendall Ice Arena on November 1st at 7:05. Admission is $5. Kendall Ice Arena is located at 10355 Hammocks Blvd, Miami Florida, 33196. Their telephone number is 305-386-8288.
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World Hockey Association-2 Stories from October 30, 2003
- Boyer Opens up Manatees First Training Camp - Miami Manatees
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