Ice camp free-flowing

by Mike Wallin
October 8, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)

The Indianapolis Ice training camp is underway and after two days, things look bright for Ken McRaes club. A total of 22 skaters and four netminders took to the ice for an hour of drills followed by a free-flowing 90-minute scrimmage.

During Tuesday's scrimmage the "Black" team trounced the "White" squad by a 5-1 score. Bernie John, Greg Olsen, Justin Kearns, Lee Jenke and Robert Stefan netted "Black" goals while Randy Holmes tallied for the "White."

Five veteran players, John, Aikia, Holmes, Kevin St. Jacques and Andrew Taylor know that they will be counted on to lead the Ice when the season begins October 18th. Twenty-one other players are looking at this camp to earn a roster spot or move up on Coach Ken McRae's depth chart.

"You recruit all summer, but until you actually see the guys on the ice you don't know what you have," said McRae.

Skaters who made a fine impression during the first day of scrimmages include forwards Greg Olsen, Justin Kearns, Lee Jenke and Robert Stefan. Defenseman Milan Sejna also exceled during the scrimmage.

Olsen, a fourth year winger toiled for the Elmira Jackals of the UHL the past two seasons. During the 2000-2001 campaign the 5-11, 185 pound forward lit the lamp 32 times. Last year, Olsen added 46 points, (20G-26A) and 187 penalty minutes.

"I definitely want to increase my numbers from what I put up last year in Elmira," said Olsen. "I need to remain physical, that's my game. I feel that here in Indy I'll be given more of an opportunity to contribute offensively."

Kearns skated in 22 games for the Ice last year and contributed just 6 points. After being released by Indianapolis, he landed in the ECHL and played well as he recorded 21 points, (7G, 14A) in 25 games for the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Jenke and Stefan are two rookies who are looking to make the team. Last year, Jenke led Milwaukee School of Engineering with 29 points. Stefan, a 20 year old center, played last season in Czech Republic and is the brother of Atlanta Thraser Patrik Stefan.

Milan Sejna played 61 games for three different UHL teams last sesaon and at 6-1, 200 pounds looked solid on the Ice blueline.

Practice and scrimmages continue all week begining at 10:00am at the Pepsi Coliseum. The Ice will play two pre-season games against Memphis this weekend. The RiverKings visit the Pepsi Coliseum Friday at 7:00pm and will host the Ice Saturday night at the DeSoto Coliseum.

Central Hockey League Stories from October 8, 2002

• Ice camp free-flowing - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Buzzards Add Dynamic Center to Roster - El Paso Buzzards
• Grenville Named Player/Assistant Coach - Laredo Bucks
• Training Camp Changes - San Angelo Saints
• Bats Affiliate with Dallas Stars - Austin Ice Bats
• An Original Returns, as Binns Is Back In Lubbock - Lubbock Cotton Kings

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