Phantoms Open Try-Out Camps Have Produced Surprising Results
February 20, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio (Wednesday, February 20, 2008) - Do you think you have what it takes to play Junior A Hockey? Now, you'll have the chance to prove it, as the Mahoning Valley Phantoms prepare to host two open try-out camps, and look to fill roster spots for the 2008-2009 season.
"We have increased our scouting, and see that there is a lot of young talent out there that is trying to make it to the Junior A level," says Curtis Carr, the Phantoms' assistant coach and director of player personnel.
"Last year was probably our best open camp to date," Carr continued. "We had four or five guys on our team this year that were originally identified through our scouts, that made it all the way through the open camp process."
Veterans Johnny Meo and Denny Kramarz, and rookies Brian McGinty and Nick Kenney, are great examples of the current Phantoms that made it all the way through the open camps, through the main camp, and onto the Phantoms' roster.
The Phantoms are only allowed eight tenders and very few draft picks, so the coaching staff has identified a bunch of kids that receive invites to the open camp as well.
"It gives kids the opportunity not only to get looked at by us on a closer scale, but our veteran players have to attend the open camps, and are required to re-make the team - so it allows everyone to compete against kids that have already played at that level," says Carr on the benefits of attending.
"Additionally, it provides exposure to other programs. We have guys from other lower-level Junior teams that come to our camps and assist in the evaluation. Also, a lot of (NCAA D-I) guys will come to the camps to take a look at a couple kids, and that obviously opens up some doors for everyone else as well."
The first camp will be held May 15-18 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Mich. The Phantoms are also holding an open camp from May 29-June 1 at the Ice Zone in Boardman. The cost is $250, and the camps are open to invites and anyone that thinks they have what it takes to play for the Phantoms.
From there, a select group of players will be asked to attend the Phantoms main camp in July at the Ice Zone in Boardman.
"Our goal is to find the right 20 kids to make the best possible team," Carr says.
For more information on the tryouts or to sign-up, visit www.mvpphantoms.com, or contact Curtis Carr by phone at (330) 965-7500, or email to ccarr@fireworks.com.
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