USHL Tri-City Storm

Storm Gearing for Main Camp, Selecting Roster

Published on June 15, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


LAS VEGAS - The Tri-City Storm begins its evaluation of talent Wednesday afternoon at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

That's when GM/Head Coach Drew Schoneck will host the team's main camp and evaluate returning players, draft picks and free agents trying to make the 2011-12 team.

"Obviously, when a team doesn't make the playoffs, we are deficient in certain areas," said Schoneck, who will enter his third season behind the Storm bench. "We are hoping that along with the returners and draft picks, we find a few free agents who will battle to make the roster during camp."

The Storm have six potential returning forwards, which includes centers Nick Lappin and Soren Jonzzon, LW Brad Schierhorn, and RW Andrew Dorantes. However, Lappin knows like everyone else that being a veteran does not give entitlement to making the roster.

"Everyone is trying out for the team, as far as I'm concerned," said Lappin, who looks to enter his third USHL season and second with the Storm. "There are no such things as guarantees in this league and returning players learn painful lessons when taking these (tryout) camps lightly."

Defensively, the Storm lost five of seven defensemen to college hockey and will have to fill those holes with draft picks and free agent pickups during camp. Schoneck, who has mixed feelings about rebuilding his backend, says that he hopes to find guys who are willing to work hard on defense.

"It's a good and bad thing when you lose a majority of your blueliners," said Schoneck. "It's great to see all of our guys get scholarships, but now we have to replenish those holes in defensive ranks, especially with early departures like Jason Binkley to Ferris State (University)."

The team could have 10 potential returning faces next season, which could be the most since Schoneck took over the hockey operations in April 2009. However, he was quick to echo what Lappin's thoughts were: that no one has a definite spot on the roster.

"Regardless of who you are, we are going to select the very best players from camp, who have skill and competiveness, to come into training camp in August."

Season tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Call the Storm hockey office today at 308.338.8011 for more information or visit www.stormhockey.com.

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