WHL Saskatoon Blades

Training Camp Preview

Published on August 27, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Ahead of training camp, many story lines are beginning to appear as the team gets set to solidify their squad for the 2015-2016 season. Heading in to camp and the season, here are some key stories to keep your eye on.

Czech Please: Libor Hajek, the 2nd overall pick in the 2015 CHL Import Draft has been in Saskatoon for less than a week but already has coaching staff excited about his game. The native of Srcek, Czech Republic is projected to go in the 1st round of next year's NHL entry draft. He will be looked at to solidify the back end as a strong, physical dman while also contributing on the offensive side.

Goaltending Battle: Nik Amundrud and Brock Hamm have both cemented themselves as legitimate WHL starting goaltenders after last season. Main camp will be an exciting battle for the #1 job going into the season.

Fresh Faces: Many new players will attend camp for the first time this year including first round picks Jonny Tychonick and Chase Wouters. Getting their first taste of WHL hockey will be an experience for them. Saskatoon has not seen a 1st round talent like these two come into camp in many years.

Young Stars: Members of our 1999 draft class will make a push to make the team. There is a good possibility we could have an entire line of 16 y/o which would include Josh Paterson, Lukus MacKenzie, and Cameron Hausinger.

The Hauz: Cameron Hausinger, our 7th round pick from 2014 will be attending camp. If you can remember, he had a Gordie Howe hattrick in his first scrimmage last year. An Alaskan native, he spent last year playing in Maryland. He will be a fan favourite if he signs and makes the team.

Young D: Nolan Reid and Schael Higson were paired together for the majority of last season, rare for two 16 year olds. They accumulated more minutes than most 17 y/o d-men in the league. Going into their draft years, it will be exciting to see how their game develops over the course of the season.

Jake Kustra will also be vying for a spot in the opening night lineup. The 16 y/o joined the Blades for 7 games last year, and after a successful Canada Winter Games, and Team Canada U17 camp, look for him to make a case for himself.

Local Power: Cameron Hebig and Wyatt Sloboshan will be our top two centres heading into camp. Both natives of Saskatoon, and coming off successful years, we expect them to take their games to the next level and be leaders on our team.

Sophomore Success?: Luke Gingras, Nikita Soshnin, Mason McCarty, along with aforementioned Reid and Higson will be looking to improve on their rookie season in the WHL. A feeling out process in 14-15 could lead to big success in 15-16.

20 Year Old Returns: Connor Gay returns to his hometown to play for his childhood team. Gay split time between Regina and Red Deer last year, providing point a game offence. A top 6 forward, Gay will be counted on to lead the charge on offence.

It is sure to be an exciting camp as many positions will be battled for amongst a plethora of young talent. Skating sessions begin Friday morning at 8:00am. All camp events will take place at SaskTel Centre.

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Western Hockey League Stories from August 27, 2015


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