'Training camp was just the beginning' - Bighorns coach
August 24, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
Helena Bighorns' coach Brent Agrusa recently spoke about his team's upcoming campaign.
"We just wrapped up our training camp last Monday and are healthy marching into pre-season.
"We had 102 players at camp, as we combined our camp with our Junior B team and we came out of it in good shape. We have narrowed our roster down to 27 players and will carry these guys into pre-season, allowing the extra players to earn their way onto the squad.
"There were relatively few surprises at camp, but a few notables stood out. Our tenders and draft picks looked solid and left our staff feeling like all the hard work we did over the summer has paid off. Of course, we really won't know for sure until the regular season gets going, but the fitness and work ethic of the guys is high.
"We put the guys through a variety of games, wrapping up with the skills contest on Friday and Blue White Game on Saturday. It was a good test for our veterans, who have some good young players nipping at their heels for playing time.
"The free agents attending the camp were also exposed to our program and we actually had six guys leave camp after the first two days. Several of the players who didn't end up making it up to this point were given the option to play Junior for the Cutthroats this season and Cutthroats head coach Blaine Boyle has received 22 commitments for his team to date.
"Moving forward, we have begun preparations for our pre-season schedule which kicked off with a game between our Junior Affiliate in Puget Sound and a Bighorn team comprised of 100 percent rookies. The Rookies faired OK as we played a veteran Tomahawk team to a 3-3 tie. The Tommies had seven 20 year olds so it gave our young guys a good taste of playing against older players.
"We now have a couple of weeks to prepare for a weekend series in Utah against Weber State University, before seeing our first NAHL competition when the Bozeman Icedogs come to town on Sept. 11th.
"We have worked very hard to put together a team that will make Helena proud. Our guys are committed to give nothing less than 100 percent effort every night and I want to personally invite you down to check out the team and let us know how your summer went. We hope to see you there."
North American Hockey League Stories from August 24, 2004
- Phantoms open training camp - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Eleven states represented on US National Team Development Program - U.S. National Team
- IceDiggers release 2004-05 schedule - Alpena IceDiggers
- Tornado open training camp - Texas Tornado
- Jr. Blues hit the ice, prepare for exhibition games - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Indians celebrate 10th Anniversary Alumni Game - Soo Indians
- Eleven vets return to Blizzard for year two - Alexandria Blizzard
- 'Training camp was just the beginning' - Bighorns coach - Helena Bighorns
- Barons announce 2004-05 season dates, prepare for training camp - Cleveland Barons
- Marshals ride into new season - Central Texas Marshals
- Bobcats look to defend back-to-back titles - Bismarck Bobcats
- NAHL schedule set for 29th season - NAHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
