TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW
By: Kristi Hennessy
hitmenhockey.com
It’s that time of year again for the Western Hockey League and the Calgary Hitmen. The Hitmen are just days away from opening their 2010 Training Camp that starts on Wednesday, September 1st at Don Hartman North East Sportsplex (5206-68th Street NE).
The six day camp begins with rookie player registration and fitness testing. Over 80 prospects are expected to attend with sessions to also include practices and intra-squad games.
you with audio interviews, videos, photos and stories to keep you in the loop of who’s coming and going with your Calgary Hitmen.
Young guns:
Chase Clayton – F: Calgary’s first round selection (22nd overall) in the 2009 Bantam Draft. Clayton attended his first Hitmen training camp last year as a 15 year old. The Abbotsford, BC native played the 2009-10 season with the Fraser Valley Bruins of the B.C. Major Midget League. Last year Clayton checked in at five-foot-10, 147-pounds and had high hopes for himself to be bigger and stronger come 2010 training camp. The Fraser Valley Bruins now have him listed as five-foot-11, 160-pounds. He recorded 11 goals and 26 points in 32 games.
“I want to elevate the speed of my game,” he told the Calgary Sun last August. “When I come here next year to make this team, I want to step in and be an impact player. I don’t want to be a sideline player. Hopefully, it works out. I’ll be working really hard this year to make it to this level and be ready for it.”
Robert Trzonkowski – F: This 16-year-old from Calgary, Alberta was an eighth round pick (155th overall) in the 2009 Bantam Draft. Although he was further down the list of Bantam selections, scouts say that Trzonkowski has potential to play in the WHL this season. Listed as six-foot-two and 187-pounds, this forward could be one to watch amongst the rookies. Trzonkowski played the 2009-10 season with the Calgary Buffaloes of the AMHL and recorded 12 points and 60 penalty minutes in 35 games.
Who to watch?
Kyle Schmidt – D: Kyle Schmidt was selected in the third round (55th overall) in the 2008 Bantam Draft right behind current Hitmen defensemen Peter Kosterman. Schmidt came to the 2009 Hitmen training camp and impressed down the stretch however he was one of the last cuts made from the final roster. The 17-year-old from Waldheim, Saskatchewan went to play Saskatchewan Midget “AAA” with the Beardy’s Blackhawks. The 6’0″ 196lbs. defenseman, had 37 points (10g 27a) in 44 games last season. Coaching staff and management will keep tabs on Schmidt in hopes that he has developed into the player they are anticipating.
Alexander Roach – D: Alexander Roach was the Hitmen’s 11th round bantam pick, (224th overall) in the 2008 Bantam draft. Roach attended training camp last season as a 16-year-old and was definitely noticed by coaching staff and management. He was one of the last to be cut from the main roster. Since then, Roach now sits at 215-pounds and hopes that his size will be the push he needs to get a spot with the Hitmen. The Quesnel, BC native played last season with the Cariboo Cougars of the Major Midget League and picked up 21 points (6g, 15a) and 68 penalty minutes in 40 games.
Trevor Cheek – F: Trevor Cheek of Camas, Washington, has spent the past two winters in Phoenix, playing for the P.F. Chang’s-sponsored youth hockey program. Hitmen general manager Kelly Kisio, spotted Cheek at a tournament last fall and soon placed Cheek on the Hitmen’s protected list. Kisio said he liked Cheek’s overall game and versatility. “He can play center or wing. He plays the point on the power play. He’s a very good skater for his size, and he can shoot it a ton,” Kisio said. The decision where to play next season wasn’t easy. It took Cheek nearly a month to finally sign the contract to come to Calgary. By signing with the Hitmen, Cheek gave up his NCAA eligibility however he can still play college hockey in Canada. Cheek who is entering his 18-year-old hockey season, is a player who is expected to make a splash this upcoming 2010 camp.
John Lawrence – F: John Lawrence played 19 games with the Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and was called up for 18 games with the Hitmen last season. The 1992-born Newdale, Manitoba native is listed at six-foot-three, 182-pounds and will be under the scope come training camp. He is expected to come to camp bigger, stronger and faster than what he showed last season if he hopes to secure a full-time roster spot this season.
Brendan Santini – F: Santini played with the Calgary Northstars Midget AAA fought through some injury trouble but should be close to being able to play. He scored 15 goals and nine assists in 29 games played with the Northstars. Hitmen scouts have recognized the talent in Santini and will be looking to rate his progress at this year’s camp.
