Prospect Camp: Alberta Duo Looking To Impress
A lot of the focus at the Moose Jaw Warriors Prospects Camp this weekend will be on the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft class, as it should, with many in the organization getting their first looks at those players.
While draftees are getting their first taste of Western Hockey League action, there’s a group of older players coming into this camp looking to make an early impression on the coaching staff and front office as they compete for roster spots next season.
This weekend’s camp features 17 players that are eligible to play in the WHL next season, including three players heading into their 17-year-old years.
Defenceman Logan Hermus is looking to make that jump into the WHL next season after having a great year with the Red Deer Chiefs, winning the 2013 TELUS Cup Midget AAA National Championship.
“I need to show that I’m ready to step up into the squad next year, that’s my goal, but I also need to set an example for the younger kids coming up and show them how to be a class one citizen and what it takes to be a Warrior,” said Hermus after the Team White practice on Friday out in Caronport.
“The expectations are so high to play in this league and for this organization, you’ve got to work so hard, so, so hard to be a Warrior. I’m still learning how hard I have to work and hopefully I can find that level and show that to everybody,” added Hermus.
He posted one goal and five points over 32 games this season with Red Deer, but to Hermus there’s only one stat that matters and that’s wins, and the Chiefs did plenty of that this year. He’s hoping to carry that over to the Warriors next season.
“I’m a team first guy for sure and wins are the only stat I care about,” said Hermus. “I work to get pucks out and create an environment for others to excel and do the best they can. I’m not looking for the glory, winning’s what’s important to me and that’s what I’m about.”
That style of play will definitely go over well with the Warriors coaching staff and front office, who are looking to fill some holes on the backend.
Ethan Lazaro is hoping to crack the Warriors roster this year as a 16-year-old after being selected in the seventh round, 150th overall, in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft. The speedy forward had a good opening day at the Prospects Camp and says he’s much more comfortable coming in this year with one camp under his belt.
“Last year was a little bit nerve racking, I didn’t know anyone coming in, but I made friends quickly and it’s good to see all the boys again this year,” said Lazaro after Friday’s skate at the Barkman Arena.
As he looks to impress the coaching staff at this year’s camp to have a head start going to Training Camp in the fall, Lazaro says he feels the need to perform more at the camp than last year as a 15-year-old fresh off being drafted, “Last year was kind of more fun, no pressure, you’re not trying to make the team, while this year, it’s a lot more serious, if there’s a spot available you want to take it and show what you can do.
“If I can show them I can skate, they’re definitely going to look for me and it will be a big advantage if I can keep up with the boys.”
Lazaro had a strong season with St Albert in the Alberta Major Midget Hockey League as he posted 18 goals and 46 points in 32 games to go along with 50 penalty minutes. That skill was on display during the opening practice.
“I feel I need to show the coaches that I can skate, I can play physical, I can take hits and make plays all at a good speed, so I feel like need to do this here if I want to make an impression on them early,” said Lazaro. “This camp gives you an idea of what they’re looking for in Main Camp too, so it’s good to come here and see what’s going on.”
The players will have two ice times on Saturday, they’ll scrimmage at 10:00am and 3:00pm out in Caronport at the Barkman Arena. All on-ice sessions are open to the public.
