Ty Bonkowski celebrates after a Blazers goal in a victory over the Calgary Hitmen in Kamloops/via Brian Johnson (CHL.ca)
As the Kamloops Blazers prepare to enter their pre-season with training camp underway later on this week, one of the stories worth watching this upcoming season will be the coming-of-age progression of forward Ty Bonkowski.
The 18 year-old from Richmond spent most of his summer rehabbing a leg fracture sustained in the second-to-last game of the regular season in March.
He missed the 1st round series with Kelowna but says he’s back to 100%
“It was a tough start [to the off-season],” conceded Bonkowski following his arrival in Kamloops ahead of training camp. “It’s a slow recovery until you’re cleared to walk.”
Ty Bonkowski works out as part of his rehab work for a broken leg/via Ty Bonkowski
Not deterred by the thought of a lengthy recovery, Bonkowski suggests he just put his head down and got to work.
“After that point it just flies and gets better everyday,” he said, adding that he’s been skating ahead of training camp, and says he’s been cleared for contact as well. “I’m just super-excited to get going.”
Bonkowski is entering his 3rd full-season with the Blazers after appearing in two games as a 15 year-old.
He put up 40 points last season in 64 games.
Bonkowski has added more weight on to his frame — working out the rest of his body while going through the rehab on his leg.
Coming in as a recognized name on a team which is losing a lot of its recognizable talent from last year to the U.S. college system and beyond, Bonkowski says he realized while rehabbing that his role with the Blazers would likely be changing this season.
“Over that time [recovering] I worked on my mental game a lot,” said Bonkowski.
“Coming back this year I want to be more of a leader,” said the 18-year old with an air of confidence. “I think we have a great group here.”
Ty Bonkowski, native of Richmond, BC, is preparing for his 3rd full season with the Kamloops Blazers/via Kamloops Blazers
Known in the locker room as “Bonk,” the 18-year old holds no illusions about the players and the goal scorers the Blazers lost in the off-season.
Among them was his ‘billet brother,’ 97-point scorer JP Hurlbert, who is set to ply his trade in the NCAA this coming season for Michigan State.
“100 percent [Blazers lost key players] but I think there’s a positive to that too,” argued Bonkowski. “Guys get to step up and take bigger roles.”
“I’m pumped for that, and excited to see what we can do,” he added.
The Blazers open training camp registration Thursday evening with about 85 participants.
Those players will be divided into four teams and scrimmage throughout the weekend and into Monday.
A camp schedule can be found at blazerhockey.com
