The Kamloops Blazers are set to close down this year’s training camp this Labour Day Monday off a long weekend of scrimmages at the Sandman Centre.

A pair of morning sessions see the 15/16 year old game get underway at 8am, followed by another contest for the 17-to-20-year-olds at 9:45am.

Saturday saw veteran Blazer defenseman Ryan Michael captain Team Garand to a scrimmage tournament victory.

They defeated Team Minten 6-3 in the Championship game.

“It’s about showing the way and doing the right things for the young guys,” said Michael after taking turns hoisting the Alumni Cup with his teammates.

Michael has been through six training camps over the years and says he’s come to realize how valuable they can be for the younger players, noting the experience can be daunting for young players trying to battle both older players on the ice who are further along in their career development — as well as their own internal nervousness.

“It can be a tough situation for these 15-and 16-year-olds coming in,” noted Michael.  ” If I can help make them feel more comfortable being here…then I’m doing my job.”

One player who has shown no signs of anxiety is newly signed American prospect JP Hurlbert, who has provided an obvious spark on offense during the scrimmages.

He poured in six goals during the sessions.

But almost equally as important, Hurlbert seemed to be developing some chemistry with veteran linemates Tommy Lafreniere and Ty Bonkowski.

American import JP Hurlbert attempts “The Michigan” during a scrimmage at the Sandman Centre as Blazers veterans, including Jordan Keller and others, look on from behind the glass/via Brian Johnson[/caption]

Blazers management to narrow focus ahead of pre-season action

While the Blazers remain with over 80 skaters on this last day of Camp, it is expected the team will be shaving that that down significantly after today’s sessions are complete.

Expectations are the Blazers will carry around 40 players into a slightly expanded pre-season schedule this year, which has one additional game compared to previous years.

The Blazers’ management team is said to be hoping to get some game action looks at some of their 19-year-old invited listed players, including forwards Josh Evaschesen and Cooper Moore, as well as WHL veterans Escalus Burlock and Nishaan Parmar.

Nineteen-year-old defenseman Carter Matthews is also hoping to make the best of his invitation to camp with a roster spot.

Training camp this year has taken on a somewhat different dynamic due to the changes in NCAA eligibility rules.

With no fear of closing the door on college by suiting up for a CHL team anymore, younger prospects can now play in exhibition games without being signed first.

It should allow for the younger crop of players to gain valuable experience in a real-world situation in the WHL, while also giving the Blazers management team a chance to see how the younger players handle themselves in that higher-pressure situation without having to first commit to them on paper before they could see game action.

This is the key reason why the Blazers and other teams across the league committed to playing an extra game in the pre-season this year.

“Who makes the final roster is up to the coaching staff, but we feel we are closer to making some decisions after three days of camp,” said Director of Player Personnel Aaron Keller.

“I’ve really liked our young guys,” continued Keller.

“Our 2010’s and 2009 born players are getting to see what it’s like playing with older players and many have showed they have a future with our hockey team.”

The Blazers will open up the pre-season schedule Wednesday night at home against the Vancouver Giants.

Face-off at 7pm from the Sandman Centre.

More training camp write ups are available here through the Blazers website.