For the first time since March, there’s WHL Kamloops Blazers hockey at the Sandman Centre tonight.
The Vancouver Giants come in as the Blazers open up a five-game exhibition season which includes three home games.
With still about 40 players around the team, the hockey club is looking to use tonight’s game against the Giants as a catalyst for more roster decisions. The battle tonight appears to be based around the 19 year-old forward group. Returnees Conner Radke, Max Sullivan and Josh Kelly are being pushed by newcomer invites like Cooper Moore, Josh Evaschesen and WHL free-agent invites Escalus Burlock and Nishaan Parmar.
Still, expect some debuts by some highly regarded 15 year-olds. 2010-born 1st round pick F Teagen Bouchard is expected to play.
“It would be super exciting. Just remembering that first day getting drafted and hearing my name called. It’ll be a surreal moment. I’m pretty pumped,” gushed the young Bouchard out of Fahler, AB.
2nd round selection Brady Ondrus from this past May’s draft will likely suit up. The forward from Sherwood Park, AB will become a 2nd generation WHL player with his dad Ben Ondrus playing his WHL hockey in Swift Current, SK with the Broncos before a lengthy pro career.
“It’s a bit nerve wracking but more exciting than anything,” said Ondrus on the potential of playing.
“I would just want to show (the Blazers) that I’m a competitive player and want to win every game.”
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Giants have some interesting bloodlines as they come in tonight. Cole Bieksa – the 18 year-old son of former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa could play tonight. Cole is on a tryout after previously signing with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express.
Also, new Vancouver Giants GM Hnat Domenichelli is now at the helm. The former Blazers’ son Leonardo is a 19 year-old forward trying to crack the Giants roster.
Face-off is at 7pm. There will be no radio broadcast of tonight’s game on Radio NL. You can follow Jon Keen along on X for game updates @JonKeenNLSports.
