Tuesday, April 9, 2013 – After losing out in first-round of the Alberta Junior Hockey playoffs in early March, Canmore Eagle hockey coaches Andrew Milne and Jeremy Reich will be on the lookout for some additional talent as they get set to host their annual “Spring Camp” this weekend at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
In comparison to their last-place finish during the 2011-12 season, the Eagles made several positive strides during the 2012-13 campaign as they picked up six more wins, 15 additional points, and moved up to a fifth-place finish in the AJHL Southern Division standings. With the improved performance on the ice, home attendance at the rink was also up by 25% for the year.
“We need to keep the positive momentum going forward”, said the ever enthusiastic Milne, who will be specifically looking for a younger netminder to back-up starter Cameron Barnes, a couple of big defenceman to replace graduating D-men Alex Barnes and Ciaron Driscoll, and some additional fire-power and physical size up front. “We have a strong group of returning players for next season, but none of them should be taking their spots for granted. We didn’t win a playoff game, so we still need to improve in all areas of the game. Both Jeremy and I will have our eyes wide open throughout the weekend camp. We will be looking for players who demonstrate to us that they really want the opportunity to play Junior A hockey in Canmore. We have several open spots available, so we hope it will be a very competitive camp. “
Spectators and fans are welcome to attend all the sessions of the Spring Camp. Admission is free. The players will divided into eight teams with Exhibition Games slated for the following times:
Friday, April 12
Team 1 vs Team 2 – 2- 3:45 pm
Team 3 vs Team 4 – 4-5:45 pm
Team 5 vs Team 6 – 6:45-8:30 pm
Team 7 vs Team 8 – 8:45 – 10:30 pm
Saturday, April 13
Team 1 vs Team 8 – 4-5:20 pm
Team 2 vs Team 7 – 5:20 – 6:40 pm
Team 3 vs Team 6 – 7 – 8:20 pm
Team 4 vs Team 5 – 8:20 – 9:40 pm
Sunday, April 14
Team 1 vs Team 7 – 9 – 10:15 am
Team 2 vs Team 8 – 11am – 12:15pm
Team 3 vs Team 5 – 1-2:15 pm
Team 4 vs Team 6 – 3-4:15 pm
NOTEBOOK: Luke Simpson, the Eagle’s leading scorer form last year with 26 goals, has been selected to play at this year’s Chowder Cup in Boston, Mass. in early May. “The Chowder Cup is a great opportunity for Luke to showcase his talents in front of many US College scouts,” said Milne. “There will be lots of exceptional talent on the ice and we wish Luke the best of luck at this competition. He should be a great experience for him.” . . . The 3rd Annual Canmore Eagle’s Poker Tournament is scheduled for Saturday April 20 at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. For further information and registration, please contact Ken Pauls JR at Kenny@can-bow.com.