Bisons open rookie camp

 

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

Seventy-three hopefuls were looking to impress, as the UFA Bisons held their rookie tryout camp Sept. 4-5 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

The coaching staff put the 15 and 16 year-old players trough various drills and scrimmages in their first chance to evaluate the talent for the 2010-11 season.

“In every group, there are guys that just stand out,” said Bisons head coach Parry Shockey. “We’ve seen guys that have great skills, but some of the drills, they don’t quite understand – so they need some work. So that’s the other reason we keep them around (for the main camp) and see what their comprehension is.”

After putting the teens through the paces, the local triple-A midget team evaluated the players to see who would make the invite to the main camp, which started Sept. 7 and will run through the week.

“I like the talent – (we) have a good talent base and this is just the rookie camp,” said the coach. “There are lots of guys coming to the (main) camp, so everything is good there. I think the kids have to get used to the coach a bit – I don’t think a lot of the guys have seen a (coach) as quite as animated as I am. They seem to be okay with it so far.”

According to Shockey, there is enough talent to build the type of team and system to be successful.

“There is no question we have the (players),” he said. “If we spend two weeks (to practice with them), you’ll think you’ve gone to a new world because all of the sudden pieces of the puzzle will start to fit together.”

The Bisons will play their Red & White game on Sept. 12 (2 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre, before hosting their annual pre-season tournament Sept. 16-19.