Kings embrace camp

Times Reporter 

 

The Wheatland Kings hockey club was impressed with the turnout of players at the conditioning camp and eager to open main camp on Sept. 1.

“I think camp was a very big success because of the amount of kids that have turned out. We were looking at camp a couple of weeks ago and saying ‘are we going to be able to fill it?’,” said assistant coach Joel Robinson.

“It was really nice to see the camp filled.”

The players competed hard against one another and that is what caught the eye of the coaches.

“The competition level is exactly where we thought it would be and everything the kids said that they were going to do, they have been doing, so it has been really hard decision for us on who is coming to main camp,” said Robinson.

Local players have committed to the team and Robinson believes that is a strong starting point to building the team in Strathmore.

“I think that is one of the biggest things for us is building a team with the Strathmore presence in our line up which is big for our fans if we have the right number of locals in our line up and the right mix of guys,” said Robinson.

Robinson, who worked with Head Coach Jeremy Blumes with the Calgary Royals program, is very optimistic that it is an exciting time for Strathmore hockey fans.

“I am actually really excited to be a part of the program we are putting together.”

“I think that once we start regular season and exhibition games, a lot of other teams in the league are going to take a look at Strathmore as a team to be reckoned with,” said Robinson.

As a coach he is thrilled to the outcome of what this team is shaping out to look like.

“That is the biggest part is watching the team form and jelling. We are here for the kids and want to watch them purely develop,” said Robinson.

Camp attendee Curtis Robinson is already invited to main camp and thinks the conditioning camp is step in further development.

“You get a feel of who is out at your camp and start to know people and learn what the coaches want from you,” said Curtis.

Curtis has a familiarity with Blumes and his systems making it more comfortable for him going into main camp.

“It would be awesome to play here because the coaches run a good system and a good group of guys so far,” said Curtis.

Strathmore hockey fans, get ready to cheer on the hometown Wheatland Kings as action is fast approaching.