Kings to host annual spring camp
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings are soon to be hosting their annual spring camp, both for the betterment of their existing roster, and to scout potential new players for the upcoming fall season.
This year, the camp will be taking place May 3-4. Cody Holdaway, general manager for the Kings explained the camp is able to be hosted earlier than normal this year because they are hosting it at the Strathmore Family Centre.
“We pushed it ahead into early May just strictly for the fact that we are able to host it at home this year instead of going out to Chestermere before they take out the ice in Strathmore,” he said. “We are looking for any 2005 to 2009 born players who think they might want to play for us or think they have a shot on making our team. It is a great way to get identified by our coaches and scouting staff.”
Holdaway explained the camp is open to anyone who wishes to register; however, they are looking for “top tier” talent who may become a valuable asset once the new season kicks off.
The camp will consist largely of scrimmages and drills between participating players. Scouts for the Kings will be present and watching in order to begin the process of building the roster they would like to see ready for the fall.
Having placed second overall in the Southern Division this past season, the hope is to attract as much new, young talent as possible and build a team ready to go for the championship.
“I think I dubbed this season the ‘foundation season.’ This year was really a new era for Wheatland Kings hockey and next year it is time to turn the page, and Chapter 2 is only going to get better,” said Holdaway. “Generally, we are looking for about 50 or 60 kids, (which) is what we usually have coming out. Unfortunately, we have no goalie spots remaining, but we are still looking for a couple more forwards, some defense, and just some kids who think they have what it takes to be a King.”
The camp may be considered a tryout of sorts for coaches and scouts to identify players to invite back to the main camp, which will be hosted shortly prior to the start of the regular season in order to determine the final roster.
Several players are graduating out of eligibility to play in the Heritage Junior Hockey League, having aged out. These include Tegan Skehar, Kobe Gosling and Lachlan Stewart.
Some alumni occasionally come out to assist with drills and to be bodies on the ice, also serving as examples to rookie and returning players alike.