Encouraging outlook for Kings

Times Reporter   

 

Wheatland Kings head coach Jeremy Blumes is impressed by what he has seen so far from training camp and believes that the team is taking steps in the right direction to having a successful season.

“I sent a text to all the players saying give me a call I want to talk about expectations so that you understand what we want from you because no two players are the same guys,” said Blumes. “I had a quick five minute conversation with each of the guys that are attending our camp with where we see them fitting, what kind of player they’re going to be and what role they are going to fulfill.”

Now that the conditioning and training camps have been completed, and with a couple of exhibition games under their belts, players have more of a competitive edge and are vying for a roster spot. 

Blumes has seen some promising young prospects come in willing to do whatever it takes to make the team.

“There are definitely some good young prospects coming in and to say that there is dramatic improvements between now and then would be an overstatement, but we’re certainly pleased and excited of what we see so far,” said Blumes.

The vision for the hockey club is to come to the rink with a positive attitude with a goal in mind of winning a championship.

“Nobody comes to the rink expecting to finish second, and developing players. I feel like if we’re developing players and pushing them in the right direction and the by-product will be a championship,” said Blumes.

A part of team success is having hometown boys on the team and creating role models for the community.

Blumes had nothing but praise for the local talent that is coming in.

“I think Blake Bishop who is going to step into a leadership role is a humble, hardworking, character player that most of the fans are going to be able to identify with,” said Blumes. “Chris Williams and Lucas Jones are dynamic offensive players in their own right.

“Cody Willis, rookie coming into our line up, has speed skill and tenacity and I think there will be some surprises.”

As a part of the community, the team had a lot of interest from local players wanting to come out and participate in skates, shinny and the conditioning camp. Blumes believes that is a way of building team values and momentum.

The player rosters are not set until the January deadline.

“A junior roster is not set until Jan. 10 so we can add and delete players up until that point,” he said. “Ideally around Sept. 19 when the season begins we will start with a 22 man roster and the only reason we are losing players is because of higher levels.”

The roster needs some work but when the season begins on Sept. 19 look for an exciting, up-tempo brand of hockey. 

In exhibition play this past weekend, the Kings won 5-4 in an overtime thriller versus Three Hills (Sept. 6) and then dropped a 4-1 decision to High River the next night. The regular season starts with an away game in Medicine Hat against the Cubs and the home opener will be on Sept. 27 vs Stettler at 8 p.m.