The Black Team featured returning players Jesse Nixon and Justin Gill, along with newcomer from the Campbell River Storm, Braydon Horcoff. Horcoff put up a point-per-game last season in Campbell River, potting five goals while adding twenty-two assists in twenty-seven games after coming over from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. Horcoff is a shifty two-way forward that isn't particularily physical, but uses his great stick checking to strip his opponents of the puck, it also helps he's got great footspeed, a nifty pair of hands, great top end speed and an accurate shot. Making their mark for the black team was Jordan Martin. The '96 born player has a great offensive touch, potting a collection of goals throughout the day. Martin is exceptional at finding open space in the offensive zone and also features a great shot. Horcoff and Martin were two standout players for their team, but there was a handful of other players on the squad that made a positive impact on the organization on day one.
The Gold Team featured a lot of young talent that made a splash on day one. Most notably, Jacob Malloch was a beast on day one. He's built like a brick house, throws big hits and has an incredible shot. Malloch scored a handful of pretty goals, most of which were lazers from outside the slot. It's not like Malloch is slow either, he's a freight train once he gets his feet going as well. A pleasant surprise for the Gold Team was Kyle Bell, a built defenceman who had great reaction time, an active stick and threw his weight around effectively throughout the day. It also helped that returning players Brett Lervold and Spencer Preece lit the lamp on a few occasions throughout the night to lead Gold to an undefeated record for the day.
The Blue Team had some issues with chemistry and puck movement early, but the group seemed to get better as the day went on. Kyle Richter, Cory Hatcher and Clay Carson headline the team as the Wolves' returning players, but the team got lots of production from newcomers as well. Kyle Mace made good impressions for the squad, he's got a good work ethic, hard on the forecheck and the puck carrier. Mace also keeps his feet moving, possesses a very hard shot, although not the most accurate. Good frame, good build. Team Blue seemed to just get the ball rolling at the end of the day, and will look to keep the momentum building heading into Saturday.
Lastly, the Grey team contained the most returning players of the four teams, as they fielded all three of Kayle Ramsay, Connor Krupa and Clay Carson throughout the day. However, it was a young gun that stole the show on day one for the Grey Team. '99 born Ben Berard was dynamite for the team throughout the day, as he has exceptional skating along with a sleek pair of hands and a great shot. Berard lit the lamp on the first day, and at just 15, his potential is sky high. Nick Polomark was another bright spot for the Grey squad, the forward was the captain of the provincial championship winning Midget Tier 1 team last year, and he showed his all-around game in the first day. Polomark has size, great hockey IQ, nifty hands and moves very well for a big body. Polomark and Berard combined for the majority of the Grey Team's scoring throughout the first day, and they'll look to continue to produce on Day 2.
The opening day for the Westshore Wolves' summer camp was a major success; a lot of young talent displayed some serious skills and the returning players looked in tip-top shape. A lot of the younger players still have a lot to prove moving on forward, but many of them have taken the right steps thus far heading into Saturday.
No comments:
Post a Comment