Saskatoon Blades hit the ice for training camp

Familiar sights and sounds are back at the SaskTel Centre as the Saskatoon Blades take to the ice for training camp.

On Sunday, more than 70 teenagers from across the prairies filed into Elite PROformance Sport Centre for the first day of fitness testing.

Head coach Mitch Love enters his second year on the job after a successful season saw the Blades finish fourth overall in the regular-season standings before falling to the powerhouse Prince Albert Raiders in the second round of the WHL playoffs.

For Love, very little has changed for the start of his second training camp.

“It’s that time of year when everyone is tied for first place,” Love said. “The training camp process is interesting because I don’t get a chance to watch a lot of our young prospects during the winter, so it’s an opportunity for me to get to know them and their families.”

After landing 20-year-old Scott Walford in a trade earlier this month, expectations are on the rise in Saskatoon.

Even with an impressive roster at his disposal, Love’s focus for the first few weeks of the season is on the young players looking to make the roster.

“I don’t put a tonne of stock into the training camp. I think for veteran players that are going through their third, fourth or fifth camps, it gets a little monotonous,” Love said.

Love said his favourite part of training camp is after the first week, when the group of 72 invitees is whittled down to 33 players. That’s when his staff can start shaping game plans and work closely with players.

Among the sea of peach fuzz teenagers signing into camp was captain Chase Wouters greeting his potential new teammates. Wouters can still vividly remember his first day of Blades training camp five years ago.

“It was pretty eye-opening to see everything and how everything was ran the next level, so (I) just try to make these guys feel comfortable as much as I can,” Wouters said.

Love thinks that leadership is invaluable for the youngsters who are being challenged in different ways than they’re used to.

“It’s a nerve-racking experience for these young men. This is the first time in their career where maybe they’re not the best player on the team,” Love said. “I think it’s really important for our veteran players to help them along with that process.”

The work towards another playoff berth begins with the annual inter-squad Kirkness Cup that divides the 72 players into four teams for a two-day tournament that will begin cutdowns.

With added expectations on his team for the new season, Love is tempering expectations. Instead, he’s eyeing the larger picture.

“Last year, we came here, we talked about a process about making the playoffs. How that looked was a day-to-day grind for our group. It’s nothing different this year,” Love said.

“Every team is looking to win a championship when they start their seasons, but it’s a lot of work, so we haven’t accomplished anything. Last time I checked, the Ed Chynoweth Cup wasn’t here in May.”

One glaring omission for the training camp rosters is Kirby Dach. The third overall selection in June’s NHL entry draft will attend training camp with the Chicago Blackhawks.

All staff and personnel involved with the Blades would selfishly love him back on the team this season, but wish him all the best as he attempts to stay in the NHL ranks.

“It’s what junior hockey is all about. You’re here to develop these young men in life and in hockey,” Love said.