Prince Albert Mintos feel confident heading into training camp

With most of the lineup already in place for the 2017-18 Prince Albert Mintos, competition will be tough at the team’s upcoming training camp.

Around 45 young hockey players from around the province will descend on the Art Hauser Centre this weekend with hopes of cracking the Mintos roster. That sum includes returning players from last year’s squad.

“We may only have one spot left up front, we’re not sure. We’re virtually full but time will tell, come later on in September, who does not come back to us from junior,” Mintos manager Don Fauchoux said.

“The kids that are coming here know our situation. They know it’s pretty tough for them to get a spot now but, in saying that, if we lose a player or two, this is where we’re going to find a player or two to fill those spots.”

The players will be taking part in two full days of on- and off-ice workouts. The candidates will be broken into three teams and while two teams are playing the remaining skaters will be working on strength, endurance and flexibility training.

Fauchoux said with so few roster spots available, many of the players will be auditioning for the future or a chance to serve as an affiliated player (A.P.).

“Lots of our kids that we have coming to camp here are very young. Some of them are still going to be bantam this year so we’re looking at maybe (filling) a spot that is available, we’re looking for next year, we’re looking for people who will choose to A.P. with us this year and will move on to with us next year,” he said.

“Most of these guys one day will hopefully be a Minto.”

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