Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

IceCaps planning very small training camp

WINNIPEG — It will not be business as usual in the coming days for the St. John’s IceCaps.

The AHL team will open its training camp next Thursday in the Newfoundland and Labrador capital, then take its camp show on the road for three days into the central part of the province.

Related Items

But unlike other years, including when they were in Winnipeg as the Manitoba Moose, the IceCaps are planning to hold a very small training camp this fall.

IceCaps GM Craig Heisinger said that the camp roster will be a maximum of 34 players. Some years, the Moose exceeded 50 skaters, as a normal course of action for the AHL team was to bring in a number of future or possible depth players to get a more solid evaluation of those players, most of whom were unlikely to be staying around to start the season.

Depth is an important element of any AHL team’s operation, given the never-ending state of recalls to NHL teams and injuries on both levels.

The small size of camp in St. John’s this fall is based on the reality that NHL tryouts and possibilities are not in the cards for any IceCaps players this fall.

The NHL is in lockout mode with no end in sight, at least today, for the dispute between the league and the NHL Players Association.

"We’ve been planning it this way based on what might happen (with a lockout)," Heisinger said. "We’re basically bringing our team and guys we’d consider our depth players. This year, there just won’t be guys just to have a look at, which we usually do."

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca

 

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Andrew Ladd on the Jets' lack of a playoff season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Goslings with some size head for cover Wednesday afternoon on Commerce Drive in Tuxedo Business Park - See Bryksa 30 Goose Challenge- Day 12- May 16, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • Young goslings jostle for position to take a drink from a puddle in Brookside Cemetery Thursday morning- Day 23– June 14, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Do you agree with the coming ban on sales of cigarettes at health-care facilities and pharmacies, including large retail outlets?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google