While summer may be in full swing, the Powassan Voodoos are already thinking of next year.
The Junior “A” club hosted over 60 players this past weekend at Pete Palangio Arena in North Bay to gauge the talent level that will be available to them before main camp opens in just over a month.
“A bunch of guys were trying out for the team and some of them will be on the team,” said incoming assistant coach Vitali Yachmenev. “It’s good for them and good for us to see what shape they are in and what they have to work on. It’s early, first week of July, almost two months from training camp starting.
“It’s nice to see everybody on the ice and everyone working hard.”
The players were split into four teams, with team green being mostly comprised of Voodoos vets who plan on returning to the club, while the white team was made up of a lot of players that will likely make up the U18 Trappers.
“We have a great mix of out of town and local talent on the ice,” said Voodoos GM Chris Dawson. “Coach Peter Goulet and our hockey operations staff have done a great job recruiting this offseason.
Dawson also believes having the returning players on the ice helps to get a sense of where everyone is at.
“We like having our returners out to gauge the level of talent and there many pleasant surprises.”
While some players may know their chance at making Powassan might be long, a good showing at this camp could be the difference between becoming an affiliate player and seeing some games in the NOJHL or not. Some former players who were affiliate who went on to successful careers in Powassan and beyond include Colton Point, Connor Punnett, Justin Brazeau, Alex Little, Cameron Lemcke, and many more, so the eyes are certainly on the players to perform, even if July is usually reserved for golf courses and bonfires.
“We’re looking at how they skate on the ice, their effort, if they’re having fun playing which is the most important thing,” explained Yachmenev. “If they want to learn or not to, the youth on the ice and the work ethic.”
Other players getting their first looks in the program were Owen Kahl and Adam McKillop. Both were recently acquired in trades, with Kahl coming from the Elliot Lake Vikings and McKillop coming from the Caledon Admirals in the OJHL.
Kahl impressed with some highlight plays with team green, and is looking forward to the season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Powassan and I have heard nothing but great things about the organization,” he said when acquired in late June. “Playing last year in Elliot Lake and having that experience, I am looking forward to using it here in Powassan.”
For McKillop, he was pleased with the level of competition.
“It’s a lot different coming from a different league, but it’s a lot quicker,” McKillop told the Frontline. “I love showing up to the rink in a hoodie, shorts and flip flops, but it’s nothing like winter.
“I’m not here to score, but if I do, I do. I’m a big hitter, love to block shots and play the penalty kill.”
Overall, the team was happy with the competition and look forward to main camp.
“They still have to work on things, but most important is their work ethic and how they play as a team and have success,” Yachmenev stated.
The players will now get a chance to go back to summer but will reconvene for main camp, which starts with a golf tournament on August 22.
