ICE Training camp officially starts on Wednesday but the veterans will have a few on-ice sessions and their fitness testing over the next couple of days.
It’s going to be quite a battle in goaltending as the club has 3 netminders with WHL experience.
WHL Playoff MVP Nathan Lieuwen is 20-years-old and a draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres could keep him in their minor league system.
Lieuwen had hernia surgery after the playoffs and is now completely healthy.
18-year-old Brett Teskey played in 18 games last year and had 9 wins and 2 shutouts.
17-year-old Mackenzie Skapski played in 3 games last year and has shown he is ready to be in the WHL.
16-year-old Wyatt Hoflin was a 2nd round pick in 2010 and the club was really happy with his progress last season.
If Lieuwen returns it’s a battle to see who is the back-up.
If he doesn’t the ICE will have 2 goalies under the age of 19 and would be the youngest in the WHL.
The club has 5 returning defensemen as they lose Captain Brayden McNabb and the traded Hayden Rintoul.
20-year-old defenseman James Martin has been rewarded for a strong season with an invite to the Calgary Flames camp.
19-year-old Joey Leach, a Flames draft pick will have an expanded role this season.
19-year-old Luke Paulsen will be in his 3rd season with ICE.
19-year-old John Niebrandt played forward and defense last year.
18-year-old Jagger Dirk will be looked upon to help with some offence from the blueline.
3 prospects played for the club in call-ups last year including 17-year-old Mike Simpson who appeared in 4 games, 17-year-old Jeff Hubic played in 3 games and 16-year-old Tanner Faith suited up for 4 games.
Because of an injury 18-year-old Dylan Schellenberg didn’t attend last years camp but should get a long look this year.
Last year the ICE had 2 forward spots available, this year with the departures of Fraser, King, Boomer, Eakin and possibly Joe Antilla or Jesse Ismond to the overage situation, the club could have up to 5 new forwards.
The returnees include 19-year-olds Drew Czerwonka, Max Reinhart, Elgin Pearce, Brock Montgomery had hernia surgery and is out until October and the newly acquired Dylan McKinlay.
18-year-olds Brendan Hurley, Adam Rossignol and Eric Benoit will have a chance to play on the 2nd and 3rd lines.
16-year-old Sam Reinhart is a given to make the club.
Prospects that are expected to challenge for a spot include 17-year-olds Levi Cable who played in 4 games last year, Jared Iron, Kurt Johnas and 16-year-olds Jaedon Descheneau, Jonathan Martin and Luke Philp.