Training Camp

 

Another training camp has come and gone in Fort McMurray. There was a bit of a different feel to camp this year. Maybe some of that is from everything that happened during the off-season, maybe some of it was with there being so many returning players this year. That said, camp was competitive with guys fighting for spots, in some cases literally. Lots of local kids participated in the camp, which is a major plus for the community. And of course it all wrapped up with the annual Blue and Gold Game and the first presentation of the newly created Dave Britt Cup. So let's dive into a few notes from Fort McMurray's training camp.

Houston, We Have A Goalie!

One of the biggest question marks from the off-season was who would play goal for the Oil Barons. The MOB were blessed with having Vincent Filion last year. The Shawinigan, Quebec product almost was the sole reason the Oil Barons made the postseason en route to a league MVP nomination. With him graduating, and the decision to release 20-year-old Gavin Melcher, the Oil Barons were in the market for a new goalie. They got one via trade with the Devon Xtreme. Logan Cunningham is experienced at many levels of junior hockey. He's played in the WHL with Victoria, Edmonton and Saskatoon, was on a decent team in the SJHL with Battlefords (where he only lost three games in the regular season), before spending last year with Devon and Vernon (two teams at the bottom of their respective leagues). Can the Sherwood Park native be the answer in net? Heck, yes! Cunningham showcased a calm in goal that is usually only obtained by experience and seeing it all. He has the capability to make the eye popping, highlight reel save. The biggest question may be if he can do it consistently. If so, Cunningham could be that piece that puts the Oil Barons from the playoff team category into the contender category. What is intriguing is the battle for the back-up spot. Right now, you would think Sergio Davidson has the inside track. But what if Portland keeps him? Even if he came back, did Oliver Bryks do enough to put his name in the ring for the back-up role? Daniel Marsden had an excellent camp, but is he ready for the jump or would another season of high level U18 hockey be beneficial? There is tons of intrigue in the decision for a back-up goalie.

The Heat Of The Battle

It really should be no surprise, but that Blue and Gold Game was intense! What may have been surprising is the fact that it was the veterans who were getting a little cranky. Time and time again we saw the vets butt heads which eventually led to a fight between Spencer Kunz and Willem Terwoord. That said, the battles weren't just contained to the returning players. Aedan McCarry was getting under the skin of the opposition. Noah Kelly showed sandpaper in his game. While the prospects looked to prove that they deserve to play Junior A hockey. At the end of the day, the nastiness made for a very competitive camp, one that fans thoroughly enjoyed.

What About The Rookies?

One player that really stood out was local kid Jaggar John. This guy may be a little on the small side, but his skill is off the charts. He will be wearing blue and gold this season. The only question is if it will be with an Oil Barons logo or a Saskatoon Blades one. He's that good as a 16 year old. I also loved the steadiness of Chase Campbell. He reminds me a bit of Calder Brooks, who played with the Calgary Hitmen around 2013. Will provide around 15 points but a steady center who is capable of dealing with the opposition's top players. Evan Benoit, Noah Kelly, Ben Morton and Ben Albers were other signed guys who caught my eye. The future looks bright for Fort McMurray. Other players who were notable, Carson Ralph and Aedan McCarry. Carson, the nephew of past captain Brandon Ralph, is a driven forward who plays a heavy game. Meanwhile, Aedan's older brother Nick played with the Oil Barons. McCarry has skill but also plays with some sandpaper to his game. While they may be a year away from Junior A hockey, both could be players to watch as future Oil Barons stars.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it's finally the start of a new season. My seventh in behind the mic. There is a different feel to this year's edition of the Oil Barons. One of intrigue, one that has the community in eager anticipation. So long as the hockey is fun to call, I won't complain! This season, the AJHL feels wide open as never before. I'll get one ring before the end of the year. Would love to potentially get a second, or even call hockey games into May. The preseason is next and it will be awesome to be back in the saddle.